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 JETSETTERSJustin 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 HOLDINGVictor 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 CHICAGOSeventeen-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