I come from a family of great storytellers and writers. My father majored in journalism and has written and published creative work. My grandmother was a poet who taught creative writing at the Tennessee State Prison. My grandfather worked for the Tennessean newspaper and published several books of his own. My grandmother’s life story has been featured in Chicken Soup for the Unsinkable Soul, Reader’s Digest and Parade Magazine. My aunt’s story was told in Marie: A True Story and was also adapted for screen. For me, growing up was all about story.

As a writer, I have one foot in the creative world and one foot in the technical world. I spend my days at Vanderbilt University where I edit scientific manuscripts and teach technical writing. During my years as an editor, I have edited nearly 200 scientific manuscripts and documents, 120 grant applications and two textbooks. Currently, I am working with colleagues and students to launch The SciLit Review (coming spring 2020), a journal that will feature science-themed poetry, fiction and nonfiction.

When I’m not at work, I write fiction, creative nonfiction and the occasional lyrical essay. I have also completed two novels. My work has appeared in the Cream City Review, Oatmeal Magazine, Bending Genres, Bartleby Snopes (Winner, story of the month), and The Chaffey Review (creative nonfiction), among others. I have an M.A. in English (writing emphasis, Belmont University) and will complete my MFA in 2020. I live in Nashville, TN with my husband, kids and three scruffy dogs.

Welcome to my site!

— Shellie