Bestselling author Shelley Kassian has captivated readers for over two decades with her timeless love stories, 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 and traveler, Shelley draws inspiration from the people she meets and the places she explores—from secret gardens to medieval castles, with a particular fascination for the Tudor period. Her stories follow the hero’s journey, rooted in emotional depth, resilience, and the enduring power of love.
Critics have praised her prose as “near rhapsodic,” “pitch-perfect,” and “stylishly straightforward,” while readers celebrate her work for its imaginative storytelling, compelling characters, and refreshing take on romance.
Based in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, Shelley cherishes time with her husband, adult children, adored grand pups, and when not at her seaside cottage, she finds inspiration in the moments that matter most.
Education
Professional Editing Certificate
Shelley earned her Professional Editing Certificate from Mount Royal University, achieving a B+ on her Capstone project. She developed strong foundations in copyediting and specializes in stylistic editing — refining prose for clarity, precision, and natural flow.
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 Certificate
Shelley earned a Screenwriting Certificate from George Brown College, completing a structured program that included Screenwriting I, II, III, and Dialogue.
Professional Affiliations
Shelley has been an active leader in the romance writing community through numerous organizational roles.
Conference Committee Member, Romance Writers of America (RWA)
Contributes to programming strategy, speaker selection, and development of conference content for one of the industry’s largest romance-writing events.
Bookkeeper, When Words Collide (WWC)
Managed financial records, budgeting support, and fiscal tracking for the annual multi-genre literary festival serving writers and readers across Western Canada.
Past President, President, and Secretary, Calgary Association of Romance Writers of America
Oversaw chapter governance and strategic programming, including the development and execution of two full-day professional speaker events. Supported member growth and fostered a collaborative environment for emerging and established romance authors.