Author Archives: Val

Return of the Light by Val Muller

Posted on December 21, 2023 by Val

Welcome to the Spot Writers. The prompt for this month is to write about new neighbors moving in. Today’s tale comes to us from Val Muller, author of the Corgi Capers kidlit series.  Return of the Light By Val Muller … Continue reading →

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Flash Fiction: All Hallows Magic

Posted on October 26, 2023 by Val

Welcome to the Spot Writers. This month’s prompt is to use these five words in a tale: wax, teeth, stain, spirit, quiet. This week’s tale comes to us from Val Muller, author of the Corgi Capers kidlit mystery series. All … Continue reading →

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Flash Fiction: Wayward Lee by Cathy MacKenzie

Posted on October 5, 2023 by Val

Welcome to The Spot Writers. The prompt for this cycle is to write a story that involves waiting for something. Today’s tale comes to us from Cathy MacKenzie. Along with several short story collections, books of poetry, and two novels, … Continue reading →

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Flash fiction: Lurking by Val Muller

Posted on September 28, 2023 by Val

Welcome to The Spot Writers. This month’s prompt is to write a story involving waiting.  Today’s tale comes to us from Val Muller, author of the kidlit series Corgi Capers. Lurking By Val Muller The autumn chill bit the air. … Continue reading →

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Flash fiction: Postpartum

Posted on August 30, 2023 by Val

Welcome to the Spot Writers. This month’s prompt is to write a story involving a penguin. Today’s story comes to us from Val Muller, author of the kidlit series Corgi Capers.  Note: getting ready for my own baby penguin, I … Continue reading →

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Book Review: Nayra and the Djinn by Iasmin Omar Ata

Posted on July 17, 2023 by Val

While my son was in the library, I decided to pick up a graphic novel from the middle grade/young adult section to read over while he ignored storytime and played with all the hands-on activities in the children’s section. This … Continue reading →

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Book Review: Grandma Gatewood’s Walk by Ben Montgomery

Posted on July 10, 2023 by Val

The reason I picked this book up is because I saw an interview with Ben Montgomery about how to encourage high school journalists to improve their interview skills, so I was curious to read a book-length piece by him regarding … Continue reading →

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When the Emperor was Divine by Julie Otsuka

Posted on July 3, 2023 by Val

When I was in college, I heard an author speak. I did little research about her before I went to hear her read a passage from her book, When the Emperor was Divine, but I do remember a poignant passage … Continue reading →

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Book Review: Wait Till Helen Comes (graphic novel edition)

Posted on June 26, 2023 by Val

Original story by Mary Downing Hahn. Adapted by Scott Peterson, Meredith Laxton, and Russ Badgett A while back, I reviewed the original novel Wait Till Helen Comes, though when I first became aware of the title, it was as a … Continue reading →

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Book Review: The Oregon Trail – Race to Chimney Rock by Jesse Wiley

Posted on June 19, 2023 by Val

Now that school’s out, I’m catching up on posting reviews of some of the easier reads I’ve read over the school year. I try to preview books that my daughter might be interested in reading. Having grown up in the … Continue reading →

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