Shirley Bigelow DeKelver, Author, Artist, Photographer, Sorrento BC
Shirley Dekelver from Shirley Bigelow DeKelver, Author, Artist, Photographer

Shirley Dekelver

Shirley Bigelow DeKelver, Author, Artist, Photographer

About Us

I am a published author, a painter in the process of preparing a portfolio, and an avid photographer. Copies of my paintings and photos can be seen on my website www.shirleydekelver.com.

How We Got Started

I retired in 2007, working over 40 years as a paralegal in law firms. I joined a writers group and eventually branched out into different writing areas, as well as painting and photography.

Products & Services
PUBLISHED NOVELS, PAINTINGS AND PHOTOS by Shirley Bigelow DeKelver, Author, Artist, Photographer
My website www.shirleydekelver.com sets out information regarding my published novels, photography and art. I am attaching a copy of one of my late...
FIRESTORM by Shirley Bigelow DeKelver, Author, Artist, Photographer
Firestorm is a young adult novel I am currently writing.  I will be promoting it on my website www.shirleydekelver.com periodically. I also downloa...
YA NOVEL - CHILD OF THE ANCIENTS by Shirley Bigelow DeKelver, Author, Artist, Photographer
My book CHILD OF THE ANCIENTS was nominated for the 2020 Readers Choice Awards contest by TCK Publishing! It is under Category 12, Young Adult and ...
Recommendations Given (204)
"I believe strongly in supporting people who work in the arts. "
"Having books available that assist in promoting and publishing novels is a win-win situation. "
Recent Activity

Shirley from Shirley Bigelow DeKelver, Author, Artist, Photographer Answered this on April 30, 2021
It depends if it is an ongoing project that has a deadline, then I persevere until it is completed. Should I begin a new writing project and "the flow just stops", I will put it aside, but never abandon it. It's a matter of self-satisfaction and pride in finishing.     (more) It depends if it is an ongoing project that has a deadline, then I persevere until it is completed. Should I begin a new writing project and "the flow just stops", I will put it aside, but never abandon it. It's a matter of self-satisfaction and pride in finishing.    

Shirley from Shirley Bigelow DeKelver, Author, Artist, Photographer Answered this on April 30, 2021
I won a writing contest when I was in grade 8, which surprised both me and my family, as I had never strayed into that arena.  Then in high school, I had one of my stories submitted by my English teacher to the Banff School of Fine Arts. I often wonder what happened to my story! I married, had... (more) I won a writing contest when I was in grade 8, which surprised both me and my family, as I had never strayed into that arena.  Then in high school, I had one of my stories submitted by my English teacher to the Banff School of Fine Arts. I often wonder what happened to my story! I married, had children, and worked for over 40 years as a paralegal, albeit the writing I did was to compose work-related documents. I took a four-year course through the Institute of Children's Literature, and after retirement began my writing career. Obviously, the inkling was there, I know I started late; I have just finished my fourth YA novel, but writing is a daily part of my life.  

Shirley from Shirley Bigelow DeKelver, Author, Artist, Photographer Answered this on April 13, 2021
I have always had a PC, and do all of my writing on Word. I am comfortable with the program.     (more) I have always had a PC, and do all of my writing on Word. I am comfortable with the program.    

Shirley from Shirley Bigelow DeKelver, Author, Artist, Photographer Answered this on March 19, 2021
When I have nothing more to add to my book, and I am making changes that don't add anything to the story, then I know it is time to submit. (more) When I have nothing more to add to my book, and I am making changes that don't add anything to the story, then I know it is time to submit.

Shirley from Shirley Bigelow DeKelver, Author, Artist, Photographer Answered this on March 12, 2021
Most types of activities, be it cleaning my house, or working on group writing assignments, or staring out of my windows at the lake, mountains and trees are great incentives.   (more) Most types of activities, be it cleaning my house, or working on group writing assignments, or staring out of my windows at the lake, mountains and trees are great incentives.  

Shirley from Shirley Bigelow DeKelver, Author, Artist, Photographer Answered this on March 12, 2021
This is probably one of the best marketing strategies. I always put aside copies that I donate in areas related to writing, community or social events. Our writing group has put on dances where we have silent auctions, or we have draws at our annual AGM (pre-pandemic), or I have a draw where I... (more) This is probably one of the best marketing strategies. I always put aside copies that I donate in areas related to writing, community or social events. Our writing group has put on dances where we have silent auctions, or we have draws at our annual AGM (pre-pandemic), or I have a draw where I donate a copy of one of my books when I rent a booth at my community hall selling my books, paintings and photos. 

Shirley from Shirley Bigelow DeKelver, Author, Artist, Photographer Answered this on February 28, 2021
I am comfortable with Microsoft Word and have used Word for many years.  Before computers changed our lives forever, I used manual typewriters.  I write "old school" when editing and researching, making copious notes.  (more) I am comfortable with Microsoft Word and have used Word for many years.  Before computers changed our lives forever, I used manual typewriters.  I write "old school" when editing and researching, making copious notes. 

Shirley from Shirley Bigelow DeKelver, Author, Artist, Photographer Answered this on January 29, 2021
I just finished my fourth novel, and managed to edit it twice.  I have more time to write and paint as being in lock down provides extra time to allow me to do this.  I still attend numerous Zoom meetings relating to writing issues, and am never short of projects.   (more) I just finished my fourth novel, and managed to edit it twice.  I have more time to write and paint as being in lock down provides extra time to allow me to do this.  I still attend numerous Zoom meetings relating to writing issues, and am never short of projects.  
1 Reply

Shirley from Shirley Bigelow DeKelver, Author, Artist, Photographer Answered this on January 16, 2021
I have written one historical novel, and although my characters were fictitious I did extensive research on the area and accuracy of life in that time period.  (more) I have written one historical novel, and although my characters were fictitious I did extensive research on the area and accuracy of life in that time period. 

Shirley from Shirley Bigelow DeKelver, Author, Artist, Photographer Answered this on December 21, 2020
I am with a traditional publisher, who helps promote my eBooks. I buy printed copies for myself and have a list of faithful fans who always buy a copy or more. Email, telephone, Facebook are a few places where I connect with them.  (more) I am with a traditional publisher, who helps promote my eBooks. I buy printed copies for myself and have a list of faithful fans who always buy a copy or more. Email, telephone, Facebook are a few places where I connect with them. 

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