Author Archives: Val

Flash Fiction: Long Lines by Cathy MacKenzie

Posted on January 12, 2017 by Val

Welcome to the Spot Writers. We’ve all been waiting for the New Year, which is now upon us. And waiting is rarely the most fun topic to cover. For this prompt, we have to write a scene/story that’s whole premise … Continue reading →

Posted in flash fiction | Leave a comment

Book review: Someday This Pain Will be Useful to You by Peter Cameron

Posted on January 9, 2017 by Val

James Sveck, the protagonist of this novel, reminds me a bit of Holden Caulfield. He’s at the cusp of adulthood (18 years old), and he doesn’t really want to go to college: he finds people his own age to be … Continue reading →

Posted in book reviews | Leave a comment

Flash Fiction: Timehop by Val Muller

Posted on January 5, 2017 by Val

Welcome to the Spot Writers, bringing you your weekly dose of flash fiction. This month’s prompt is to write about waiting in line, making it as interesting as possible. Today’s scifi-inspired tale comes to us from Val Muller, author of … Continue reading →

Posted in flash fiction | Leave a comment

Writer Wednesday: Last Curtain Call by Linda Harris Sittig

Posted on January 4, 2017 by Val

As an editor for Freedom Forge Press, I am lucky enough to encounter a handful of freedom-themed manuscripts amazing enough to send through the publishing process. I recently completed a manuscript with Linda Harris Sittig, and I wanted to learn … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment

Book Review: The City of Ember by Jeanne DuPrau

Posted on January 2, 2017 by Val

A middle grade mystery/adventure, The City of Ember follows Lina and Doon, two children who live in an underground city called Ember. Throughout the story, things in Ember are bleak—and getting bleaker. There are huge storerooms full of supplies like … Continue reading →

Posted in book reviews | Leave a comment

Fantastic Friday: New Year, New List

Posted on December 30, 2016 by Val

So, of course my “to be read” (TBR) pile is still high, but I couldn’t help asking for just a few books this holiday. For today’s Fantastic Friday, I want to share the new additions to my TBR pile (and … Continue reading →

Posted in Fantastic Friday | Leave a comment

Flash Fiction: The Perfect Christmas Present

Posted on December 29, 2016 by Val

Welcome to The Spot Writers. The prompt for this month is to focus on ending and new beginnings. The story must also feature a fruitcake! This week’s story comes from CaraMarie Christy, marketing intern for Alex Westmore and author of … Continue reading →

Posted in flash fiction | Leave a comment

Writer Wednesday: The Inspiration Behind Hollow Oak

Posted on December 28, 2016 by Val

I’m excited about my new book, The Man with the Crystal Ankh. It’s the first in the Hollow Oak trilogy. When I sat down to think about what truly inspired my writing of this book, one of the answers surprised … Continue reading →

Posted in autumn, books, Halloween, horror, inspiration, Writer Wednesdays | Leave a comment

Book Review: Waffles and Pancakes: A Lesson in the True Meaning of Christmas by Cindy Springsteen, Illustrated by Carol Ann Whittle

Posted on December 26, 2016 by Val

I received a new Kindle Fire for Christmas, and I “fired” it up, logging onto my Kindle account. Of course, there are shelves and shelves of “TBR” books. Now that the little one is sleeping a “bit” more predictably, I’ve … Continue reading →

Posted in book reviews | Leave a comment

Flash Fiction: A New Tradition by Dorothy Colinco

Posted on December 22, 2016 by Val

Welcome to The Spot Writers. The prompt for this month: As the year ends, we’ll focus on the topic of Endings and New Beginnings. Keeping with the December theme, a fruitcake must also appear somewhere in your story. This week’s … Continue reading →

Posted in flash fiction | Leave a comment