Jodie Shelley
Author
Jodie Shelley is a Kiwi author, based in Auckland, New Zealand.
She writes novels set in NZ, which are easy to read and fun, but which explore grittier themes such as problem gambling and family harm. Her debut novel, ‘The Tūī has Landed’ was released by Bank Street Publishing in February 2023. This book achieved finalist status in the Wishing Shelf Awards, which is a book award judged by readers in London and Stockholm.
Jodie’s second novel 'A Thousand Paper Cups' was released in June 2024 and her third and fourth novels are in development.
Bio
Jodie is in recovery after a twenty-year career in corporate human resources and is now embarking on writing contemporary NZ fiction. Jodie has long enjoyed writing. English was her best subject at school, she took a distance course on Freelance Journalism just for fun, she wrote a daily travel blog to record her adventures on a five-month trip around New Zealand and she currently writes on a regular basis on LinkedIn. During the day, Jodie is an Executive Coach, focusing on leadership development. When she is not writing or coaching, she bakes and drives for the charitable organisation, Good B&*tches Bake, or she can be found on the sideline at football cheering for her son’s team. Her first novel, ‘The Tūī has Landed’ was the result of Jodie being inspired by an Instagram live series delivered by the delightful Irish author, Marian Keyes, entitled ‘How to Write a Novel’.
Testimonials
Don’t Take My Word for It
A delightful debut novel that is engaging from cover to cover. The Tūī Has Landed has been beautifully crafted by a writer with a genuine flair for both humour and memorable characters. The plot twists and turns blend pathos and romance as we learn the characters’ secrets and follow their often hilarious machinations to resolve an injustice. Readers will cheer for Becky’s complicated love-life to have a happy ending and for Anahera to follow her passion. Highly recommended, especially for fans of smart and funny contemporary romance.
Renell Judais, Editor and Copy Editor
Overall (and with relief), very impressive for a first time novelist; I think you have a winner here!
Holly Knill
The Tui Has Landed is an engaging, feel-good read reminiscent of books by Marian Keyes with its lively characters and sense of humour, but also the way it explores some deeper underlying themes.
This book is for people with a sense of humour, as it has some great one-liners, and the characterisation is warm and friendly. It’s a light, pacey read that is a little over the top that will put a smile on your face. Humour is hard to do well, but the author has hit the sweet spot with the writing and plot.
Karen McMillan
Media Coverage - The Tui Has Landed
NZ Booklovers (Q&A)
Kick Arts Radio Show (from 1:04)
Media Coverage - A Thousand Paper Cups
Kick Arts Radio Show