Author Archives: Val

Spot Writers: Sundays

Posted on August 29, 2013 by Val

Welcome to the Spot Writers. This week the prompt is based on the following opening sentence, which every member of the Spot Writers used to begin their piece:   “Every day of the week I…, but Sundays are different. On Sundays, I…” … Continue reading →

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Book Review: Poison Study by Maria V. Snyder

Posted on August 26, 2013 by Val

This is one thick book that I just couldn’t put down! An upper-young-adult fantasy novel, this story follows Yelena, a young woman with a rough past. Without giving too much away, I’ll say that she killed a man who abused … Continue reading →

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Spot Writers: Magic

Posted on August 22, 2013 by Val

Welcome to the Spot Writers. This week the prompt based on the following opening sentence, which every member of the Spot Writers used to begin their piece:   Every day of the week I toe the mark, but Sundays are different. … Continue reading →

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Book Review: Miles of Deception by Leah Diehl

Posted on August 19, 2013 by Val

Written by a local Baltimore author, this book follows the tribulations of Megan Gerard as—right after burying her mother—she deals with a stalker who is out to have his way with her—and worse. Right after the funeral, all Megan wants … Continue reading →

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Spot Writers: A Memorable Sunday

Posted on August 15, 2013 by Val

Welcome to the Spot Writers. This week the prompt is the following required opening sentence   Every day of the week I toe the mark, but Sundays are different. On Sundays, I throw the book away and do my thing.   … Continue reading →

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For Whom My Heart Beats Eternal: One Year Anniversary Tour

Posted on August 12, 2013 by Val

To celebrate the one year anniversary of my sci-fi/speculative/romance collection, I’m hosting a tour and giveaway! In this time-travel novella incorporating sweet romance and science fiction, Anna, a young graduate student, has found her intellectual soul mate. She and Dr. … Continue reading →

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Book Review: The Fifth Wish by Dixiane Hallaj

Posted on August 12, 2013 by Val

This is a short story/children’s book illustrated by the author in line drawings. It is reminiscent of Native American creation myths: the myth begins with a woman bearing twins. The twins eventually grow to create the chaotic world we live … Continue reading →

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Book Review: Hearts in Exile by Mysti Parker

Posted on August 5, 2013 by Val

Hearts in Exile is the third book in the Tallenmere series, and I had not read the first two books when I was asked to review this one. Nonetheless, I was able to read and understand this book well enough … Continue reading →

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Spot Writers: The End

Posted on August 1, 2013 by Val

This week’s post comes to us from Cathy MacKenzie, who writes short stories and poems. The current theme for The Spot Writers is to begin a short story with these four sentences:  “This is it. So very simple actually. Just … Continue reading →

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For Writers: Make Your Scenes Work Harder

Posted on July 31, 2013 by Val

I’m pleased to announce that I’ve been invited to teach an online writing class with Pennwriters, a writers group located in Pennsylvania (but open to everyone). The course starts on August 5, so you can enroll until then if you … Continue reading →

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