Shirley A. Serviss

I am an Edmonton-based writer, editor and creative writing instructor who has earned a living from writing, in one form or another, for the past 30 years. My experience includes writing radio commercials and commentaries, working as a journalist, doing public relations for utility companies, running a publishing house and freelancing for numerous publications, non-profit organizations, government and corporate clients.

Writing poetry is my true love. I currently work part-time as a literary artist in the Artists on the Wards program at the University of Alberta Hospital. My most recent poetry collection, Hitchhiking in the Hospital, (Inkling Press, 2005) is based on that experience. I have given presentations on the arts in healthcare and the healing potential of poetry locally, and at conferences and readings in New Brunswick, Ontario, South Carolina, Chicago and New York.

Published Works

Sample Course Offerings

Poetry Selections

Writing Community

Artists on the Wards

Contact me

I conduct writing workshops and teach writing courses on poetry, personal essays, memoir, and spirituality. I’ve tailored my courses to facilitate writing by children, youth, women, adults, seniors, literacy students, church groups, cancer patients, patients with eating disorders and healthcare professionals.

I’ve also taught credit writing courses for Athabasca University and MacEwan College and am currently teaching in MacEwan’s Professional Writing Program.