Author Archives: Val

Book Review: Eleanor and Park by Rainbow Rowell

Posted on April 27, 2015 by Val

This is a young-adult modern(ish) love story with a twist. The story takes place during the days of cassette tape mixes. Eleanor, an awkward redhead, co-stars with Park, an Asian boy who loves punk music. The two find themselves on … Continue reading →

Posted in book reviews | 1 Comment

Fantastic Friday: When Heather Comes to Life

Posted on April 24, 2015 by Val

Battle of the Books This year, I was honored that Loudoun County Public Schools chose my novel The Scarred Letter as one of its ten Battle of the Books selections. Battle of the Books is a competition in which students … Continue reading →

Posted in contest, event, Fantastic Friday, inspiration, The Scarred Letter, writing | 2 Comments

Flash Fiction: Caught in the Act

Posted on April 23, 2015 by Val

Welcome to the Spot Writers. This week’s prompt is to use “he threw open the door” in the writing. Today’s story comes from Cathy MacKenzie. Cathy has recently branched out into children’s picture books and several will soon be published. … Continue reading →

Posted in Catherine A MacKenzie, flash fiction | Leave a comment

Book Review: Being Henry David by Cal Armistead

Posted on April 20, 2015 by Val

The main character (we’ll call him “Hank”) in this young adult novel wakes up at a train station in New York with a bump on his head, a copy of Walden beside him, and a little bit of money in … Continue reading →

Posted in book reviews | 5 Comments

Fantastic Friday: Back to Nature

Posted on April 17, 2015 by Val

I’m not sure whether I have seasonal affective disorder or what—but during those long, cold winter months, I feel cut off. Cut off from what? Nature? It’s more than that. I almost feel—cut off from my soul. I always forget … Continue reading →

Posted in Fantastic Friday | 2 Comments

Flash Fiction: Getting Down to Business

Posted on April 16, 2015 by Val

Welcome to the Spot Writers. This week’s prompt is based on “he threw open the door…” Today’s story comes from Val Muller, author of The Scarred Letter, the young adult reboot being featured in next week’s Battle of the Books … Continue reading →

Posted in flash fiction | Leave a comment

Book review: Stupid Fast by Geoff Herbach

Posted on April 13, 2015 by Val

Written in the voice of 15/16-year old Felton Reinstein, this story is told as Felton looks back upon a very trying summer he’s had. When he was five (we learn in the very first few pages), Felton opened the garage … Continue reading →

Posted in book reviews | 1 Comment

Fantastic Friday: Survive and Thrive

Posted on April 10, 2015 by Val

Life is beautiful. It wants to thrive no matter what obstacles are thrown its way. It’s why we hear miraculous stories of survival. Recently, I dabbled in a new martial arts/dance form known as capoeira. Though its roots are mysterious, … Continue reading →

Posted in Fantastic Friday | Leave a comment

Flash Fiction: A Stranger at the Door

Posted on April 9, 2015 by Val

Welcome to the Spot Writers. The prompt for this month is to write a story including the line “He threw open the door…..   Today’s contribution comes from RC Bonitz, author of A BLANKET FOR HER HEART. His latest book, … Continue reading →

Posted in flash fiction | Leave a comment

Writer Wednesday with Judy Penz Sheluk: What If?

Posted on April 8, 2015 by Val

Today I’m featuring mystery writer Judy Penz Sheluk. Check out her guest post below, and then read about how to enter to win one of her books! As a mystery writer, I’m often asked where I get my ideas. The … Continue reading →

Posted in contest, Writer Wednesdays | Leave a comment