Heart, Horror, and High-Hand: July Adventures in Art and Life

Hello friends,

It’s hard to believe we’re already in the heart of summer. I wanted to take a moment to reflect on what’s been a beautifully full and creatively rich past month. I’m so grateful for your continued support and encouragement. It means the world to me as I juggle the many roles I’m lucky to play: actor, writer, film critic, producer, and entrepreneur (to name a few).

One of the most rewarding new chapters in my journey has been the launch of Workshops with Wren. It’s been a dream come true to connect with fellow writers in such a meaningful and inspiring way. These interactive sessions have exceeded my expectations. I’ve already had the joy of teaching a few workshops, and the conversations, insights, and shared creativity have been nothing short of fantastic. Whether you’re an emerging writer or looking to reignite your voice, these workshops are designed to support and elevate your craft. I love being able to offer practical tools and personalized feedback while sharing the lessons I’ve learned through my own journey of over twenty-one novels, dozens of plays and screenplays, and more.

Another recent highlight was a very special reading of my poem Walking to Kmart to Buy a Dolly Parton Album at Joe’s Pub in New York City (this happened last September but a video of the event was just released), read by the incredible Broadway star Raymond J. Lee. The event celebrated the impact of Let Me Say This: A Dolly Parton Poetry Anthology, a truly wonderful collection from Madville Publishing. To hear my work read aloud with such heart in that iconic venue was a surreal and deeply moving moment.

Back home, I’ve been grounding myself in the beauty and creativity all around me. A soul-nourishing visit to the Crocker Art Museum with my family reminded me how much art in all forms has the power to restore and inspire. We also enjoyed a sunny, fun-filled day at the California State Fair. There's nothing like fair food and monorail rides to bring a little joy!

Filming continues for Horror Hound Bites with Mary Kate (Forever Entertainment), and I’m having an absolute blast playing the spectral fashionista Velvet Vane. Episode 3 was a riot to shoot. Mandee Caimano continues to write the sharpest, most delicious dialogue. Velvet definitely has opinions, even in the afterlife.

I recently had the honor of reading from my young adult novel Fifty Yards and Holding at The Avid Reader in Sacramento, thanks to the amazing team at the Queer Sacramento Author’s Collective (QSAC).

I also shared excerpts from my summer romance novel Back Strokes at the Lavender Library—another QSAC-hosted event—and was so touched by the warmth and enthusiasm of everyone who attended.

This month also brought a mix of celebration and remembrance. I was heartbroken to hear of the passing of music icon Connie Francis. Her voice and songs have been a part of my life for as long as I can remember, and her influence continues to echo through so much of my work.

On a brighter note, a beautiful film I was an executive producer for—Shredded—is now available to stream on Tubi. I'm so proud of the work that went into bringing this film to life, and I hope you’ll give it a watch.

I had my first-ever talk show appearance on In the Spotlight—huge thanks to the wonderful host Courtney Leonard-Maye and her incredible team for making the experience so welcoming and fun. 

I also got to celebrate my best friend Mindy’s birthday with lunch at our favorite Greek spot, Jayna Gyro in Sacramento, a much-needed dose of joy and good food.

My family and I took a few local day trips that really fed my soul: to the gorgeous High-Hand Nursery in Loomis (including a delicious outdoor lunch), the majestic Muir Woods National Monument (what an extraordinary reminder of nature’s quiet power), and the charming Mill Valley Public Library (truly one of the most beautiful I’ve visited).

And yes, I made time for music too. I loved seeing Go Betty Go and The Dollyrots in concert (two of my favorite bands)! There's something magic about live music in the summertime.

Work continues on the upcoming horror film Toy (SRS Cinema), in which I voice the character Morgan Vale. Recording for the project was a blast. I can’t wait for horror fans to see what we’ve been working on.

Speaking of horror, I had an awesome time at the Sinister Creature Con where I had the chance to meet horror film icons Danielle Harris (Halloween 4 is my favorite sequel in the franchise), Devon Sawa (Final Destination), and Miko Hughes (Pet Sematary). Very fun day!

I also had the great pleasure of attending the Slate Summit in Las Vegas, where I connected with my talented friend Makayla McIntosh and her awesome husband Ty. It was a whirlwind of ideas, inspiration, and community, everything I needed to recharge creatively.

And finally, my heart is full after celebrating fifteen wonderful years with my husband Edward. I’m grateful every day for his love, laughter, and support through all of life’s adventures.

I’ll wrap this up with a recommendation and a reminder: If you haven’t already, Miss Austen (the new Masterpiece miniseries on PBS) is a must-watch. Beautifully acted and quietly powerful, it’s one of my favorite things I’ve seen this year.

And to all my fellow creatives out there: be good to yourselves. The world feels especially heavy lately, and it’s easy to forget that our stories (and the act of telling them) really do matter. Keep creating. Keep connecting. And thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for your support of all that I do.

With gratitude,

Wren Valentino