From continuing education to bestseller: Author Shelby Van Pelt’s journey to success
College of DuPage Continuing Education student Shelby Van Pelt has turned her passion for storytelling into a literary sensation.
Her debut novel, “Remarkably Bright Creatures,” captured readers’ hearts with its poignant tale told in part through the witty and wise perspective of a Giant Pacific octopus named Marcellus.
Exploring the power of connection, community and hope, the book has earned widespread acclaim and success, winning the Heartland Prize for Fiction in 2023, selling over three million copies to date, and spending a year-plus on the New York Times Hardcover Bestseller list.
In recognition of her accomplishments, Van Pelt was recently named a 2025 COD Distinguished Alumna, joining an exceptional group of graduates honored for their professional achievements and contributions to their communities.
Before her rise to literary success, Van Pelt developed early drafts of “Remarkably Bright Creatures” in COD Continuing Education Instructor Mardelle Fortier’s writing workshop. She recently reflected on her experience at COD and the impact of lifelong learning on her writing journey.
What is the importance of being surrounded by a community of like-minded learners?
The diversity is one of my absolute favorite things about Continuing Education groups. Even though we might be from different generations and levels of experience, everyone is there because they’re curious about improving their craft. It’s the opposite of competitive or cutthroat — it’s a community.
Having a group with mixed ages and backgrounds can yield incredibly valuable critique. When I was writing a novel with a septuagenarian protagonist, there were folks in my Continuing Education classes who had that lived experience. I’ve seen classmates lend real-world expertise on everything from exotic botany to the technical aspects of industrial plumbing, and nothing makes a story ring true like that kind of authentic feedback.
If there’s one thing that’s invaluable about Continuing Education classes — especially for newer writers — it’s feedback. Learning to take feedback productively is a skill that takes practice. For me, Continuing Education classes were a wonderful training ground, a safe space to learn how to incorporate critique and “thicken my skin” a bit.
You mentioned the value of mixed experience levels. Can you talk more about that?
The biggest benefit is the opportunity for peer mentorship. In any class, you expect that the instructor will take on a mentor role (and I have certainly considered my COD Continuing Education Instructor Mardelle Fortier a mentor in my own writing), but in Continuing Education classes, you often have folks who are quite accomplished alongside curious newcomers.
I remember being the newbie writer and feeling inspired and motivated by those around me who were farther along, while also bonding with my fellow beginners. Now, as a published author, I hope I can inspire newer writers and help them on their journey.
What would you say to community members who are on the fence about taking a Continuing Education class at COD?
College of DuPage is such a fantastic resource, and I send writers who are looking for a workshop community there all the time! I hope to have time to participate again soon.
To anyone on the fence, I’d say: take the class. Always take the class! You never know what might come out of it. My New York Times bestselling novel was born in a Continuing Education class — one I almost didn’t sign up for because I had zero creative writing experience at the time. Continuing Education changed the course of my life and career. Take the class!
Learn about Continuing Education opportunities at cod.edu/academics/continuing-education/index.html.