Author Archives: Val

Book Review: Wait Till Helen Comes by Mary Downing Hahn

I came upon the graphic novel version of this story at a book fair at my kid’s school. When I went home to research it, I saw that it was originally a novel, so I gave it a shot. The … Continue reading

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Book Review: The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid

Like last week’s book pick, I chose to read this one after someone mentioned that it involved journalism. I thought it might be a good read to integrate into my journalism classes, at least in part. While that part of … Continue reading

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Book Review: Christmas Jars by Jason F. Wright

Sure, Christmas is over, but according to this book, as early as December 26, you can start planning your Christmas jar for next year. I learned about this book in the fall, when my daughter’s swim instructor heard I was … Continue reading

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Book Review: Amulet (graphic novel book 1: The Stonekeeper) by Kazu Kibuishi

While shopping for holiday gifts for a raffle basket, I came across this book randomly at Walmart of all places. I read the first several pages while my kids were choosing books for the gift basket, and I fell in … Continue reading

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Narrative Poetry: The Sixth Annual Psychotic Christmas Purge

Welcome to the Spot Writers! This month’s prompt is to write about a memorable gift. This week’s prompt comes to us from Val Muller, whose family always manages to align “spring cleaning” with the weeks leading up to Christmas (and … Continue reading

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Poetry: Fear of Flossing by Val Muller

Welcome to the Spot Writers. This month’s prompt is to write on the theme “trying something new.” This week’s poem comes to us from Val Muller, author of the kidlit mystery series Corgi Capers. This poem may or may not … Continue reading

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Flash fiction: Return to Canterville by Chiara De Giorgi

Welcome to The Spot Writers. This month’s prompt: autumn/Halloween. Write a story where a literal or metaphorical ghost plays a prominent role. This week’s contribution comes from Chiara De Giorgi. Chiara is currently in Berlin, Germany, doing her best to … Continue reading

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Flash fiction: Career Aspiration by Val Muller

Welcome to the Spot Writers. This month’s prompt is to write a story that features someone dancing in the rain. This tale comes to us from Val Muller, author of the kidlit Corgi Capers mystery series. Since Halloween is Val’s … Continue reading

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Flash fiction: The Inn at the End of Dreams by Chiara De Giorgi

Welcome to the Spot Writers. The prompt for this month is “Back to School.” This week’s contribution comes from Chiara De Giorgi. Chiara is currently in Berlin, Germany, doing her best to catch up with semi-abandoned writing projects. Her YA … Continue reading

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Flash Fiction: “What? Sending William Away?” by Cathy MacKenzie

Welcome to The Spot Writers. Catherine A. MacKenzie’s novels, WOLVES DON’T KNOCK, a psychological drama, and MISTER WOLFE, the darkly dark sequel/stand-alone novel (18+), are available on Amazon. The prompt for the months is “New School Year.” This week, Cathy … Continue reading

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