Shirley Hailstock, the first African-American board member of Romance Writers of America (RWA) the largest genre writing organization in the world, went on to become their first African-American president (2002-2003). Shirley is a best-selling, award-winning author of thirty-five novels and novellas. Holding a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from Howard University in Washington, D.C. and an MBA in Chemical Marketing from Fairleigh Dickinson University in Teaneck, NJ, Shirley's initial wish was to be the first female astronaut. During her undergraduate days she developed her love for romance novels and acting on a dare from a fellow romance reader, she wrote a short contemporary novel, Ice Maiden, in 1986. That novel became a semi-finalist in the prestigious Golden Heart Contest, sponsored by the 10,000+ member organization Romance Writers of America.
Whispers of Love, Shirley's debut novel, was published in September 1994. The romantic suspense received critical acclaim from the Gothic Journal, Romantic Times Magazine, Affaire de Couer, Rendezvous and Booklist. Whispers of Love, winner of the HOLT Medallion, is in its 4th printing and was optioned for a television movie of the week. Clara's Promise, Shirley's first historical romance, won the Heart of the West Award. Additionally, Romantic Times presented Shirley with a Career Achievement Award and her novel, Legacy, received the Waldenbooks Award for Bestselling Multicultural Romance. Legacy was also listed as one of the 100 Greatest Romance Novels of the 20th Century and Affaire de Coeur Magazine’s Readers Poll named Shirley Hailstock the Outstanding Achiever of the Year 2002. Shirley’s books regularly appear on the Blackboard and the Library Journal Best Seller lists. The recipient of nearly every award for romance writing, her short story made it all the way to the finals of the Chicken Soup for the African-American Soul books. Shirley’s 35th novel Promises to Keep, will be available in August 2015.
Shirley is a three-time president of the New Jersey Romance Writers, a chapter of Romance Writers of America. She is also an officer of Women Writers of Color. Shirley writes contemporary and historical romance and mainstream women's fiction.
Living in Central New Jersey, Shirley has been an Adjunct Professor of Accounting at Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick campus and Novel Writing at Middlesex County College. She’s also taught Economics at an inner-city junior high school in Trenton, New Jersey. Shirley continues to teach writing to published and aspiring authors at various conference workshops across the country. Additional information and a full booklist can be found on her website at http://www.shirleyhailstock.net
Published her 50th novel as an independent publisher. Recipient of Emma Merritt Award, the highest service award given by Romance Writers of America (RWA). Recipient of the Career Achievement Award from Romantic Times Bookclub Magazine. Recipient of the Pinnacle Award, the highest award given by Fairleigh Dickinson University.
High School: Buffalo East High School in Buffalo, NY
class of 1966
Activities & Accomplishments:
Glee Club
Experience
I currently work with Self-Publisher
as Author
I have 20 years of experience working in the
Publishing industry.
President and CEO|
Romance Writers of New Jersey
From January 2014 to December 2015 • 1 year(s)
Guided the organization of romance writers in New Jersey.
Visiting Professor|
Seton Hill University
From January 2005 to December 2005 • 0 year(s)
Taught novel writing to intermediate and advanced students in popular fiction program leading to Bachelor's or Master's degrees.
President and CEO|
Romance Writers of America
From January 2002 to December 2003 • 1 year(s)
Guided the largest genre writing organization of career-focused authors in the world with 9,000+ members through growth and expansion while overseeing 13 member executive office.
Adjunct Professor|
Middlesex Community College
From January 2001 to December 2002 • 1 year(s)
Taught novel writing to beginning and intermediate students with two students finding publishers for their novels.
Published Author Liaison|
Romance Writers of America
From January 2001 to December 2002 • 1 year(s)
Represented the interests of published authors to the national board of directors and advocated for author rights with publishing houses.
National Director|
Romance Writers of America
From January 1996 to December 2000 • 4 year(s)
Held several director positions including Publicity Chairperson, Industry Statistics Chairperson, and RITA & Golden Heart Contest Chairperson.
President|
New Jersey Romance Writers
From January 1993 to December 1994 • 1 year(s)
Directed the efforts of the New Jersey Chapter of RWA, computerized the chapter, and directed a sold-out conference for regional romance writers.
Adjunct Professor|
Rutgers University
From January 1977 to December 1987 • 10 year(s)
Professor of accounting teaching introduction, intermediate and advanced accounting including mergers and acquisitions in evening school.
