Thursday, January 16, 2025

Welcome

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

My name is Wren Valentino. I'm an author, film producer, voice actor, and writing workshop instructor. I write in multiple genres, primarily romance, thriller, young adult, and horror. I'm also a playwright, poet, and screnwriter. 

If you're writer looking for a great community to be a part of, I invite you to Workshops with Wren, a series of virtual workshops I teach for writers of all levels of experiences, genres, and forms. Everyone is welcome. 

As a voice actor, my voice can be heard in twenty-one horror films. 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. 

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.

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 coping with grief titled Just Forget the World.

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!💙

Tuesday, January 14, 2025

New Release: Just Forget the World by Wren Valentino - Exclusive to Kindle!

We’re thrilled to announce the release of Just Forget the World, a heart-wrenching short story by bestselling author Wren Valentino, now available exclusively in a Kindle Unlimited edition!

In this poignant tale, Naomi and Dominic are both mourning the loss of loved ones, each navigating the heavy weight of grief. When they meet in a cemetery, they find solace in each other’s company, and slowly, a deep connection begins to form. What follows is a tender journey of healing, as the two find love in the most unexpected of places — with each other.

Wren Valentino shares his inspiration behind the story: "I wanted to write about two people who were living deep in grief but form a connection and find love to help them navigate their loss. So many people are processing grief and trying to figure their way through it, including me. I still believe love between two people can make a difference when someone is trying to heal a broken heart."

Whether you’re dealing with grief or simply love a moving romance, Just Forget the World is a story that will touch your heart. Don’t miss out — read it now on Kindle!

Blue Dasher Press


Tuesday, January 7, 2025

January Update: New Beginnings & Exciting Projects!

Happy New Year, everyone! I hope your January is off to a great start. I'm kicking things off with lots of exciting news and a few little moments that have been keeping me smiling. Here’s the latest update on my world!

A Fabulous Brunch & 35 Years of Friendship

I started the year on a high note with a wonderful brunch at the Tower Café in Sacramento, where I had the pleasure of catching up with my bestie, Mindy. We’ve been friends for 35 years (can you believe it?), and we celebrated our lifelong bond over delicious food and plenty of laughs. It’s so special to have someone who’s been there through thick and thin. Cheers to many more years of friendship!

Exciting New Chapter: QueeRomance Ink

I’m thrilled to announce that I’m now a proud member of QueeRomance Ink! This is such an exciting step for me, and I can’t wait to share my m/m romance titles with their amazing community. If you’re a fan of heartfelt stories, steamy moments, and diverse characters, keep an eye out for my work on their site very soon!

Loving the House of Hammer Podcast & Kathy Bates

If you're a horror fan like me, you'll understand why I’m absolutely obsessed with The House of Hammer podcast. As a longtime admirer of Hammer Horror films, this podcast is a dream come true. Each episode digs into the fascinating world of these iconic movies, and I can’t get enough of it.

On a slightly different note, have you been watching Matlock? The new TV series with Kathy Bates is a total treat. She brings such depth to her character, and the show has been so enjoyable to watch. It’s good stuff, for sure!

Reality TV Obsession: The Traitors

Let’s talk about The Traitors, shall we? I just wrapped up the first season, and let me tell you—I am hooked! If you haven’t watched yet, get on it. The strategy, the twists, and the drama are next level. This reality show is a game-changer.

Cozy Mystery Fun

For anyone who loves a good cozy mystery (count me in!), I highly recommend The Madame Blanc Mysteries, available on Acorn TV. It’s a delightful and charming series with plenty of intrigue, and it’s been a perfect watch for these chilly January days.

Voice Acting: New Projects & Home Studio Vibes

I’ve been hitting the ground running this year with voice acting, and I’m thrilled to share that I’ve just recorded my voice-over for the upcoming horror film Venus DIE-Trap. It’s so exciting to see everything coming together. Plus, I finally got my home studio set up, and let me tell you, it makes a huge difference in my recording process. I'm so ready to dive into more projects this year!

Family Moments & New Furry Friend

A quick family moment that melted my heart: my sweet niece recently swiped my mom’s cell phone and took the cutest selfie—her very first one! Too adorable for words. 💖

We also have a new furry friend in the family! A stray Siamese cat has been hanging out in our backyard, and we’ve been taking care of him with food, water, and a cozy little bed. We’ve named him Tango, and he’s already becoming quite the charmer. I have a feeling it won’t be long before he makes himself at home indoors!

Music Love: Be Your Own Pet’s Mommy

In the music world, my favorite album of 2024 was Mommy by the incredible band Be Your Own Pet. The album is edgy, raw, and full of energy—it’s been on repeat in my playlist.

Family Lunches & Good Times

We also had a delightful family lunch at The Cheesecake Factory recently. The food was amazing, but the best part was just enjoying the time together. Good company really makes all the difference!

New Projects & Upcoming Releases

And finally, I’ve been busy working on a ton of new projects! Here’s what’s coming up:
  • New short story: Just Forget the World will be available in a Kindle Unlimited edition on January 14.
  • Halloween-themed short story: Bells and Spells, which was postponed from October (my fault!), will be available on January 21 in a Kindle Unlimited edition.
  • New stage play: Homecomings will be released on January 28 by Blue Dasher Press. This one-act play had its world premiere last year in Colorado Springs as part of The Play Crawl at the Funky Little Theater Company, and I’m excited to share it with a broader audience.
  • Other projects: I’m also working on a horror screenplay called Executive, a new stage play titled The Burlesque Club, a novel called Motel Queen, a short story called Left Unsaid, and a few new poems. 
  • Check out my new film reviews at Fantastic Classics.
There’s always something cooking, and I can’t wait to share more with you soon!

Wishing You a Wonderful January

I hope you’re all having a safe, healthy, and joyous January! Whether you’re starting fresh with new goals, cozying up with a good mystery, or just enjoying the little things, I hope this month brings you lots of happiness.

Here’s to an amazing year ahead!

With love and gratitude,
Wren

Thursday, December 19, 2024

Happy Holidays from Wren!

As the year draws to a close, I want to take a moment to reflect on the incredible journey of 2024 and express my heartfelt gratitude to all of you—my readers, supporters, and everyone who has been part of this creative adventure. It’s been a year full of growth, new opportunities, and unexpected joys, and I couldn’t have done it without you!

This year, I’ve had the privilege of creating and sharing a variety of new works. I wrote numerous stage plays, short stories, and novels that I’m incredibly proud of, each one an exploration of new ideas and fresh storytelling. As a voice actor, I had the honor of lending my voice to twenty-one horror films, each project an exciting challenge and an opportunity to connect with new audiences in thrilling ways. It’s been a year of pushing boundaries and embracing creativity, and I’m grateful to everyone who has been part of this artistic journey.

Looking ahead to 2025, I am thrilled to share something new with you all: Workshops with Wren. These virtual writing workshops will be designed for writers at all stages of their craft—whether you’re just starting out or looking to refine your skills in any genre or form. I’ve always been passionate about teaching and sharing the craft of writing, and I can’t wait to connect with you all in this new format. I believe there’s a special power in coming together as writers, and I look forward to helping each of you discover, develop, and elevate your unique voice.

There are also many exciting projects in the works for the coming year! In addition to the workshops, I’m working on several new novels and a collection of poetry titled Walking in the Underground. This collection will be a deeply personal exploration of themes like identity, isolation, and resilience, and I’m eager to share it with you all when the time comes.

As we approach the holiday season, I want to extend my deepest thanks to each of you for your unwavering support. Whether you’ve read my books, attended a workshop, or simply followed my journey, you’ve made this year one to remember. I hope your holidays are filled with peace, joy, and time spent with loved ones.

Here’s to a new year full of creativity, connection, and even more exciting stories. Thank you for being a part of this journey with me. Wishing you all a very happy holiday season and a bright, inspiring 2025!

With warmth and gratitude,  

Wren