Click here to listen to John's story, "Mass," from Stumbling Through Adulthood, read by Amanda Elgie.

John Sheirer

John Sheirer (pronounced “shy-er”) lives in Northampton, Massachusetts, with his wonderful wife, Betsy, and happy dog, Libby. He has taught writing and communications for 30 years at Asnuntuck Community College in Enfield, Connecticut, where he also serves as editor and faculty advisor for Freshwater Literary Journal  (submissions welcome). He writes a monthly column on current events for his hometown newspaper, the Daily Hampshire Gazette, and his books include memoir, fiction, poetry, educational materials, essays, political satire, and photography.

Recent events:

Straw Dog Writers Guild Author Showcase, January 19, 2022 (33-minute mark)

The Writer's Tribe Talk Show, February 17, 2022, Interview with host Elsa Kurt

The Meat for Teacast, March 20, 2022, Interview with host Elizabeth MacDuffie

Chat and Spin Radio, April 26, 2022, Interview with host Ron Clark

Speak Up Talk Radio Interview, May 17, 2022, Interview with Pat Rullo

Soft Serve Podcast, November 29, 2022, Interview with Brad and Jen

Newest Book! 

Stumbling Through Adulthood: Linked Stories

*** 2021 Pinnacle Book Achievement Award ***

*** 2021 New England Book Festival Award ***

*** 2021 Hawk Mountain Award Semi-Finalist ***

*** 2022 National Indie Excellence Award Finalist ***

*** 2022 New York Book Festival Award Runner-Up ***

*** 2022 American Fiction Awards Finalist ***

*** 2022 Royal Dragonfly Book Award Winner ***

*** 2022 Firebird Book Award *** 

*** 2022 Literary Titan Book Award ***

*** 2022 Outstanding Creator Award ***

*** 2022 Global Ebook Award ***

*** 2022 PenCraft Book Award ***

*** 2022 IAN Book of the Year Finalist ***

*** 2022 Eyelands Book Award Finalist ***

*** 2022 American Writing Award ***

*** 2022 Best Book Award ***

*** 2022 Shelf Unbound Notable Indie ***

*** 2023 Independent Press Award ***

*** 2023 Book Excellence Award Finalist ***


- Order through Independent bookstores here or here or through the corporate overlord space travelers here.


- Watch the book launch event at Forbes Library in Northampton, Massachusetts here.


“A clever, witty, and intoxicating collection that will leave readers staggering with delight.” –Jacob M. Appel, author of Einstein’s Beach House


“John Sheirer is a master storyteller.” –Susanne Davis, author of The Appointed Hour


“John Sheirer creates intense and masterful portraits of his widely varied characters’ deeply personal worlds.” –Sherri VandenAkker, writer/director/producer of My Name Was Bette: The Life and Death of an Alcoholic

Buy John‘s other books through IndieBound, Bookshop, or Amazon.


Fiction: “Wonderfully crafted and deeply satisfying.” –Robin Stratton. “Evocative, illuminating, consummately entertaining, and fully realized.” –Michael Keith. “Amazing work!” –Cavin Bryce Gonzales


Children's Books: “The perfect gift for just about everyone I know.” –Firoozeh Dumas


Memoirs: “This memoir sings with honesty, humor, and grace.” –Kevin O'Hara


Current Events: “Rock-ribbed without being strident.” –Susan Campbell. “Common sense wisdom and a neighborly style.” –Bill Scher. “Entertaining and incisive.” –David Packman


Writing Idea Book: “Indispensable guide to creativity.” –Jay Atkinson. “A terrific source for inspiration.” –Dori Ostermiller. “Fires up the imagination to a heat that destroys writer‘s block.” –Laura Hayden