May Update: All the Things (And Then Some)

Hey friends,

Let me tell you—May has been wild. In the best, most exhilarating, beautifully chaotic kind of way. Honestly, if you'd told me a year ago that I'd be writing this update with a sleepy rescue dog snoring at my feet, a film adaptation of one of my plays in the works, and a brand-new creative company officially launched... I probably would’ve laughed and said, “Sure, in some parallel universe.” But here we are. It’s happening. All of it. And more.

So let’s start with the big news: Blue Dasher Productions, LLC is officially off the ground! 🎉

This new venture has been a long time coming, and launching it has been equal parts terrifying and thrilling. Blue Dasher Productions is more than just a business—it’s a creative home. A place for writers, dreamers, makers, and believers in the power of storytelling. It’s where we’ll publish my books through Blue Dasher Press, celebrate iconic and rare films through Fantastic Classics, and empower writers of all levels through Workshops with Wren. It’s the creative company I always dreamed of building, and now it’s real. Like... real real.

In other huge news—my stage play Better Places to Go is being adapted into a film! The incredibly talented Adam Michael is directing, and watching this project come to life in a new medium is surreal in the best way. I wrote this play with my heart wide open, and seeing it through a cinematic lens has been such an emotional and fulfilling experience.

Outside of the studio and the writing desk, I got to hit the road with my wonderful family for a little road trip to Santa Rosa, California. We had a blast—great weather, even better food, and plenty of laughs. We also spent a dreamy day lakeside at Rancho Seco, which reminded me how important it is to press pause and just be.

Back in the world of words, I was honored to have an article published in Romance Writers Report called Break Through the Murky Middle. It’s a topic I’m passionate about because, let’s face it, the murky middle is where a lot of writers throw in the towel. But that’s also where the magic happens—if you push through.

In family news, my beautiful niece Maha just turned 2 years old and is already a force of nature. Watching her grow is one of life’s greatest joys.

I’ve also been keeping busy on the acting front, working on several new film projects, and (this is a fun one) I’m starring as Velvet Vane in the new web series Horror Hound Bites with Mary Kate. It’s campy, creepy, and an absolute blast.

Oh, and meet Winston Ruckus—the latest addition to my life. I adopted this scruffy ball of love from a local shelter, and he’s already the king of the household.

The short film Please Stop, which I’m proud to be an associate producer on, was released recently, and it’s already making waves. Grateful to be part of a team creating such vital, powerful work.

Teaching remains one of my greatest joys, and I recently had the pleasure of teaching a virtual workshop for Dallas Area Romance Authors (DARA) called Creating an Effective Marketing Plan. Connecting with fellow writers never gets old—it fills my creative cup every single time.

And, of course, this month came with a bundle of new releases:

Group Project – A short play about labels, identity, and self-discovery among college students navigating the messy terrain of sexuality.

Boys Like Me – A collection of award-winning and previously published short stories that dig deep into lust, grief, love, paranormal encounters, and all the wild, weird feelings that make us human.

Frozen Stars (New Edition) – One of my most beloved stage plays is back in print! A coming-of-age drama with a Latin heartbeat, full of tension, truth, and tenderness. Thrilled to bring this story to a whole new generation of readers and performers.

If it sounds like I’ve been busy, it’s because I have. And honestly? This summer is already shaping up to be my busiest—and most productive—yet.

Before I sign off, I want to give the biggest thank-you to my incredible support system—my family, friends, creative collaborators, workshop attendees, and of course, you, my readers. You make all of this possible. Every page, every performance, every production—I carry your support with me always.

Stay bold, stay curious, and keep creating.

With gratitude and excitement,

Wren

P.S. Give your dog a treat from Winston Ruckus. He insists. 🐾

Welcome

Hello. Thank you for stopping by. I'm happy you're here.

My name is Wren Valentino. I'm an actor, entrepreneur, film producer, movie critic, workshop instructor, and writer. I write in multiple genres, primarily romance, thriller, young adult, and horror. In addition, I'm a playwright, poet, and screnwriter. 

As an actor, I can be seen (and heard) in thirty films, including many horror movies. Currently, I play fashionista Velvet Vane on the popular web series Horror Hound Bites with Mary Kate (Forever Entertainment). Check out the Acting section for more info. 

If you'd like to learn more about me and my life, the About section offers more details. For more intimate access, I invite you to subscribe to my free OnlyFans.

The Links page is a great list of writing resources and links to the individual webpages of the members of my collective creative team. There, you will also find links to places you can connect with me online, as well as where you can read some of my work.

I've created a series of workshops for writers of all levels of experience, genres, and form. Visit Workshops with Wren for more information.

Visit Fantastic Classics for film reviews I write about classic films of all eras and all genres.

All of my titles are published by Blue Dasher Press. 

My most recent project is a short story about magic, romance, a black cat, and Halloween called Bells and Spells. 

Don't forget to check out the Giveaways page where you can find information on when the Kindle Unlimited editions of my books and short stories are available free every month. 

Please send all professional inquiries via the contact form. A member of my creative team will be happy to help you. 

Again, thank you for being here. As always, thank you for your support!💙

My Summer Themed Stage Plays

Summer is the perfect season for storytelling under the sun—or the stage lights—and at Blue Dasher Press, we’re thrilled to share a curated collection of our summer-themed stage plays! Whether you're looking for a quick 15-minute piece or a full-length production to anchor your summer lineup, we've got something for every stage and every audience. Each script is available as a printable PDF in our digital store, and best of all, every play can be produced royalty-free. That’s right—there’s never a cost to produce one of our scripts, because we believe theatre is for everyone.

15-MINUTES OR LESS

BRACELETS AND BOYFRIENDS

Story: Best friends since childhood, Judy and Olivia decide to return to a quaint seaside town that they once visited on family vacations during their early teen years. Reminded of love's lost, choices made, and the fading of their youth, Judy and Olivia reaffirm their friendship; a play about two women who must look back before they can move forward.

Highlight: Winner of the Carrie McCray Memorial Literary Award for Best Stage Play. 

Highlight: Adapted into the award-winning short film Bracelets.

Length: 15 Minutes

Cast: 2f; both characters are in their early 50's

Audience: Contains adult subject matter and adult language

Printable PDF

Produce This Play for Free

THE CLUTCH

Story: Moments after rejecting a marriage proposal, a woman is tempted by a somewhat obnoxious stranger she meets at a sidewalk café in Greece. 

Highlight: Official Selection, In the Works, One Night Stand Theater 

Highlight: Off-Off Broadway Production, The Producer's Club

Length: 10 Minutes

Cast: 1f, 1m; both characters are in their early 30's

Audience: Contains adult subject matter

Printable PDF

Produce This Play for Free

HELL WITH THE LID OFF

Story: On the hottest day of the year, five people suffering from different types of addiction each reach their breaking point while attending a healing retreat in the middle of nowhere. 

Length: 15 Minutes

Cast: 3f, 3m

Audience: Contains adult subject matter and adult language

Printable PDF 

Produce This Play for Free

HOT RATES TO OMAHA

Story: After his estranged father dies as a result of a drug addiction, Cooper is determined to carry out his father’s final wishes by embarking on a road trip to Omaha. Along for the ride is Shelley, who is aware that Cooper has been unfaithful and plans to end their relationship before they get home.

Length: 15 Minutes

Cast: 1f, 1m

Audience: Contains adult subject matter and adult language

Printable PDF 

Produce This Play for Free

I BET SHE HAS A PARTY TO GO TO

Story: After watching a beautiful, free-spirited woman roller skate through a city park, three women respond to the resentment they feel about her assumed carefree life. 

Highlight: Featured in The Best 10-Minute Plays

Length: 10 Minutes

Cast: 4f

Audience: Contains adult subject matter and adult language

Kindle Unlimited Edition

Printable PDF 

Produce This Play for Free

THE SEVENTH OF AUGUST

Story: Erica's relationship of ten years has ended without her knowing how or why. Lloyd's girlfriend has slept with all of his friends and two of his relatives. When Erica loses her parking ticket in the underground garage Lloyd is the new customer service manager of, their shattered lives and bruised hearts collide.

Length: 10 Minutes

Cast: 1f, 1m; both characters are in their early 30's

Audience: Contains adult subject matter and adult language

Printable PDF 

Produce This Play for Free

SHALLOW END

Story: Moments after she’s almost sexually assaulted by a classmate, high school student Vanessa Martin seeks solitude at the local swimming pool despite the late hour. There, a swim class instructor and fellow high school student named Zane Armstrong encourages Vanessa to face her fear of drowning but not before first sharing a scar and secrets of his own. 

Highlight: Named a Top 15 finalist for the Billy Roche International Short Play Award

Length: 10 Minutes

Cast: 1f, 1m; both characters are in high school; contains content related to sexual assault

Audience: Contains adult subject matter

Kindle Unlimited Edition

Printable PDF 

Produce This Play for Free

SHIMMER

Story: Questioning how happy she is with her life and marriage, suburban housewife Claudia Veramonte shares a flirtatious but meaningful conversation with Tito Benavides, the beautiful young man who cleans her swimming pool.

Highlight: Featured in The Best Women's Stage Monologues

Highlight: Featured in The Best Men's Stage Monologues

Length: 10 Minutes

Cast: 1f, 1m

Audience: Contains adult subject matter and adult language

Printable PDF 

Produce This Play for Free

STAY

Story: On the same day her boyfriend Jessie is released from a work camp, eighteen-year-old Alison Freeman receives a letter from her estranged mother who wants a second chance. Alison must decide whether to accept a marriage proposal from Jessie, continue living with her lonely Aunt Carla, or leave her small hometown to join her mother for a new life in New York. 

Length: 15 Minutes

Cast: 4f, 2M

Audience: Contains adult subject matter and adult language

Printable PDF 

Produce This Play for Free

FULL LENGTH

PENSACOLA

Story: Pensacola explores the lives of four Southern women. Trudy has been a single mother since her husband went to work one day and never came home. Since then, she has tried to find a cure for her loneliness while working as a cocktail waitress at The Tide Pool. Charlotte is married and has two daughters of her own. Recently, Charlotte suspects that her husband has been unfaithful and that their marriage is falling apart. Marie, a recent high school graduate, is having a difficult time deciding on the right career for herself and ponders over going to secretary school, competing for the title of Miss Florida, or becoming the U.S. Ambassador to Cuba. Always armed with the best gossip in town, Trudy’s best friend Berniece decides to end her affair with a younger man when a life-altering tragedy hits home. Pensacola is a powerful and heart-warming celebration of family, love and strength.

Highlight: Nominated for three Elly Awards by the Sacramento Area Regional Theatre Alliance

Length: Full Length (90 Minutes)

Cast: 4f, 2m

Audience: Contains adult subject matter; contains content related to violence

Kindle Unlimited Edition

Printable PDF 

Produce This Play for Free

New Release from Blue Dasher Press: Mind Fields by Wren Valentino

Blue Dasher Press is thrilled to announce the exclusive Kindle Unlimited release of Mind Fields, a gripping and sensual new M/M romance novel by bestselling author Wren Valentino. A paperback edition will be available soon.

Set against the seductive backdrop of wealth and power, Mind Fields follows struggling college student Adam Parsh as he takes a job tutoring for one of the world’s most influential families. What begins as a chance to make ends meet quickly spirals into a dangerous entanglement with Dario Vassalos—a magnetic Greek tycoon and his married employer. As Adam is pulled deeper into a world of luxury, lust, and manipulation, his heart begins to lean toward someone else entirely: his loyal best friend, Victor Maldonado.

Caught between temptation and true connection, Adam must navigate a storm of secrets, lies, and impossible choices. Sometimes love can blow you away—and sometimes it can save you.

In speaking about his creative process, Wren Valentino shared:

“Mind Fields explores the emotional minefield of what money, power, and greed can do to people—and what happens when someone who’s never had any of those things still manages to hold onto his goodness. Adam’s story is deeply personal to me. He knows grief, he knows loneliness, and yet he still chooses love over corruption. That’s the kind of hero I believe in.”

This is a must-read for fans of emotional tension, forbidden romance, and characters who refuse to lose themselves in the shadows of others.

Mind Fields is now available exclusively through Kindle Unlimited. Don’t miss your chance to experience this haunting, provocative novel from one of today’s most distinctive voices in LGBTQ+ romance.

Read the Kindle Unlimited edition now. 

Paperback coming soon.

New Release from Blue Dasher Press: Swimming to Chicago by Wren Valentino

Blue Dasher Press is thrilled to announce the release of the young adult novel Swimming to Chicago by bestselling author Wren Valentino. Now available in paperback and ebook formats, this powerful coming-of-age story explores grief, identity, and the kind of friendships that shape us forever.

About the Book:

Reeling from his mother’s suicide, seventeen-year-old Alex Bainbridge isolates himself from the world—often escaping to a secluded island behind his house. As an Armenian teen growing up in a small Southern town, Alex struggles to feel seen. His fierce friendship with the outspoken Jillian Dambro is his lifeline—until he meets Robby LaMont, a quiet new student who understands Alex in ways no one else ever has.

As their final year of high school unfolds and the adults in their lives spin out of control, Alex, Jillian, and Robby form an unbreakable bond. United by love and loyalty, the three make a bold decision to chart their own future—one that will test their courage and change their lives forever.

Author’s Inspiration:

In a note about his creative process, Wren Valentino shares:

“Swimming to Chicago was born out of music, memory, and emotion. I listened to a lot of Garbage and Metric while writing this book—those songs became a kind of emotional map for the characters. Their lyrics helped me tap into the rawness of Alex’s grief and the hope that emerges when you find people who truly see you. Both bands are mentioned in the book because their influence was so deeply felt during the writing process.”

Poignant, poetic, and ultimately hopeful, Swimming to Chicago is a must-read for fans of emotionally honest YA fiction.

Available Now:

Swimming to Chicago is now available in paperback and ebook through major retailers, including Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and indie bookstores.

For more news on upcoming releases and behind-the-scenes insights, stay connected with Blue Dasher Press.

Balancing Art and Commerce: The Strange Dance of Creativity and the Writing Business

There’s a curious rhythm to being a working writer—a rhythm that often feels more like a clash than a collaboration. On one side, there’s the quiet, personal world of creativity: the hours spent dreaming, drafting, revising, reimagining. On the other side, there’s the business: contracts, royalties, marketing strategies, website analytics, tax forms, and branding.

Some days, the two sides harmonize beautifully. Other days, it feels like trying to waltz while one foot is stuck in molasses.

I’ve long believed that writing, at its best, is an act of deep emotional and intellectual surrender. When I’m immersed in the creative process, I’m not thinking about profit margins or metadata optimization. I’m thinking about character motivations, dialogue rhythms, the color of a sky that doesn’t exist but feels real to me. I’m chasing emotional truth.

But then I look at the calendar and realize a quarterly tax payment is due, or that I need to finalize a contract, or pitch a workshop, or post something coherent on social media that isn’t just “I made words today, I think?” And suddenly the spell is broken.

This is the strange juxtaposition so many writers wrestle with. You must protect the tenderness of your creative spirit while also developing a sharp, clear-eyed understanding of the industry you’re part of. The modern writer—especially the independent or hybrid one—must be both artist and entrepreneur. That duality can be exhausting, but it can also be empowering.

Here’s what I’ve learned, and am still learning:

• Creativity needs boundaries—but not bars. Deadlines can be useful motivators, but they shouldn't strangle the story. I try to set schedules that honor my creative cycles while also meeting business realities.

• The business side deserves creativity too. Marketing doesn’t have to be soulless. A newsletter can be an extension of your voice. A book launch can be a celebration, not a chore.

• Outsourcing is not failure. It’s okay to get help with the parts that drain you—be it accounting, formatting, or promotion. Your energy is a finite resource; spend it wisely.

• You’re allowed to step away. Sometimes the best thing you can do for your writing—and your business—is to unplug, take a walk, or do something entirely unrelated. The well has to be refilled.

At the end of the day, I remind myself that the business side of writing exists because of the creative work. It exists to support it—not to replace it. The trick is learning to let those two parts of yourself talk to each other, instead of fight for dominance.

Some days, that conversation is clumsy. Other days, it's downright poetic.

And on the rare, golden days—it’s a dance.

---

Have you struggled with this balancing act too? What helps you blend your creative process with the business demands of writing?

Wren Valentino

April Update: Poetry, Passion Projects, and Rays of Hope

Happy April, everyone!

Spring is in full bloom, and so is National Poetry Month — a time I hold close to my heart. As a poet, I embrace this month and all the beauty and truth it represents. Poetry reminds us to slow down, pay attention, and feel more deeply. If you haven’t yet had a chance to dive into my collections of poetry, I invite you to do so. Poetry has always been a lighthouse for me, and I hope mine can offer a little light for you, too.

This month also marks an exciting new chapter in my creative journey — I’ve adopted a new pen name: Jaxon Sevyn. Under this name, I’ll be writing m/m erotic romance stories filled with heart, heat, and hope. My first title as Jaxon, Desire in Varadero, is now available — and I couldn’t be more thrilled to share it with you.

Speaking of new releases, I’ve got several stories that just dropped and I’m incredibly proud of each one:

THE JETSETTERS

Justin Holt is a lonely barista in Chicago, juggling college and evening shifts at Clouds, a cozy coffee shop owned by his lesbian best friend, Starsky. One day, Diego Delgado — the Latin guitarist for rising rock band The Jetsetters — walks in, and everything changes. As love blossoms and the band’s fame skyrockets, Justin must navigate the chaos of instant celebrity, grief, and the strength it takes to hold on when the world starts spinning too fast.

FIFTY YARDS AND HOLDING

Victor Alvarez is a high school football star — and the reluctant leader of a violent street gang. Riley Brewer is a baseball prodigy with a big heart and an even bigger secret. When their paths cross, a powerful connection forms. But in a world where love like theirs is dangerous, the cost of being true to themselves might be everything.

SWIMMING TO CHICAGO

Seventeen-year-old Alex Bainbridge finds refuge on a secluded island near his home after his mother’s suicide. Isolated and adrift, he forms a deep friendship with Jillian Dambro and eventually falls for Robby LaMont, a shy new student. Together, the trio weathers the storms of life, discovering the kind of love and loyalty that can carry you across any ocean — even if it means swimming to Chicago.

And there's more! I’m overjoyed to announce I’ll be a series regular in the upcoming web series Horror Hound Bites with Mary Kate — keep your eyes peeled for all twelve episodes once they drop!

My short horror script The Playhouse was recently named an official selection of the Stockholm City Film Festival in Sweden. I’m also thrilled to share that the powerful feature film Shredded, where I serve as Executive Producer, is now streaming on Amazon Prime Video.

On stage, my one-act play Hour Glass will be performed at West Texas A&M University on April 27 — an honor I’m deeply grateful for.

As an actor, I’ve been keeping busy with some thrilling film projects, including Dummy (SRS Cinema) and A Beast in the Manor (Black Coppice Films). It’s been a whirlwind of creativity, and I’m loving every moment of it.

Outside of work, I’ve been grounding myself with family time, home-cooked meals, and lots of game nights — Old Maid still holds up, by the way! There’s something soothing about the simplicity of shuffling cards and sharing laughter around the table.

I’ve also been binging a gem of a show I missed the first time around — Scott & Bailey, which originally aired from 2011 to 2016. It’s gripping, smart, and features stellar performances from Suranne Jones, Lesley Sharp, and Amelia Bullmore. The writing, thanks to the brilliant Sally Wainwright, is top-notch. I can't recommend it enough.

On a more personal note… like many of you, I’ve been feeling the heaviness of the world. Some days it’s a lot to carry. But I’ve been making a conscious effort to rest, reflect, and refuel. That balance — between doing and simply being — is more essential than ever. If you have the capacity, please check in on your friends and loved ones. Just asking “Are you okay?” can mean the world.

The other morning, I saw a beautiful ray of sunlight breaking through the branches of a tree. It felt like a sign — a quiet promise that better days are ahead.

So hang in there. Keep going. Keep creating. Keep loving.

Be good to each other.

And thank you, always, for being part of this journey with me.

With love,

Wren Valentino