Welcome to the Women Writing podcast. In this episode, I’m taking a coffee break with author Shelly Sanders. Listen to the episode here, or watch on YouTube.Shelly Sanders is a Canadian author, essayist and former journalist, based in Toronto. She has written five novels including, most recently, The Night Sparrow, (HarperCollins, 2025), a Canadian bestseller about a female Jewish sniper and interpreter in WWII, inspired by actual women and events. Daughters of the Occupation (HarperCollins, 2022), also a Canadian bestseller, received a Starred Review from Kirkus, and is currently being translated into a Czech edition by the publisher, Nakladatelství JOTA. This novel is inspired by the discovery of Shelly’s Jewish-Latvian roots as an adult, and by her grandmother’s family, many of whom were murdered during the Latvian Holocaust. Shelly’s next novel will be published by HarperCollins in 2027.She is also the author of three acclaimed Young Adult historical fiction novels (Rachel’s Secret, Rachel’s Promise, Rachel’s Hope, Second Story Press); Rachel’s Secret received a Starred Review in Booklist, and two of the three were named Notable Books for Teens from the Association of Jewish Libraries. Shelly has penned several essays about her journey of self-discovery and the writing process for LitHub, Writer’s Digest, PB Daily: Jewish Book Council, and Lilith.Shelly began her writing career as a freelance journalist for Canadian national publications such as the Toronto Star, National Post, Maclean’s magazine, Canadian Living, Reader’s Digest, Canadian Jewish News, and Today’s Parent. In November, Shelly will be in a Writer’s Residency in Ventspils, Latvia; she will be working on a non-fiction manuscript, Rooted in Silence, about the intersection of intergenerational trauma and estrangement.Looking for more podcasts?I was recently a guest on Miss Liz’s Teatimes podcast chatting about all things writerly.And I discussed book coaching with Chris Tuch and Roland Hulme on the Hidden Gems Podcast.My lovely friend Holly B. Gutwillinger and her son Rogan started a new podcast, Ramblings from the Little Shed. We chatted about pets and creativity.Need time to write? The Women Writing Circle meets on the second and fourth Monday of the month from 6:30-8:00 PM EST with occasional bonus sessions. Come and write with us! This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit liisakovalawomenwriting.substack.com/subscribe

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“What did the council decide on item 42?” — answered with the speaker and the moment.

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