Author Archives: Val

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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Writer Wednesday: Kathryn D. Murphy

Posted on June 3, 2020 by Val

This week I had the chance to meet Kathryn D. Murphy, who is celebrating a new release this week! Her latest novel, Simply a Matter of Time, is available on Amazon. I have my copy, and as soon as I … Continue reading →

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Book Review: Kon-Tiki by Thor Heyerdahl

Posted on June 1, 2020 by Val

When I gave my dad a copy of Life of Pi to read, he recommended I read Kon-Tiki, noting that it is a typical survival-at-sea story that may have helped inspire Martel’s Life of Pi. After reading it, I do … Continue reading →

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Fantastic Friday: The Journey

Posted on May 23, 2020 by Val

Like many parents, I have been scouring the Internet for ideas to keep kids entertained while still providing some educational value. We have made cardboard boats, bead people (a throwback to my childhood), necklaces, drawings; we have gardened, weeded, cared … Continue reading →

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Flash Fiction (poetry): “Our ‘New Normal'” by Cathy MacKenzie

Posted on May 14, 2020 by Val

Welcome to The Spot Writers. This month’s prompt is to write a “never have/had I ever” story. 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. … Continue reading →

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Writer Wednesday: author J. R. Lesperance

Posted on May 13, 2020 by Val

Today, I have the honor to host a new author–and a former student!–J. R. Lesperance, whose debut novel Cardinal Virtue has just been released. A beloved schoolteacher, her gruesome death, and a series of cryptic symbols left behind by the killer are … Continue reading →

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Fantastic Friday: Transcending Words

Posted on May 8, 2020 by Val

When I was pregnant, I could not write. I was overwhelmed with worry so that visual art became my creative outlet. I took up sketching, then drawing, something I’d done years before, but never professionally. I find that when times … Continue reading →

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Flash Fiction (poetry): Carpe Diem by Val Muller

Posted on May 7, 2020 by Val

Welcome to the Spot Writers. This month’s prompt is “never have/had I ever.” Today’s writing comes to us from Val Muller, author of the Corgi Capers kidlit mystery series. Find out more at www.corgicapers.com. The dandelion, pictured below, served as … Continue reading →

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Fantastic Friday: Just Like Grandma

Posted on May 2, 2020 by Val

I’m a day late posting this. The idea for this blog post has been bouncing around in my head for over a week, but like many of you, I spent so much time in front of the computer for work/communication … Continue reading →

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