Sunday, April 13, 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, 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 twenty-five films, including many horror movies. 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.

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!💙

Thursday, April 10, 2025

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

Thursday, April 3, 2025

Blue Dasher Press Announces the Release of The Jetsetters by Wren Valentino

Blue Dasher Press is thrilled to announce the release of The Jetsetters, a captivating m/m romance novel by bestselling author Wren Valentino. Available now in paperback and eBook formats, The Jetsetters tells the passionate and emotional story of two young men navigating the complexities of love, fame, and personal growth.

In The Jetsetters, Justin Holt is a lonely barista living in Chicago who spends his days attending college and his evenings working at Clouds, a cozy coffee shop owned by his lesbian boss and best friend, Starsky. His quiet life is turned upside down when Diego Delgado, the hot Latin guitarist for the rock band The Jetsetters, strolls in for a cup of coffee. From their first encounter, a powerful spark is ignited between them.

As The Jetsetters rocket from obscurity to superstardom, Justin and Diego’s budding romance is put to the test. Justin must fight to preserve their relationship despite the chaos surrounding Diego’s rise to fame. When unexpected tragedy threatens Diego’s career and emotional well-being, Justin faces a heart-wrenching decision that will alter the course of their lives.

Author Wren Valentino shared his thoughts about the creative process behind The Jetsetters:

“I wanted to explore the intensity of young love and how it collides with the pressures of instant fame. At its heart, The Jetsetters is about finding connection and hope, even when the world feels impossibly loud.”

Don’t miss out on this unforgettable romance from Wren Valentino! Grab your copy of The Jetsetters today in paperback or eBook format, available wherever books are sold.

Stay tuned for more updates from Blue Dasher Press, including upcoming releases, author interviews, and special events. Follow us on social media to stay in the loop!