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About Me

Welcome! I’m Sarah Selecky, and I’m delighted you’ve found your way here. As an author, teacher, and creative coach, I’ve dedicated my life to the art of bringing sensory experiences to life through words and helping others discover the joy and power of creative writing.

I believe storytelling is a pathway to presence—a way of exploring consciousness and finding meaning in the world around us. 

My debut collection, This Cake Is for the Party, was a finalist for the Scotiabank Giller Prize and the Commonwealth Prize for Best First Book in Canada and the Caribbean. It was also longlisted for the Frank O'Connor Prize.The New York Times called the stories “utterly fascinating.” You can find my writing in The WalrusELLE CanadaFashion Magazine, and a variety of newspapers and magazines.

My novel, Radiant Shimmering Light has been embraced by readers across Canada, the US, Poland, Australia, New Zealand, and the UK. It's been described as “killer satire... [and] a funny, tender, gimlet-eyed dive into the cult of self-improvement” (Kirkus Reviews). The novel was optioned by Amy Adams for a premium one-hour television series with HBO.

My latest book, Story Is a State of Mind: Writing and the Art of Creative Curiosity, distills two decades of teaching experience into a guide that helps writers integrate their intellect and intuition to create a joyful writing life.

In my writing school, we teach writers how to write in a whole-minded state with presence and precision, in the service of great writing and transformative storytelling.

As a certified hypnotherapist and coach in Time Line Therapy and Neuro-Linguistic Programming, I offer personalized mentorship to help writers focus on their craft and embrace a more joyful, effortless writing process.


I approach writing as both an art and a contemplative practice, and believe that our stories have the power to shape our reality.

The Sarah Selecky Writing School

In 2011, I founded the Sarah Selecky Writing School, which has blossomed into a vibrant creative community for thousands of writers from around the world. Our school is built on the belief that writing can be a transformative practice—one that allows us to explore our deepest selves and connect with others in profound ways.

At the heart of our teaching philosophy is the integration of craft and contemplative practice. We guide writers to achieve mastery while nurturing their spirit, helping them put writing at the centre of their lives and focus on creating work they truly want to read.

Our graduates go on to publish books, win awards, and achieve all kinds of creative and professional success.


My Approach to Teaching and Mentoring

With over 20 years of experience in transforming writers’ creative practices, I’ve developed a unique approach that honours both intellect and intuition. I believe in the power of creative curiosity and whole-minded writing to unlock our potential as storytellers and human beings.

Whether I’m leading workshops, working one-to-one with writers in my coaching practice, hosting conversations for our Centered members, writing articles for my blog. or recording episodes for Sarah Selecky Audio, my goal is always the same: to create a space where creativity can flourish and writers can connect with their innate curiosity.



Beyond Writing

When I’m not writing or teaching, you might find me making art and observing nature, creating writing playlists, reading voraciously across genres and disciplines, contemplating how we can create the culture we want to live in, and advising teachers, founders, writers, leaders, and artists on how to break through creative blocks.

Let’s Connect

I’m always eager to engage with fellow creatives and curious minds, and I love to explore other spaces that highlight creativity and connection. Whether you’re interested in joining our writing school,  inviting me to appear at an event,  or simply want to share your thoughts, I’d love to hear from you.


Sign up for my newsletter.

Hire me to appear at your event.

Hire me as a consultant for your organization, your project, or your online program.



Other Details

I am represented by Samantha Haywood of Transatlantic Agency.

  • I’m vegan.
  • I have synesthesia.
  • I’m a Virgo with Gemini rising.
  • I’m an Enneagram type 1.
  • I love Fabriano paper, fountain pens, dark chocolate, and green hydrangeas.

I love receiving handwritten letters in the mail. Please send here:
P.O. Box #6271, Picton, ON, K0K 2T0, Canada

Email: I often feel overwhelmed by my inbox. If you have something important to ask or share with me, please contact support@sarahselecky.com. You’ll get a response from me or my assistant in a few business days.

Media

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  • Sarah Selecky Writing School

    “You were exotically authentic! You made authenticity (showing up on the page) sexy and fun! That is a major accomplishment. Thank you. But moreover, you made me feel good, you allowed me to be a writer, in the presence of other writers… and I have made a commitment to myself, to allow that door to stay open.”

  • Sarah Selecky Writing School

    “Thank you for a simply amazing interview. Your honesty and sincerity in answering what were hard questions to address on the spot was noticed by many in the audience, and greatly appreciated by me. Many who were there have commented on how you taught them how to read short stories. In your brief time on stage, you taught many teachers how to read short fiction. And I know they will, and indeed have, passed it on to their students.”

    Humber College

  • Sarah Selecky Writing School

    “The work you've assigned has changed me, both as a writer and as a human being… I am truly grateful to you for having created an offering so imbued with artfulness, yes, but also love and wisdom.”

  • Sarah Selecky Writing School

    “I just wanted to tell you how much I enjoyed the Saturday session in Calgary. I found it quite eye opening. I also wanted to comment on the relaxed but active vibe in the room. It was excellent! I think that you did a fantastic job guiding 50+ people through the workshop. Thanks again.”

  • Sarah Selecky Writing School

    “Sarah is a gifted individual, whose desire to get at the heart of literary matters is extraordinary. She is a sagacious and deeply intuitive creative writing coach and educator.”

    Author of Tarry This Night and Stoop City

  • Sarah Selecky Writing School

    “The wisdom that she continuously imparts distinguishes Sarah as an author and as an experienced teacher.”

  • Sarah Selecky Writing School

    “Thank you for a simply amazing interview. Your honesty and sincerity in answering what were hard questions to address on the spot was noticed by many in the audience, and greatly appreciated by me. Many who were there have commented on how you taught them how to read short stories. In your brief time on stage, you taught many teachers how to read short fiction. And I know they will, and indeed have, passed it on to their students.”

    Humber College