Bestselling Canadian romance author Shelley Kassian has captivated readers for over two decades with her timeless love stories, seamlessly blending romance and dark fantasy into a genre she affectionately terms ‘romantasy.’ Among her notable works is A Gentleman for Christmas, an Edwardian romance that became an Amazon bestseller in Canada.
An avid history enthusiast, Shelley’s wanderlust has taken her on adventures through secret gardens and medieval castles, with a particular fascination for the Tudor period. Critics have praised her prose as “near rhapsodic,” “pitch-perfect,” and “stylishly straightforward,” while readers celebrate her narrative for its “imaginative fantasy,” “fascinating characters,” and “refreshing romance.”
Shelley’s storytelling prowess is complemented by her professional screenwriting and editing certificates and her dedication to mentoring aspiring writers. She has held board positions in various writing associations, further showcasing her commitment to the literary community.
Based in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, Shelley cherishes time with her husband, adult children, and adored grand pups. When not at her seaside cottage, she’s immersed in crafting captivating stories that continue to enchant her loyal readers.
Education
Professional Editing Certification
Shelley earned a Professional Editing Certificate from Mount Royal University, achieving a B+ on her final Capstone editing project. She values education as a cornerstone of effective editing and has developed expertise in copyeditingwhile specializing in stylistic editing.
Her strength lies in stylistic editing, where she refines sentences with clarity, precision, and grace, ensuring that every document flows naturally and resonates with its intended audience.
Screenwriting Certification
Shelley earned a Screenwriting Certificate from George Brown College, completing a structured program that included four key courses: Screenwriting One, Screenwriting Two, Screenwriting Three, and Dialogue.
Professional Affiliations
Beyond her writing, Shelley has been an active leader in the romance writing community through various organizational roles.
- She is currently a Conference Committee Member for Romance Writers of America (RWA), contributing to the organization of one of the industry’s largest romance writing conferences.
- She previously served as a Board Member (Finance Portfolio) for When Words Collide (WWC), an annual festival for writers and readers.
- She also served as Past President, President, and Secretary for the Calgary Association of Romance Writers of America (CaRWA), supporting local romance authors and fostering professional development.