Ms. Shelley was my instructor at the New School when I took an Advanced Short Story workshop during the summer of 2005. Her approach was marvelous. Having taught a creative writing workshop myself now here at the University of Virginia, I truly understand the difficulty in balancing my own opinions with those of the students, between leading a class and letting the class lead me, and as a result, I respect Ms. Shelley's teaching abilities all the more.    

I never felt that the students were running the class, as I have felt in other workshops; but neither did I ever feel that Ms. Shelley was shutting out student reactions, either.  Rather, she was able to impart to us her great knowledge and talents as a writer while also coaxing the most helpful responses from my classmates and me.

I feel especially indebted to Ms. Shelley because of her encouragement and interest in us even outside of class.  She asked for volunteers to read at the monthly reading series she hosted, ''Flights of Fiction'' at the Grounded Cafe.  I had never read anything of mine to anyone before (not even so much as a good friend!), but with Ms. Shelley's encouragement I had the courage to read my work alongside some more experienced writers. I am so grateful for the opportunity she gave me to share my work in public for the first time.

         -Myung! Joh