About
Jessica Shelley is a literary, speculative author, poet, workshop facilitator, and creative educator based in Shropshire. She writes for both children and adults. Her work explores voice, power, and reclamation through a feminist, trauma-informed lensโblending myth, folklore, and the uncanny to examine the inner lives of women and the healing force of storytelling.
She holds a Masterโs degree in Creative Writing and Teaching, where she received a distinction for her research into writing for therapeutic purposes in trauma recovery. With over five yearsโ experience teaching English and Creative Writing from KS2 to MA level, Jessica creates safe, compassionate spaces for creative exploration, innovation, and emotional expression.
Jessicaโs writing has been published in places such as Lucent Dreaming and Dear Damsels, and she is a former recipient of SCBWI and Write Mentor underrepresented writers awards. She was previously represented by the Madeleine Milburn Literary Agency, before choosing to step into a new season of creativity, first-time motherhood, community work, and platform-building rooted in the belief that creativityโwhen guided by up-to-date, trauma-informed, and evidence-based practicesโcan be a powerful tool for healing, self-reclamation, and meaningful transformation.
Her narrative therapy-inspired workshop, โRewriting Your Narrative,โ launched this May at Swan Hill Studios. She has achieved MHFAiderยฎ certification (MHFAยฎ England), is studying further education in Social Entrepreneurship at the University of Oxford, conducting more creative therapeutic workshops around Shropshire, and is currently working on her debut novel, The Screaming Flowers, an adult literary horror folk tale that examines intergenerational trauma, as well as Bluebeardโs Daughter, a dark coming-of-age literary horror retelling.
Jessicaโs mission is to help others take healing into their own hands by combining creative expression, therapeutic tools, and accessible support. She is building a platform to bring together artists, educators, and experts to offer affordable creative therapy experiencesโa space where those navigating trauma, waiting for care, or seeking deeper self-understanding can find community, creativity, and hope.