Friday, February 14, 2025

Welcome

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

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

As an 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. For more intimate access, I invite you to subscribe to my OnlyFans page (it's free - adults only). 

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 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!💙

Wednesday, February 12, 2025

New Release: Bells and Spells by Wren Valentino—A Magical Halloween Romance

Bestselling author Wren Valentino is back with a spellbinding new short story, Bells and Spells, now available exclusively in a Kindle Unlimited Edition!

When college student Dara Kovach decides to take a gap year as an apartment sitter in Chicago, she expects a quiet break from academic life. What she doesn’t expect is to cross paths with a mysterious black cat named Ichabod on Halloween night—an encounter that will change her destiny forever. Blending magic, romance, and the spirit of the season, Bells and Spells is the perfect read for lovers of autumn enchantment.

“This story was an absolute joy to write,” says Valentino. “I dedicated it to my mother, who loves cats, love stories, and Halloween even more than I do.”

Curl up with a cup of tea, light a candle, and let Bells and Spells whisk you away on a journey of fate, mystery, and heartwarming magic.

📖 Read Bells and Spells now, available exclusively on Kindle Unlimited!

Wednesday, February 5, 2025

February Reflections: A Month of Creativity, Achievements, and Love

January was a super-sized month for me as a writer—so many projects came to fruition, a few new accolades were earned, and exciting new opportunities were presented. It was one of those months where the momentum of my creative work felt unstoppable, and February has continued to bring wonderful developments.

One of the most exciting pieces of news is that my all-female play I Bet She Has a Party to Go To has been selected for inclusion in the upcoming anthology The Best 10-Minute Plays of 2025, to be published by Smith & Kraus and edited by Debbie Lamedman. This play had its world premiere at Futures Explored Film Studio last January (2024), and I am beyond thrilled to see it reach a wider audience. The play explores the reactions of three women after they watch a beautiful, free-spirited woman roller-skate through a city park—resentment, curiosity, and deep-seated emotions emerge as they reflect on her assumed carefree life.

On the horror front, my voice will be featured in the upcoming films Amityville: Infinity, Ouija Slumber Party, and Paula Takes the Stage. Additionally, I am thrilled to be a part of Morgan Wellborn’s upcoming project Circus Satanicus. Horror storytelling continues to be an exciting part of my career, and I can’t wait to see these projects come to life.

Speaking of horror, my short film script The Playhouse was recently named a finalist for The Thing in the Basement Horror Fest. This recognition is an incredible honor, and I’m hopeful the script will soon find its way to production.

On the producing side, I Feel Fine, a beautiful film I’m an associate producer of, is now available on Amazon Prime Video and Apple TV. Seeing this film reach audiences through major streaming platforms is an amazing milestone, and I highly encourage everyone to check it out.

One of my favorite films this season is Gia Coppola’s brilliant The Last Showgirl. The entire cast is fantastic, and I must give a special shoutout to Pamela Anderson for delivering a career-best performance. If you haven’t seen this movie yet, add it to your must-watch list!

Several of my new works have also been released recently, including:

  • Just Before the World (short story) – Naomi and Dominic, both grieving the loss of loved ones, form a deep connection while spending time together in a cemetery.

  • Homecomings (short play) – In a small-town laundromat, two former high school rivals come face-to-face for the first time in over forty years.

  • Love in the Shadows (novel) – When American journalist Quintin Pearson meets the mysterious Luca, an Italian spy, in the wake of an ambassador’s assassination, a spark ignites that soon becomes an intense, passionate affair. Their journey takes them from London to a secluded seaside town in Belgium as they work together to uncover the truth behind the assassination.

  • Check out my film reviews at Fantastic Classics

In literary news, I recently had the pleasure of reading some of my poetry at The Avid Reader in Sacramento. The event was sponsored by the wonderful team at Queer Sacramento Authors Collective (QSAC), and I was grateful for the opportunity to share my work with such an engaged audience.

Another incredible honor this month: I received first prize in the Fade In Awards TV Pilot/Web Series Competition for the pilot episode script of my original television series Her Other Life. This show follows two teenage sisters who suspect their bipolar mother led a secret life—and that her death may never have happened. It’s a deeply personal and thrilling project, and I’m excited about the possibilities ahead for it.

I also had the opportunity to teach The Who Exercise: Getting to Know Your Characters workshop for the fantastic members of Contemporary Romance Writers. It was such a rewarding experience, and I’m looking forward to teaching a dozen more workshops for various writing organizations and groups throughout the year. More details on these soon!

This month also brought two delightful personal discoveries. First, I’m absolutely loving Marie Antoinette on PBS—it’s an engaging and beautifully crafted series. Second, I’ve found a new favorite comic book character in DC’s Mister Miracle. Sometimes, the best joys come from stumbling upon something new that resonates deeply.

Outside of my creative pursuits, January was filled with cherished family moments. We enjoyed a fun outing to Leatherby’s ice cream parlor, participated in a trivia night at Futures Explored Film Studio (we came in last in all three rounds, but at least we were consistent!), and celebrated my mother-in-law’s 75th birthday. On a less enjoyable note, I had the first of two dental surgeries, and I’m still recovering—ouch!

As we move further into the month, I want to wish everyone a beautiful Valentine’s Day. As someone who writes a lot about love, I believe deeply in its power—whether romantic, platonic, or self-love. Let’s all make an effort to share more love in this world. We all need it.

Wishing you all a wonderful February filled with creativity, joy, and connection!

With love and gratitude,

Wren

Tuesday, February 4, 2025

Blue Dasher Press Announces the Release of Love in the Shadows by Wren Valentino

Bestselling author Wren Valentino returns with a thrilling new novel, Love in the Shadows, a story of passion, espionage, and deadly intrigue. Set against the backdrop of London high society and a shadowy European underworld, this novel is a pulse-pounding journey into the unexpected.

Quintin Pearson, an American journalist living in London, has spent the past two years trying to mend his broken heart. But when he accepts an invitation to an exclusive party hosted by Regina Bremington, the U.S. ambassador’s enigmatic wife, his life is forever changed. A shocking assassination plunges the evening into chaos, and in the cover of darkness, Quintin finds himself drawn to a stranger he cannot see—Luca, an Italian spy with secrets of his own. Their undeniable connection sparks a clandestine affair that leads them to a secluded seaside town in Belgium, where Luca reveals his true identity and persuades Quintin to help him track down the ambassador’s killer. As the danger intensifies, so does their passion, but can their growing trust survive the perilous mission ahead?

Reflecting on the novel, Valentino shares:

“I wanted to explore the ways in which love and danger intertwine, especially when trust is a matter of life and death. Quintin and Luca’s journey is one of desire, risk, and redemption, set against the moody elegance of Europe’s grand cities and hidden corners. Writing this novel was an exhilarating experience, and I hope readers are swept away by the intrigue as much as I was.”

With its intoxicating mix of mystery, romance, and international espionage, Love in the Shadows is a must-read for those who love high-stakes adventure and unexpected love stories. Get your copy today and step into the shadows—where passion and peril collide.

Available from Blue Dasher Press

Tuesday, January 28, 2025

Blue Dasher Press Announces the Publication of Homecomings by Wren Valentino

We are thrilled to announce the publication of Homecomings, the latest short stage play from award-winning playwright Wren Valentino. The play explores the fragile, often painful nature of reconnection through the lens of two former high school rivals who cross paths once again after forty years. Set in a small-town laundromat on a Wednesday night, Homecomings delves deep into the lives of Cathy and Leslie, two women in their 50s whose pasts have shaped them in unexpected ways.

The Story: Cathy is a woman struggling with the bitterness of unfulfilled dreams, while Leslie, a once-celebrated beauty queen, now faces the harsh reality of being forgotten by time. As they confront one another in this seemingly mundane setting, tensions rise, and the weight of their shared history becomes undeniable. The laundromat, a place of routine and solitude, acts as the perfect backdrop for their emotional reckoning.

Cast of Characters:

Cathy – In her 50s, struggling to not let the bitterness of life take over.

Leslie – In her 50s, a former beauty queen grappling with the feeling that she’s been left behind.

Time and Place:

A local laundromat in a small town, on a Wednesday night, in the present year.

Acknowledgments:

Homecomings received its world premiere on October 12, 2024, as part of The Play Crawl series, produced by the Funky Little Theater Company in Colorado Springs, Colorado. The production, directed by John Longo, featured captivating performances by Karen Kennedy and Suzanne Lucas.

A Word from the Playwright:

"I wrote Homecomings to explore the ways people live in the shadow of their pasts. Cathy and Leslie are each trapped in a different way—one cannot move past what she was, and the other fears she has no future at all. I wanted to give voice to those moments in life when two people face each other and realize that time has not only changed them but has also left them questioning who they are now." – Wren Valentino.

Get your copy of Homecomings today and witness the emotional depth of these two characters as they navigate their complex relationship and the passage of time.

Tuesday, January 21, 2025

Finding Healing Through Words

Life, with all its beauty and chaos, often throws challenges our way that can feel too heavy to bear. In these moments, I’ve found solace in an unlikely yet powerful companion: writing. Like many others, I’ve struggled to articulate my emotions and process my experiences, especially when the weight of the world feels unbearable. But putting pen to paper—or fingers to keyboard—has become more than just an outlet for expression. It’s become a lifeline.

The inspiration for this post comes from a quote by Philippa Kabali-Kagwa in her book Flame and Song: “Yes, the writing was one of the things that helped – that and the sea.” That line resonates deeply because it captures the way writing can be as expansive and healing as the ocean itself—a place to pour out what feels unspeakable, to release the turbulence within, and to find clarity in the tides of our thoughts.

When emotions feel tangled and overwhelming, writing untangles them. Sometimes I don’t even know what I’m feeling until I see the words on the page. Writing has a way of reflecting back to us what’s buried deep in our subconscious. It’s raw, unfiltered, and brutally honest. In these moments, it becomes a mirror—showing us not only the hurt but also the resilience and strength we carry within.

For me, writing about difficult times is not about crafting something perfect. It’s about letting the mess spill out, unapologetically. Some days, the words come as an angry storm, filled with frustration and grief. Other days, they’re quieter—tentative explorations of feelings I didn’t know I had. Either way, they serve a purpose: they help me see.

There’s a unique kind of pain that comes from being unable to articulate what’s inside us. We try to explain our feelings to others, but words fall short. Writing, however, gives us the space to say things without fear of judgment. It’s a private conversation between us and the page—a safe space to scream, cry, and question.

When I can’t talk about something, I write about it. And often, in the act of writing, I discover not just the words but also the courage to confront what I’ve been avoiding. Writing becomes a process of alchemy—turning the unspeakable into something tangible, something I can hold and, eventually, release.

In a world that often feels chaotic and overwhelming, writing is a way to create order. The act of shaping thoughts into sentences—however fragmented—can bring a sense of control. Writing grounds us. It reminds us that we can still find meaning even in the midst of uncertainty.

More importantly, it allows us to step back and reflect. Through writing, I’ve been able to trace patterns in my struggles, see growth in my pain, and find beauty in moments that once felt unbearably dark. It doesn’t erase the chaos, but it helps me navigate it with a clearer head and a steadier heart.

If you’re reading this and feeling unsure about your own writing, let me say this: you don’t have to be a “writer” to write. You don’t need a perfectly structured story or poetic prose. All you need is honesty. Let the page be your sanctuary. Write the things you can’t say. Write the things you’re afraid of. Write the things that make no sense.

Writing doesn’t promise to fix everything. But it does offer a way through. It’s a space to process, to grieve, to celebrate, and to heal. And in a world that can feel overwhelming and isolating, writing reminds us that we are not alone—not in our thoughts, our struggles, or our stories.

So, when the world feels heavy, I encourage you to pick up a pen or open a blank document. Pour your heart onto the page. You might be surprised by what you find—not just in the words, but in yourself.

After all, as Kabali-Kagwa reminds us, writing can be as soothing and life-giving as the sea. And sometimes, that’s exactly what we need to keep going.

Wren Valentino

Friday, January 17, 2025

Blue Dasher Press Announces I Bet She Has a Party to Go To by Wren Valentino Selected for The Best 10-Minute Plays of 2025

We are thrilled to announce that I Bet She Has a Party to Go To, a 10-minute play by Wren Valentino, has been selected for inclusion in The Best 10-Minute Plays of 2025, an upcoming anthology from Smith & Kraus, edited by the esteemed Debbie Lamdedman. This exciting news comes on the heels of the play's celebrated world premiere in February 2024 at Futures Explored in Sacramento, California, and we couldn't be more proud to see Wren's work recognized in such a prestigious collection.

I Bet She Has a Party to Go To is a thought-provoking exploration of envy, perception, and the complexities of women’s lives. Set in a city park, the play follows three women as they watch a beautiful, free-spirited woman roller skate by, triggering their feelings of resentment toward what they assume is her carefree existence. Through sharp dialogue and insightful character development, the play dives into the internal struggles each woman faces, unveiling the layers of societal expectations and personal insecurities that fuel their jealousy. In just a few minutes, Valentino crafts a poignant narrative that not only challenges the assumptions we make about others but also invites the audience to reflect on the pressures and hidden realities of their own lives.

The play’s inclusion in The Best 10-Minute Plays of 2025 underscores its relevance and impact, resonating with audiences and critics alike for its honesty, vulnerability, and wit. I Bet She Has a Party to Go To is a perfect example of how short-form theatre can evoke deep emotional truths and provoke meaningful conversations about the human experience.

“I am incredibly honored that I Bet She Has a Party to Go To will be included in The Best 10-Minute Plays of 2025," says playwright Wren Valentino. "This play was born from a moment of watching someone glide effortlessly through life, only to realize that those around her are all grappling with their own stories. I’m so grateful to the team at Futures Explored for bringing this play to life and to Smith & Kraus and Debbie Lamedman for recognizing its heart. It’s my hope that this play reminds audiences of the complexities beneath the surface of those we envy and that we all have our own unique paths to navigate.”

We at Blue Dasher Press are excited to see Wren Valentino’s work continue to reach new audiences and we can’t wait to celebrate the upcoming publication of The Best 10-Minute Plays of 2025. Congratulations to Wren on this well-deserved recognition!

The original cast of
I Bet She Has a Party to Go To
by Wren Valentino