Represented by Spencerhill Associates.

Shaila Patel is a pharmacist by training, a medical office manager by day, and a writer by night.

As an unabashed lover of all things happily-ever-after, Shaila Patel's younger self would finish reading her copy of Cinderella and chuck it across the room because it didn't mention what happened next. Now she writes her #ownvoices stories from her home in the Carolinas and dreams up all sorts of tales with epilogues. She loves craft beer, tea, and reading in cozy window seats—but she'll read anywhere. You might find her sneaking in a few paragraphs at a red light or gushing about her favorite books online.

The Personal Stuff:

If I had a theme song, I'd have to say Priscilla Ahn's "Dream" fits the bill.

"I was a little girl
Alone in my little world
Who dreamed of a little home for me."

I fell in love the first time I wrote a story. That moment earned its very own spot on my life's timeline – right between moving to Jacksonville, Florida, and my sister being born. Written in pencil by my fourth-grade hand – and on several pages of wide-rule paper, no less – my island-treasure adventure was born.  
(Thank you, Ms. Galloway!)

I had a love-hate relationship with my copy of Cinderella back then. It was one of those Golden Books we read as kids. Remember those? It killed me that it was so short. I didn't want the fairy tale to end – like ever. Would it have killed them to write an epilogue?

After playing around in other genres, my love for happily-ever-afters led me to writing romance in 2013. It was a duh moment deserving of another spot on my timeline. Now I write my own epilogues, and I'm loving every minute of it.

"I had a dream
That I could fly
From the highest swing.
I had a dream."

And one day when I'm old and gray(er) and have shelves of books written by me (fingers crossed!), I hope to remember Priscilla Ahn's words:

"I don't know what's left to say
About this life I'm willing to leave.
I lived it full and I lived it well,
There's many tales I've lived to tell."

So, welcome to my journey. The writers, readers, and publishing professionals I've been lucky enough to become involved with have been an amazing network of support, inspiration, and motivation.

I'd love for you to join me on my journey on Facebook, Twitter, Goodreads, Instagram, or Pinterest. You can even sign up for my newsletter. (I promise not to fill up your inbox!)

For more information about what I write, please visit my Books page.