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About Shelby...
I must firstly mention that Shelby Brand isn't my REAL name, it's a writing persona that resonates with me. The name consolidates me as a being. Shelby, a nickname from my uni days and stuck with me until I moved states. Brand unites my maiden name with my married one, I'm a little of this and a little of that, but most importantly I've come out the other side my own unique person.
I'm also an early childhood teacher and avid bookworm. I've dappled for years with poems and half hearted attempts at stories I've learnt a thing or two about my writing over the years (all for the better I hope.)
I love tattoos and the story they tell. All of mine have one, and this is no exception. I'm the one with the messy bun, it kind of suits my life to a tee... a little fun, a little kiddish and a whole lot of crazy imperfection. The other one, well, she is like my sister. She is my 'adultier' adult (yep she is 6 months younger) she has her shit together in ways I can only imagine. I love her to bits and miss her like crazy. But what did I do? I went and put 3500kms in between us :(
Novels are my one escape from reality, they allow me to live more than one life at a time, especially travel memoirs. Travelling abroad is not an opportunity that has presented itself yet, however, I am attempting to use 2022 to explore my own backyard, and build upon my writing skills while recording the emotions, the events and the highlights of these adventures.
I am also attempting to write and publish my first novel, in which, my ultimate goal is to cement in a career, sharing my love of the written word. The more books I read, the larger the number of book reviews I complete, the greater my chances of honing my skills for my dream role, established author, motivator and mentor.