Author Archives: Val

Flash Poetry: The Sunflower by Cathy MacKenzie

Posted on April 14, 2016 by Val

Welcome to the Spot Writers. The prompt for this month is “spring flowers.” This poem comes from Cathy MacKenzie (an old poem from her “archives” since she forgot about writing something new for today). Check out her website at the … Continue reading →

Posted in poetry | Leave a comment

Writer Wednesday with Alana Woods

Posted on April 13, 2016 by Val

This week, I had the opportunity to talk with Alana Woods, author of two contemporary Australian thrillers.  Tell us about yourself: Career public servant in a past life.  And a professional editor for much of it.  After giving up full-time … Continue reading →

Posted in inspiration, interview, musings, Writer Wednesdays, writing | 1 Comment

Movie Review: The Witch

Posted on April 11, 2016 by Val

I usually post only book reviews, but with a newborn at home, I’ve been slipping just a bit in my one-book-per-week goal. While I play catch-up, I thought I’d review a movie I saw yesterday, The Witch. I have never … Continue reading →

Posted in movie review | Leave a comment

Fantastic Friday: Powerpuff Yourself!

Posted on April 8, 2016 by Val

I was excited to learn recently that the Powerpuff Girls, a cartoon show I watched in my youth, is making a comeback with a new series. In celebration, there is a website allowing you to make yourself into a Powerpuff … Continue reading →

Posted in Fantastic Friday | Leave a comment

Flash Fiction: The Lavender Peony by Val Muller

Posted on April 7, 2016 by Val

Welcome to the Spot Writers. The prompt for this month simply: spring flowers. This tale takes a darker twist on that theme and comes to you from Val Muller, author of the YA reboot The Scarred Letter—fighting for the truth … Continue reading →

Posted in flash fiction | 2 Comments

Writer Wednesday with Jo Marshall

Posted on April 6, 2016 by Val

This week I had a chance to interview Jo Marshall, a fellow children’s author. I love learning the “back story” about how authors became inspired for their series, and I enjoyed learning more about Jo. Her books will eventually appear … Continue reading →

Posted in interview, Writer Wednesdays, writing | 2 Comments

Book Review: Ella Enchanted by Gail Carson Levine

Posted on April 4, 2016 by Val

I’d been meaning to read this book for a while now. Even though she’s too little to read yet, I’m weaving in more middle grade and young adult literature so that I can have some excellent recommendations for my daughter. … Continue reading →

Posted in book reviews | Leave a comment

Fantastic Friday: Robots and Loyalty

Posted on April 1, 2016 by Val

My husband had been talking about getting one of those robot vacuum cleaners for years. With the addition of Baby and the prevalence of corgis and their profuse “fluff,” we thought now might be the time to splurge. Without trying … Continue reading →

Posted in Fantastic Friday | Leave a comment

Writer Wednesday with Lana Kortchik

Posted on March 30, 2016 by Val

This week I got to chat with Lana Kortchik, author of Savaged Lands, released with Endeavor Press. I enjoyed her tale, “Sixteen Days Ago,” in Freedom Forge Press’s Forging Freedom anthology. She’s had experiences living in diverse locations around the … Continue reading →

Posted in interview, Writer Wednesdays, writing | 1 Comment

Networking Opportunities for Writers

Posted on March 27, 2016 by Val

When I was in high school, I heard the cliché “It’s not what you know; it’s who you know” so many times that I vowed to disprove it. I always felt it was important to obtain skills and knowledge. The … Continue reading →

Posted in event, writing | 1 Comment