Claire Sheridan

In her previous professional incarnation, Claire’s work in the criminal legal system spanned the United States and included stints on both sides of the bars—rape crisis counselor; crisis interventionist at a hospital-based sexual assault center; and teacher, researcher, and victim-offender dialogue facilitator in high security state prisons. She also served as a Guardian ad Litem and Court Appointed Special Advocate in the civil system. In short, she has accumulated material for more books than she has time left to write. 

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Claire has a bachelor’s degree in psychology, a master’s degree and postgraduate courses in criminal justice. She also holds a professional certificate in private investigation from the University of Washington.

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In case you're wondering, those credentials PLUS $5 might get you a small cup of coffee at Starbucks—in the event that you like Starbucks (which Claire does not) and/or drink coffee (which Claire definitely does)!

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After leaving criminal justice work, she served as lead writer and associate editor of a community magazine, followed by communications coordinator for a legal nonprofit. Then she went completely rogue to focus on creative writing. 

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Claire is a member of the Editorial Freelance Association and has been trained and certified in the Amherst Writers & Artists method of writing group facilitation, which informs the way Ignite writing workshops are facilitated.

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In addition to coaching, editing, and facilitating workshops at Ignite, Claire is a working writer. She's also a certified yoga instructor, with a passion for Yoga Nidra.

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When she’s not living in the land of story, you’ll find Claire practicing yoga, swimming, stalking dogs, or generally being outdoors while traversing the United States with her not-husband of seventeen years in a vintage Toyota—outfitted with rooftop tent. She enjoys debating about such critical, existential concerns as where to get the best gluten-free chicken wings.​