Author Archives: Val

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 →

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Fantastic Friday: Winter is Leaving

Posted on March 25, 2016 by Val

I had a little fun this week with winter’s departure. Anyone who knows me knows that I detest snow. Not only did I have plenty of it growing up in New England: more recently, snow has caused a sprained thumb, … Continue reading →

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Flash Fiction: Goodbye, Old Friends by Tom Robson

Posted on March 24, 2016 by Val

Welcome to the Spot Writers. The prompt for this month is to use in the story “Just breathe and count to ten…” Today’s tale comes to you from Tom Robson, author of Written While I still Remember, A Patchwork Memoir. … Continue reading →

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Writer Wednesdays: Dystopian Express

Posted on March 23, 2016 by Val

Welcome to Writer Wednesdays. Today I’d like to highlight a book hot off the presses (well, the electronic presses, for now. The paperback is on its way!). It’s called Dystopian Express, and I’m especially excited because dystopian writing is probably … Continue reading →

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Book Review: Hyperbole and a Half by Allie Brosh

Posted on March 21, 2016 by Val

I happened upon this book in a used book store. I had previously read the (now award-winning) blog of the same name and was excited to see there was now a book. It was there in the illustrated humor section, … Continue reading →

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Flash Fiction: Just Breathe by Cathy MacKenzie

Posted on March 17, 2016 by Val

Welcome to the Spot Writers. The prompt for February is to begin your story with “Just breathe and count to ten…” Sorry this post is a little late. Tiny Baby is Queen of the Universe and makes Mommy sometimes question … Continue reading →

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Book Review: Dead of Summer by Sherry Knowlton

Posted on March 14, 2016 by Val

I enjoyed reading Knowlton’s first book, Dead of Autumn, and was excited to learn there is a sequel (and a third book coming soon). You can read my review of Dead of Autumn here. Now, for Dead of Summer: Synopsis … Continue reading →

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Book Review: Looking for Alaska by John Green

Posted on March 7, 2016 by Val

I had read so many summaries of John Green novels written by my students that I wanted to choose a novel I didn’t know about. This is his first novel, and none of my students had ever reviewed it or … Continue reading →

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Fantastic Friday: Finding the Humor

Posted on March 4, 2016 by Val

A little late posting this one, but happy weekend, folks! If you haven’t heard, I’ve been a little busy lately with a newborn. She’s a bundle of joy, for sure, but as with all newborns, there are trying times. So … Continue reading →

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Flash Fiction: Just Breathe by RC Bonitz

Posted on March 3, 2016 by Val

Welcome to the Spot Writers. Today’s contribution comes from RC Bonitz, author of DANGEROUS DECISIONS, which was released in September. The prompt for this month is “Just breathe and count to ten.”. JUST BREATHE by RC Bonitz The door at … Continue reading →

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