Author Archives: Val

Flash Fiction (Poetry): Scar by Val Muller

Posted on September 23, 2021 by Val

Welcome to the Spot Writers. This month’s prompt is to write about “a surprising discovery.” This week’s story (poem) comes to us from Val Muller, author of the kidlit Corgi Capers mystery series. Follow along at www.corgicapers.com Scar By Val … Continue reading →

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Flash Fiction: Sunrise by Val Muller

Posted on August 26, 2021 by Val

Welcome to the Spot Writers. This month’s prompt is, write about what you did to end the summer with a great hurrah. But it has to be a dark/chilling account. Today’s story comes to us from Val Muller, author of … Continue reading →

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Flash Fiction: “Blob” by Val Muller

Posted on July 29, 2021 by Val

Welcome to the Spot Writers. This month’s prompt is to write a story using the words leftover paint, mermaid, tide, sun, chilly. This week’s tale comes to us from Val Muller, author of the kidlit Corgi Capers mystery series. Check … Continue reading →

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Book Review: Grendel by John Gardner

Posted on July 5, 2021 by Val

Years ago, I heard there was a book written from the point of view of Grendel, the monster in the epic tale Beowulf. I put it on my “to be read” list and eventually remembered it when another Beowulf spin-off … Continue reading →

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Flash Fiction: Shadow’s Approval by Val Muller

Posted on July 1, 2021 by Val

Welcome to the Spot Writers. This month’s prompt is: Center your story around an absurd detail (for example, people walk on their hands, hedgehogs fly…) This week’s writing comes to us from Val Muller, author of the kidlit Corgi Capers … Continue reading →

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Book review: Ten Days in a Madhouse (Nellie Bly)

Posted on June 28, 2021 by Val

Nellie Bly was a groundbreaking journalist whose personality led her to become world-famous at a time when women in journalism were usually assigned mediocre topics. When I first watched a documentary about her in teaching journalism, I knew I wanted … Continue reading →

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Book review: Home of the Brave by Katherine Applegate

Posted on June 21, 2021 by Val

With the crazy school year—teaching virtually at the same time as in the classroom—I did not have time to write book reviews as often as I would have liked, but I was still reading! So this summer, I am writing … Continue reading →

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Fantastic Friday: Eclipse

Posted on June 11, 2021 by Val

What a year this has been. As I wrap up the last full week of this school year, I finally have a second to breathe and to realize I haven’t found time to post many Fantastic Fridays this year. It’s … Continue reading →

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Flash Fiction: “Decisions, Decisions” by Cathy MacKenzie

Posted on June 10, 2021 by Val

Welcome to The Spot Writers. This month “A character faces an important decision.” Bonus points if it doesn’t mention COVID! (Cathy’s post does not mention Covid!) This dark tale comes to us from Cathy MacKenzie. Cathy’s novels, WOLVES DON’T KNOCK, … Continue reading →

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Flash Fiction: Spud by Val Muller

Posted on June 3, 2021 by Val

Welcome to the Spot Writers. This month’s prompt is “A character faces an important decision” with bonus points if it doesn’t mention COVID ? This week’s tale comes to us from Val Muller, who is in the home stretch of … Continue reading →

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