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“Without Shelley’s discerning eye and deft touch, I doubt very much that my first novel, One Hand Clapping, would have been published. Her ghostly internet-transmitted voice continues to wend its way through my brain whatever I’m writing, exhorting me toward further clarity and grammatical precision. I consider her a valuable part of my writing development and look forward to working with her again.” --Lise Leroux, author of One Hand Clapping, Viking Penguin, nominated for the Orange Prize for fiction.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Client and Student Raves

 

I just heard from a former student who’s doing very well!

Hi Shelley,
I took your "I've Always Wanted to Write Fiction" workshop in 2011, when I was just dabbling with writing. I began a story about a girl, the youngest in a large family, whose dad comes home from a trip acting strange.
At the time, I wasn't sure I wanted to keep writing. But you were so encouraging, and your class was so wonderful, I decided to keep at it and see what happened. As I did, I found that I wanted to write for children. Well, I took more classes, and I met other great writers and we formed critique groups. I joined SCBWI. I ended up pulling out those pages in 2014, and I wrote a first draft. And I revised, and revised again. And again, and AGAIN.
I wanted to let you know that I signed with a wonderful agent last November, and we sold that novel this year! It's called MIDSUMMER'S MAYHEM, it's written for a middle grade audience, and it will be published in summer 2019! I've also written many picture books, and we've sold one already, which will be published in 2020! I came across those first pages tonight, and I see how far I've come! I just wanted to thank you for running so class so well, and for giving a beginner like me just the encouragement I needed.
Best, Rajani LaRocca - https://www.rajanilarocca.com


Shelley Singer brought out the writer in me. She heard my literary voice. She led me to seek the deepest secrets and driving emotions of a story’s characters. She encouraged me to take narrative risks. Shelley was the key that unlocked my creativity. She’s the best kind of teacher and editor, in that she doesn’t teach, she leads you to yourself. Then you can write. –Ann Aptaker, author of Criminal Gold, to be released in September 2014 by Bold Strokes Books. Author of the Cantor Gold mystery series, now numbering three books, and winner or the Lambda and Goldie awards.

More FEEDBACK FROM CLASSES AND CONSULTATION
Shelley encouraged me when I needed it, scolded me when I deserved it, poked and prodded me when I got sloppy, and guided through tough times. Most importantly though, I know that due to Shelley Singer, I am a better writer.

...an excellent teacher, very supportive, and she has a great way of pointing you in the right direction.

Shelley is fantastic. Responsive, insightful, keeps you focused. Couldn't have done anything better.

In two workshops since April, I've written 11 chapters of a developing novel. It's a first draft, but I doubt I could have accomplished this much on my own.

Your lessons, along with your careful criticism, have given me a gentle push down a path I've always wanted to take, but couldn't find the courage to do so alone.

...thank you for listening, for sharing, and for keeping at it. It is trite, but true: you're inspiring...

Your comments have been really helpful, the criticism was constructive and encouraging at the same time. Thanks again for a great class!

I am in your debt yet again for your sharp reading and helpful comments. I thank you for literary midwifery. There are not many who can do this well, but do you do it superbly.

If I ever make it to publication, it will only be because you helped get me there.

Thank you for all your advice and encouragement. I am reminded of the words of Mark Twain, "Great people are those who make others feel that they, too, can become great." In this respect, you were great!

I have never had a writing teacher like you, you don't miss a thing. Wish I had heard of you sooner.