Shelley Kassian's Blog

I just returned from the Romance Writers of America (RWA) National Conference in Niagara Falls, Canada, and I’m still energized—from the mist rising off Horseshoe Falls and from the conference theme: Falling for Romance.

People often ask why I choose to take on the expense of conference fees, flights, and hotel stays to attend events like this. The truth? I go for me—for my career, for my stories, and for my future in this ever-evolving romance industry.

Writing is a solitary act. Most days, it’s just me and the page. No coworkers dropping by with coffee, no boardroom buzz, no high-fives after a breakthrough chapter. As much as I love this creative life, it can feel like I’m paddling upstream alone—sometimes against whitecap rapids.

That’s why I show up.

I want to be surrounded by writers—no matter what they write—who face the same struggles. Our conversations lighten the load and remind me I’m not alone in this writing journey.

Yes, Zoom has its place—and I’m grateful for the access it offers—but there’s something irreplaceable about in-person events: spontaneous hallway and elevator chats, the buzz of a packed session room, shared meals, laughter, and quiet moments that reconnect you to your story.

I attend RWA’s National Conference not only to support the only association dedicated solely to romance writers, but also because I want to stay on top of industry trends—many of which unfold over just four days. Reader, I want to learn from professionals: publishers, editors, agents, marketers, and fellow authors who generously share their insight and experience. They’re giving away their secrets, and I respect the gift.

And I want to connect with writers who understand the highs and lows of this unpredictable path—to remind myself, and them, that we’re not alone when we share it together.

Let’s be honest—marketing might be the #1 goal, but networking is vital, even if, like me, you sometimes feel like a stranger in the crowd. Walking among big-name authors can be intimidating—because let’s face it, while they’re present, they don’t exactly invite you to their table.

So, I look for real connections—the kind that inspire me to keep writing, that push me to level up, and that help me believe in what’s possible.

This work is tough. Creating a book is work. But if we don’t invest in ourselves—if we don’t show up at the desk or at events—how can we expect readers to show up for us?

In the words of Britney Spears: “You want a hot body? You want a Bugatti? You want a Maserati? You better work, bitch.” And similarly, if you want the book deal, the readership, the movie rights—or simply the satisfaction of a finished manuscript—you better work, writer. Dreams without action don’t turn a profit. Goals take grit, consistency, and the decision to keep showing up—even when it’s hard.

Here’s my encouragement to you, whether you’re a writer or a dreamer:
Show up. Learn. Connect. Keep paddling.

The rewards? They’re waiting—on the other side of the words.

And yes, as I write this, I’m listening to Britney Spears’ “Work Bitch.” 

Until next time,
Shelley 

 I’m incredibly excited to announce my participation in the upcoming charity anthology, To L.A. With Love. 

When wildfires destroyed two beloved Los Angeles public libraries in January 2025, the romance community answered with heart. In To L.A. With Love, 100+ local and international authors and poets weave tales filled with sexy contemporary passion, dreamy historical romance, and spellbinding magical encounters. From the sweetest kiss to steam between the sheets, these tales remind us why we fall in love with books—because like libraries, they offer refuge, inspire dreams, and bring people together.

This anthology celebrates the power of romance, and all proceeds from To L.A. With Love support the restoration of the Altadena and Pacific Palisades libraries, proving that love stories can heal more than fictional broken hearts—they can rebuild community. 

My contribution, Surf’s Up for Love, is a nostalgic beach read set along the sun-soaked California coast. It follows Bree, an aspiring artist who makes a summer bet to ride her legendary grandmother’s surfboard—or give it up forever. There’s just one problem: she’s never surfed.

Enter Jaxon Ryder, a surfing champion who hasn’t faced the ocean since the accident that nearly cost him his life. Bree’s resolve lures him back to the edge, and as he teaches her to ride, she reawakens a passion he thought had drowned in the waves—the rush, the high, the peace only the ocean can bring.

What begins as a playful lesson forges a powerful connection, as Bree finds her greatest inspiration in the man beside her—and Jaxon realizes it’s time to stop reliving the wipeout… and catch the next wave. 

All proceeds from this heartfelt collection support the restoration of two beloved libraries—because stories have the power to rebuild not just hearts, but communities.

Pick up your copy today and join us in writing a new chapter for Los Angeles.

 Release Date: June 10, 2025

Preorder To L.A. With Love Now! https://books2read.com/tolawithlove

I am excited to announce my upcoming novel, A Lotus to Love, the third book in the Places in the Heart series. This story has been a labor of love. It was written as a memorial tribute to my late brother-in-law, Robert William Kassian. Rob took his life at the age of 36. Even after twenty-six years, the pain of his passing still lingers deeply in my heart. Through this story, I aspired to offer a message of hope—that even in the most difficult circumstances, there is light. I can’t wait to share Portia and Nadir’s story with you. This book becomes available on January 7, 2025. It invites you on an international journey filled with the search for discovery, my love of perfume, and of course, passion. It’s my hope you’ll experience the transformative power of love.

Portia’s story begins in the shadows. She’s a talented perfumer with a refined nose for the world’s rarest scents. She has always been adept at finding beauty in the ephemeral. Yet, her personal life has been marked by a devastating loss. After her husband’s tragic passing, Portia was left grappling with the kind of pain that lingers in silence. It left her questioning her view of the world and her place in it. Grief is a heavy price to pay for the love she once knew. As Queen Elizabeth II so poignantly said, “Grief is the price we pay for love.” How does she carry on?

But Portia is more than her grief. She’s resilient. She’s a survivor. Though she’s unsure how to move forward, even how to find inspiration in her craft. She has always found solace in the art of creation. She pours her emotions into perfume scent trails that tell stories and evoke memories. Each blend is a piece of her heart. A way to process what she’s endured while sharing her unique perspective with others. Her work is her refuge, her strength—and now, it’s the reason she’s about to embark on a life-changing journey.

When Portia is asked to travel to Egypt to uncover the sacred scent of Queen Cleopatra VII, she hesitates. The project challenges her in ways she’s not prepared for: stepping out of her comfort zone, confronting her fears, and revisiting her sense of self-worth. The land of Egypt, especially the west bank of the Nile, which is known as the land of the dead, has a vibrant culture and rich history. It promises an adventure. This could either push her further into isolation or awaken something she thought she’d lost forever—hope. This sacred setting, where ancient Egyptians believed the journey into the afterlife began, becomes the perfect place for Portia to confront her own grief and reshape her feelings about loss and renewal.

This journey is more than a professional assignment. As Portia navigates the sensory delights and cultural differences of Egypt, she begins to confront the emotional walls she has built. The lotus flower, deeply significant to the pharaohs, symbolizes the breath of life and rebirth. Its ability to rise from murky waters each day mirrors Portia’s own journey to breathe again, to find light after darkness. With the guidance of a Bedouin man whose perspective on life is as foreign to her as the desert sands, Portia finds herself drawn to a connection she never anticipated. Together, they explore the timeless mysteries of pharaohs and their relation to ancient fragrance as well as the intricate dance of human connection, even as they face their own fears and vulnerabilities.

Portia’s story in A Lotus to Love is one of rediscovery: of her craft, her courage, and her capacity to love again. It’s a story of learning to live fully, even after life has broken you. It’s about finding beauty, not in spite of pain but because of it, and opening your heart to the possibility of happiness—and ultimately love—once more.

Will Portia’s journey lead her to the fragrance she seeks? And will it also guide her to something even more precious—a second chance to love again?

This story is more than just fiction for me; it’s a deeply personal tribute and a message to anyone who feels lost in their darkest moments. A Lotus to Love is a reminder that even when life feels unbearable, there is light to be found. Love—whether for ourselves, others, or the world around us—is too precious a gift to lose. Through Portia’s journey, I hope readers are inspired to seek their own light, embrace the breath of life like the lotus flower, and never give up on the possibility of happiness and love.

Discover Portia’s journey of healing, hope, and self-discovery in A Lotus to Love. Preorder now and be ready to embark on this unforgettable adventure on January 7, 2025.

Read an excerpt and learn more: https://shelleykassian.com/book/a-lotus-to-love/

Watch the book trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9JLOLYSfUU0

Note: The Paperback edition will be released as well on release day!

Dear Readers,

I’m super excited to announce my latest book, A Mountain Leads Home. The novel released on November 15, 2022. Every book develops from a premise, an inspiration, and this holiday novel is special to me as it loosely relates to a real life romance that blossomed in my family about ten years ago.

My son-in-law, William, traveled to Canada to experience winter sports. He was super excited to snowboard, to sail across winter-white slopes, so you can imagine his disappointment when he fell on the mountain on his very first day. My daughter least expected one tumble in the mountains would change her life. At the time, she was employed as a nurse in a local hospital, working in the trauma unit. I don’t want to give too much away, spoil the fictional story, or even intrude on my daughter and son-in-law’s personal life, but this couple shared a heartwarming connection from the start. I thought their love story would be fun to tell.

I wish to acknowledge and thank William and Carrie for permitting me to fictionalize their journey as a couple as well as reviewing the first chapters of A Mountain Leads Home prior to publication.

And to my readers— I hope you enjoy reading my latest book!

Shelley Kassian

Inspired by true events, this feel-good holiday romance tells the story of an Australian snowboarder who travels to Canada to experience winter sports. A tumble lands him in the hospital, but could an instant connection with a nurse be the most surprising part of his journey? A delightful winter read reminds us of the true meaning of home.

Today, I have a fun surprise to share with you…

I’ve teamed up with 35 fantastic authors to give away a huge collection of sweet contemporary romances to two lucky winners!

Oh, and did I mention the Grand Prize winner gets a BRAND NEW eReader?   

For a limited time, you can win my novel A Sea for Summer, plus books from authors like Kathleen Ball and Lily Foster simply by following me or other authors on BookBub; the number one place where free and discounted books are discovered by readers like you.

Enter the giveaway by clicking here: Booksweeps Giveaway.

Good luck and enjoy!

Shelley Kassian

A Review by Shelley Kassian

A must read, Edith Eger delivers a compelling true-to-life memoir, not only about surviving internment at Auschwitz (a Nazi death camp), but also finding purpose in her latter life by helping others as a psychologist. In this emotional account, a novel I won’t soon forget, it’s the traumatic recollections of the author’s life combined with her profession as a doctor that give meaning to the novel. The author’s courage, the will to rise above acts of brutality, to overcome the scars, and the patients and recollections of how they’ve been helped, make this novel a must read for anyone wanting to learn how to cope with past trauma. I’ve visited Auschwitz. I felt it necessary to see this place. A moment in the novel that resonated with me was the quietness of the death camp, the lack of birdsong, as if the land cannot escape the evil. The Choice is a poignant reminder that while each human being has a past, we must try to overcome our individual pains, whatever they might be, and look to the future: Each of us can live a beautiful life if we take the necessary steps to reach enlightenment.

I’m excited to announce that I’ll be publishing a Christmas book this year in collaboration with seven other authors. Entitled A Gentleman for Christmas, the novel will be included in the anthology: Hugs, Kisses and Mistletoe Wishes.

To give you the history behind this anthology, eight Alberta romance writers have combined their talents to publish this eight-novel collection. The idea was born during the pandemic, when colleagues and writer friends came together at weekly Zoom meetings to share creative advice and moral support. This became a fun project for the group members and a great way to give something back to our loyal fans.

Romance novels can range from sexy to historical to fantasy (apparently even vampires fall in love) but in keeping with the season, we decided to stick with “sweet romance,” the kind of charming feel-good love stories that everyone from teens to grandmothers will enjoy.

The authors agreed on a giveaway price of ninety-nine cents for all eight books in the digital collection—their gift to romance readers everywhere.

Romance is the most popular fiction genre, with millions of readers reading tales of love every day around the world (and contrary to popular opinion, sixteen percent of them are men).

The collection is described as: Straight from our hearts to yours, eight enchanting love stories to enjoy during the holiday season and all year long. Each contains a romantic “mistletoe moment,” and an uplifting, happily-ever-after conclusion.

You may also seek out other romance novels published by the eight individual writers represented in this Christmas collection: Roxy Boroughs, S. L. Dickson, Raine Hughes, Ellen Jorgy, Shelley Kassian, Katie O’Connor, Sherile Reilly and A. M. Westerling.

The anthology releases on November 2, 2021 and myself and my colleagues can’t wait to share it with you!

I’m excited to release my latest novel, A Sea for Summer. This contemporary romance takes place on Vancouver Island at Summer Landing (a fictional retreat center). When I first imagined the premise, I wanted to write a novel that focused on friendship and a later in life relationship. In Peter and Claire’s love story, I wanted to recognize the work it takes to reach twenty-some years of marriage. I hope I’ve accomplished this.

My first review says that my novel may encourage readers to do more work in their own relationships, and I hope that’s true. Love isn’t possible without building bridges and meeting in the middle. I want to be a more inspirational author and bring joy to other people’s lives. There’s more stories to come in my new series, Places in the Heart. Fingers crossed—I can complete the next novel prior to Thanksgiving.

“…the author sets the perfect beachside scene for redemption, recognizable conflict, and thought-provoking conversations that may encourage readers to do more work on their own close relationships.”

Self-Publishing Review

A Sea for Summer is book one in the series: Places in the Heart. Book two is tentatively titled A Farm for Fall. This second chance story will focus on Anne.

I also want to take this moment to thank you for your support. I know you have many incredible book reading options. If you choose to read A Sea for Summer, I thank you!

Subject + Action = Object of sentence.

When I enrolled for a preliminary course for my Freelance editing certificate, one of the first principles of language that my professor taught the class was this: the subject of a sentence, followed by action, equals the object of the sentence, and when written in this style the reader will always understand the sentence’s meaning. The writing convention shouldn’t have surprised me, but it was an aha… moment. To this day, if I stumble over my words or another author’s words, I ensure the sentence follows this basic structure.

I became a Reedsy Discovery Reviewer recently, and I was reminded about this writing style when an author didn’t follow the rule, leaving me confused in regards to the sentence’s meaning. While a novice writer may not comprehend basic sentence structure and the importance of word placement, at some point, they must learn their craft prior to publishing to ensure their readers understand the meaning of their sentences.

Let’s say a sentence is written as: “At every desk worked people.”

This sentence indicates that the desk is working, not the people, which is incorrect. Stylistically, the idea of people working at their desks would be better understood if written as: “People worked at every desk.”

This basic sentence structure is effective, which is why I wanted to share this simple structure with you. Subject + Action = Object (or meaning) of sentence.

A review by Shelley Kassian

Author C.J. Carmichael warms the hearts of her readers in this cozy, holiday romance novel, A Bramble House Christmas. This yuletide exultation takes a mother and son to Marietta, Montana; a reassuring place where goodwill, a family mystery, and an unlikely hero bids Willa and her son Scout a chance at future happiness. The novel was made into a Hallmark Channel Original TV Movie in November 2017, and this author was fortunate to have been invited to the viewing celebration. A Bramble House Christmas brings tidings of comfort and joy to Carmichael’s readers, and the sweet narrative will keep you smiling long after the story ends.