Welcome to Sarah Sheard's Website
Optimism with some experience behind it is much more energizing than plain old experience with a certain degree of cynicism.
~Twyla Tharp
Sarah Sheard | Writer and Therapist

I have written and published three literary novels. I am currently drafting my fourth. By literary novels, I mean that they seek to tell their own stories in a way that can't readily be reduced to formula.

It was a natural jump for me from writing novels to working with people. Both writing and therapy explore the difficulties, behaviours and psychology of being alive.
upcoming novel
Krank
It is January, 2009, and Bertolt Brecht finds himself reincarnated on the Ward's Island ferry dock in Toronto, Canada. He befriends Ainsley Giddings, a woman who has just moved into the cottage she's leased on Ward's. A Gestalt therapist on sabbatical, Ainsley wants to be alone on her year-long island retreat. Brecht, intoxicated by his unexpected gift of renewed existence, wants to sing, philosophise and make love.

Their agendas quickly square off against one another. Mixing into their eccentric affair are island airport politics, Ainsley's exertions at translating modern life to Brecht, and finally their fateful trip to Berlin where time takes another half-twist around these two. Past pierces Present in a startling conclusion that may help explain what brought Brecht and Ainsley together.
Read an excerpt from Krank
journalism
the latest - Sarah's Views
Angels and Devils
“We all have them in our psyches, competing for space.  Sometimes the devils are in charge—say, at 3 a.m., in that dark night of the soul.  At other times the angels take over and guide us through hours and hours of the most difficult work.”
Read entire Angels and Devils article
new: self-marketing for fledging therapists
therapists' workshop

From Vapour to Paper: Drafting Your First Brochure
I'm offering a brochure-drafting workshop for groups or individuals. This is a brand new workshop for the new therapist developing their practice.

Read complete details about this new therapists' workshop.


writers' workshops

Writing Around the Bend: Strategies for Handling Writers' Issues Creatively
Testimonial:
“Thank you for your delicious workshop. You are a brave and wonderful Sister Goddess.” - L.G.

Writing Mentor
Testimonial:
“I couldn't have picked a more honest yet positive mentor -- so right for me at this point in my writing. I will not soon, if ever, forget our happy voyage together.” - E.S.

Read complete details about the writers' workshops.

announcements
writing
be the judge
Novelist Wayson Choy and I are the two judges for finalists of the forthcoming (first) Canadian Lesbian and Gay Archives' Narrative Contest.

More information about the Canadian Lesbian and Gay Archives can be found at: http://www.clga.ca

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