Author Archives: Val

Book Review: We Have Always Lived in the Castle by Shirley Jackson

Posted on July 13, 2020 by Val

I can’t remember how old I was when I first read “The Lottery,” but I have been a Shirley Jackson fan since then. I was excited to learn about this short novel, apparently her last published novel, so I snagged … Continue reading →

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Flash Fiction: Sally and Julius by Cathy MacKenzie

Posted on July 9, 2020 by Val

Welcome to The Spot Writers. This month’s prompt is to write about something “summery.” This week’s contribution comes from Cathy MacKenzie. Cathy’s novel, WOLVES DON’T KNOCK, a psychological drama, is available from her locally or on Amazon. MISTER WOLFE, the … Continue reading →

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Flash Fiction: Spirit Animal by Val Muller

Posted on July 2, 2020 by Val

Welcome to the Spot Writers. This month’s prompt is to write about something summery. Today’s piece comes to us from Val Muller, author of the Corgi Capers mystery series with several other books in the works. Check out her blog … Continue reading →

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Writer Wednesday: my news + upcoming and new releases

Posted on July 1, 2020 by Val

A funny thing happened when I was pregnant with my daughter. When I sat down to write, I experienced writer’s block for the first time. I know it may sound weird or unbelievable to many, but prior to that moment, … Continue reading →

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Book Review: Wonder by R. J. Palacio

Posted on June 29, 2020 by Val

I meant to read this book long ago. I bought a copy, then misplaced it. During some spring cleaning, it emerged, and I read it over the course of three days or so. It’s a story of bullying and perseverance, … Continue reading →

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Fantastic Friday: Three-minute friendship

Posted on June 26, 2020 by Val

Today, I took my kids to a socially-distanced outdoor activity—a farm/playground where families were asked to stay at least 6 feet apart. As you might expect, kids have a harder time doing so. A slightly older girl approached my daughter … Continue reading →

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Flash Fiction: On a Cold Winter Night by Chiara De Giorgi

Posted on June 25, 2020 by Val

Welcome to The Spot Writers. This month’s prompt is to find 5 words in a news article that jump out at you. Write a story using those words. This week story comes from Chiara. Chiara is currently in Berlin, Germany, … Continue reading →

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Writer Wednesday with Nick Maley

Posted on June 17, 2020 by Val

This week, I have a chance to feature Nick Maley, author of The Do or Do Not Outlook: 77 Steps to Living an Extraordinary Life, which he describes as a little book of big ideas. Nick is known as “That … Continue reading →

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Book review: Skellig by David Almond

Posted on June 8, 2020 by Val

Someone was giving away books, and this one caught my eye. It’s listed as middle grade—for ages 8 to 12—which I frequently read to (1) research books my kids might like in a few years (2) stay sharp for writing … Continue reading →

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Flash Fiction: Afternoon Anthropologist by Val Muller

Posted on June 4, 2020 by Val

Welcome to The Spot Writers. This week’s prompt is to find a new article, and choose five words from the article, using them in a story or a poem. This week’s story is from Val Muller, author of the Corgi … Continue reading →

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