Welcome to my weekly Author Spotlight. I’ve asked a bunch of my author friends to answer a set of interview questions, and to share their latest work.
Today: As a bestselling author, Wren Valentino writes in multiple genres, primarily romance, thriller, young adult, and horror. Wren is the author of twenty novels including Accidents Never Happen, The Everlasting Gift, Fast Beat, Gollan Grove, Love in the Shadows, Marijuana Mermaid, Mesmerized, Motel Queen, and Sophomore (Blue Dasher Press), the novelettes Miss Nothing, Riding with James Dean, and Snap Shot, and several short stories including the paranormal romance I Think We’re Alone Now, the best selling Christmas romance One Kiss From Mr. Christmas, the award-winning Halloween romance Pumpkin Love Charm, and the holiday love story Warming Up. His collections of poetry include Love and Detours, Souvenir Boys, and Walking in the Underground.
His literary work has appeared in Atomic Flyswatter (Long Shot Books), Disquiet Arts, Halfway Down the Stairs, Powders Press, Regency Reflections (Wingless Dreamer), and Wicked Gay Ways. Wren received a Pushcart Prize nomination for his poem Cherry Drop. For his short story Home, Wren was named an international finalist in the Jane Austen Writing Contest. Wren graduated with honors from Oglethorpe University in Atlanta with a Bachelor of Arts in Communications and English.
He earned a Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing at Queens University of Charlotte in North Carolina. He is a graduate of the Professional Program in Screenwriting at UCLA. Wren has been an educator for twenty years. He is the founder and instructor of Workshops with Wren, a series of virtual writing workshops created for writers of all levels of experience, genres, and form.
As a proud member of Contemporary Romance Writers, Wren serves as the elected VP of Programs. He is also an active member of Disney’s D23, the International Screenwriters’ Association (ISA), and the Romance Writers of America, who presented him with a Volunteer Service Award. He lives in Sacramento, California.
Thanks so much, Wren, for joining me!
J. Scott Coatsworth: When did you know you wanted to write, and when did you discover that you were good at it?
Wren Valentino: I knew I wanted to write at a very young age. In fact, I can trace my passion for storytelling back to the second grade when I wrote a short story called The Blue Witch as part of a Halloween class assignment. The story was about a witch who was sad because she didn’t want to be a witch anymore. My teacher really encouraged me, and she even reached out to my mom to encourage her to support my writing. That early validation helped me realize how much I loved creating stories.
The next big moment came in eighth grade when young adult author Norma Fox Mazer visited my school. I was lucky enough to have lunch with her in the library, and I showed her one of my handwritten short stories. I told her I wanted to be a writer, and she looked at my work and said, “You already are.” That moment of validation was exactly what I needed to believe in myself and pursue my dream of writing. Just two years later, at the age of 15, I published my first short story—and I haven’t looked back since. Writing has been my path ever since.
JSC: Why did you choose to write in your particular field or genre? If you write more than one, how do you balance them?
WV: I chose to write in a variety of genres—horror, young adult, romance, and mystery—because they each offer something unique and exciting. Horror allows me to explore fear, suspense, and the darker side of human nature, while young adult gives me the opportunity to connect with a passionate, evolving audience and delve into coming-of-age themes. Romance offers emotional depth, examining love and relationships in all their complexities, and mystery pushes me to weave intricate plots and unexpected twists. Writing across these genres keeps the process fun and invigorating, as I can switch gears and explore different storytelling techniques and emotional landscapes.
To balance them, I focus on one project at a time. I give myself the space to fully immerse in the world I’m creating, whether it’s the eerie tension of a horror novel or the heartfelt moments of a romance. By dedicating my attention to one genre during a specific writing phase, I’m able to maintain clarity and momentum, ensuring that each project gets the attention it deserves.
JSC: What is the most heartfelt thing a reader has said to you?
WV: One of the most heartfelt things a reader has shared with me came from a young man in high school who reached out to me through social media. He told me that his school librarian had recommended my novel Swimming to Chicago to him, and it turned out to be a pivotal moment in his life. He shared that he was struggling with his identity, particularly his sexuality, and as a young gay man living in a small town, he often felt isolated and unsure of himself. But after reading my book, he said he finally felt seen and understood—like he wasn’t alone.
His message struck me deeply. It reminded me of the power of stories and the importance of representation. To hear that my writing had helped him feel more comfortable with who he is put everything into perspective for me. It reaffirmed why I became a writer in the first place: to reach people, to make them feel heard, and to offer some sense of connection. That message wasn’t just a compliment on my work—it was a reminder of the real, lasting impact that words can have. It was one of the most meaningful things I’ve ever received as a writer.
JSC: What was the most valuable piece of advice you’ve had from an editor?
WV:The most valuable piece of advice I’ve ever received actually came from a professor when I was an undergraduate student in Chicago, not an editor, but it’s stuck with me throughout my career. They told me, “To be a successful writer, treat your career like an airport. You have to have something boarding, taking off, and landing constantly.” This advice really resonated with me because it emphasizes the importance of always having multiple projects in the works—whether it’s something you’re actively writing, something that’s in the process of being submitted or published, or something new you’re planning. It taught me the importance of staying productive, keeping momentum, and managing different stages of my writing career at once. This approach has been incredibly helpful in balancing my creative process with the business side of writing.
JSC: What book is currently on your bedside table?
Villette by Charlotte Bronte
JSC: What inspired you to write Fast Beat? What were the challenges in bringing it to life?
WV: What inspired me to write this story was the idea of exploring how people, despite their differences, can find connection and healing in one another when they’re dealing with tough personal struggles. I wanted to tell a story about two people who are both grappling with loss and grief, and how their paths cross in a way that offers them a chance for love and healing. I chose to tell this story through the lens of dance, one character being a hip-hop dancer and the other trained in classical ballet, to highlight how they come from very different backgrounds yet share a common need for emotional healing.
The biggest challenge for me was crafting a love story about two people who are not just falling in love but also confronting their pasts and the pain they’ve experienced. It was important for me to balance the romantic aspect with the emotional depth of their individual journeys through grief. I wanted their connection to feel earned, not just romantic but deeply rooted in their shared need for understanding and healing. Bringing that dynamic to life, while respecting both their unique dance forms and emotional struggles, was definitely a challenge, but also one of the most rewarding parts of the process.
JSC: What’s your drink of choice?
WV: Either an iced vanilla latte or water with orange slices in it.
JSC: If you could choose three authors to invite for a dinner party, who would they be, and why?
If I could choose three authors to invite for a dinner party, I would choose Judy Blume, Fannie Flagg, and Sandra Cisneros. Each of these authors brings a unique perspective and writing style that I deeply admire.
Judy Blume is an icon in young adult literature, and her ability to tackle complex, often difficult topics with honesty and empathy has resonated with readers for decades. I’d love to discuss her impact on generations of young readers and the importance of writing with authenticity.
Fannie Flagg’s Southern charm and wit, combined with her insightful storytelling, make her work both heartwarming and thought-provoking. Her ability to weave humor and deep emotional connection into her narratives would make for an enriching conversation about the power of storytelling and its connection to culture.
Sandra Cisneros brings a beautiful blend of poetry and prose in her writing, particularly in her exploration of identity, culture, and family. Her work, especially The House on Mango Street, speaks to the importance of voice and perspective, and I’d be fascinated to hear her thoughts on the intersection of language and personal history.
Having all three at the table would create an evening full of rich, diverse conversations about writing, culture, and the stories that shape us.
JSC: What’s your favorite line from any movie?
WV: “I just wanna be at a swimming pool eating tacos and signing autographs, that’s all.” This line is said by the lead character Wren (my namesake) in Susan Seidelman’s film Smithereens.
JSC: What are you working on now, and what’s coming out next? Tell us about it!
I’m working on several creative projects including a horror screenplay called Executive, a new stage play titled The Burlesque Club, a novel called Motel Queen, a short story titled Left Unsaid, and some new poems.
And now for Wren’s forthcoming book: Fast Beat:
After her long-time dance partner Tony is injured, Cambrie Downs has only a matter of weeks to find a new partner to remain eligible to compete in the All City Dance Off. When she discovers Giovanni, a talented and classically trained member of a dance conservatory, Cambrie convinces him to become her new partner despite his reluctance to do so. As the competition nears, neither Cambrie nor Giovanni can deny the strong attraction building between them.
Excerpt
One
The buzzing vibration of a text message came in right at the beginning of the dinner rush at Bertino’s. There was barely enough time to catch her breath, yet alone to check her cell phone. But there was a sudden sense of dread that caught fire in her veins and bubbled in her blood until she gave in.
Cambrie Downs reached into the front pocket of her apron and pulled out the phone with a mixture of annoyance and curiosity in the gesture. She glanced down, saw the words, and stopped in her tracks. She had to read them twice, just to be sure.
Come quickly. Tony is hurt.
Ducking out of view of the slow-eating customers, Cambrie sought refuge in the claustrophobic break room, which was comprised of nothing more than a rickety table, two beaten-up chairs, and a dead clock on the wall that hadn’t done its job in over a year. The place was an eyesore and everyone who worked there knew it, even the owner, Leona. Instead of fixing up the room, Leona left it as-is insisting she was keeping it real and let the room be a reminder about the harsh realities of the world. The truth was Leona didn’t know the first thing about decorating and her family of employees knew this but kept quiet. Challenging her was never a smart thing to do.
Too nervous to sit, Cambrie paced while waiting for Natasha to answer her phone. Tension filled every muscle as she moved. She eyed the dead clock, swearing at it under her breath.
Finally.
“Hello?”
Cambrie froze at the sound of her best friend’s voice. Immediately she knew something was wrong. Very wrong. “Tasha? What happened? Is he okay?”
There was a slight pause before Natasha spoke. Cambrie wondered if she was searching for the right thing to say, trying to figure out how to break bad news without breaking Cambrie’s heart. “No,” Natasha said. From the wavering tone in Natasha’s voice, Cambrie knew the situation was serious. “No, he’s not okay. It’s bad, Cam.”
Her grip tightened on the cell phone. She closed her eyes, trying to remember the last conversation she’d had with Tony. It was just yesterday. Last night. After a two-hour dance rehearsal. They were exhausted but elated. A new piece of choreography had worked really well. He’d walked her to the subway station, as he usually did. By the time they got there, he was distracted. She could tell something heavy was weighing on his mind.
I should’ve asked. I should’ve thanked him. For everything.
“Tell me,” she said, eyes still shut tight. Her breath felt like it was caught in her lungs. She waited for Natasha to speak again, imagining the worst but hoping for the best.
This can’t be happening. Not now. Not Tony.
Natasha took a deep breath. When she exhaled, there was sadness in the sound. “You’re not going to believe this, but he got jumped.”
Cambrie opened her eyes. “What?” Anger seeped into her words. “By who?”
“Who do you think?” Natasha said. “It was the Firemakers.”
“Are you sure?” Cambrie asked. “This is serious, Tasha.”
“Cambrie, he had over two hundred bucks in cash on him,” she explained. “They didn’t touch the money.”
Weak, Cambrie sat in one of the creaky wooden chairs. She noticed the floors of the breakroom were grimy, complimenting the gloomy ambiance. “Of course they didn’t.”
“They went straight for his knee,” said Natasha. “They wanted to make sure he’d never dance again.” The rage Cambrie felt was peppered with sorrow. No one knew how much dancing meant to Tony more than she did. It would devastate him. Just like Cambrie, dancing was his entire life. It had been since they were kids. It was all they’d ever known.
“That’s not gonna happen,” Cambrie said with forced certainty. “People heal all the time. They overcome stuff…crazy stuff.”
“But what if he can’t?” Natasha said. There was a moment of silence shared between the two friends. Finally, Natasha spoke again. “Tony didn’t deserve this. We both know he’s a good guy.”
“He’s my best friend,” Cambrie said. “Other than you, I mean.”
“I know.”
An emotional strand finally broke and crept into her throat. Tears threatened to spill. Not one to show her feelings, she stopped herself from crying. Back on her feet, Cambrie started to pace again, loathing the depressing state of the sad breakroom, silently cursing Leona for not having the decency to at least paint the greasy walls. “And he’s the best dance partner I’ve ever had. I can’t dance with anyone else,” Cambrie said. “Tasha, I won’t.”
“Cam,” said Natasha. “They did this to stop you.”
“I know.”
“Everyone is saying so,” Natasha explained. “Because they know how good you are. Without Tony…”
“What am I gonna do?” Cambrie said. “The competition is in two weeks.”
“Never mind about the competition. At least for now. Put it aside. You need to be in the room when he wakes up,” Natasha said. “He’ll want to see you when he opens his eyes.”
“Where are you?” Cambrie asked. “I’m on my way.”
“We’re at County. How fast can you get here?”
Cambrie let out a lengthy breath. A sickening sensation churned her insides as shock set in. How could this happen? “I’ll ask April to cover the rest of my shift,” she explained. “She still owes me from Christmas Eve.”
“Time to collect,” said Natasha.
“Look, I know you said I shouldn’t be thinking about the competition right now, but I need a plan, Tasha. You know I’m lost without one.”
“If you’re planning on staying in the competition, it’s probably time to find a new partner.” There was exasperation in Natasha’s tone. Cambrie knew she needed to abandon the subject for a while or risk angering a usually calm Natasha. Only twice had she seen Natasha really mad, and the memories of both occurrences still caused her to shudder with fear. At the time, Natasha had made a joke out of it by referring to herself as just another angry black woman. “You’re going to have face facts, Cam. Based on what the doctor has said so far, he’ll be lucky to walk again let alone dance. If you insist on dancing, you’ll be doing so without Tony.”
Cambrie shook her head. “I can’t. That’s impossible.”
A detectable sigh was heard before Natasha spoke. “Is it?”
As if entering on cue, April suddenly appeared in the doorway of the break room. Short and blonde, she was a physical contrast to dark-haired Cambrie who towered over most people, including many of the guys they both knew from the neighborhood.
Like everyone who grew up in the area, Cambrie and April had known each other since childhood. While their personalities couldn’t be more opposite, there was a sisterly connection between them that they felt and respected. April was one of the few people Cambrie knew she could count on in a crisis.
April looked around the room and disgust flashed across her face. “Now I remember whey I never come in here.”
“I gotta go. I’ll be there in fifteen minutes.” Cambrie said to Natasha before ending the call. She turned her attention to her petite friend and co-worker. “April, I have a huge favor to ask.”
Their eyes met. Tenderness was reflected in April’s stare. There was a naivete that April possessed that was endearing; she was genuinely a kind person and everyone she met knew this about her immediately. Her sweet disposition always shone through. “I already know,” she said. Looking nervous and unsure of what to say or do, April slipped both hands into the pockets of the burgundy apron tied around her waist. “Tasha messaged me. I can’t believe someone would do this to Tony. What’s wrong with this world?”
Behind April, the door creaked open. Dino appeared. Cambrie knew by the look on his face he was worried. Although he was in his late twenties, his chubby baby face made him appear much younger. He was the only male server at Bertino’s, a fact that never seemed to bother him. Although they weren’t related, Cambrie thought of him as the brother she had always wanted. The three of them exchanged a look, speaking without words. This was something they’d done for years while growing up together.
“I need to get to the hospital,” Cambrie explained. “Tony needs me there.”
“Just go,” said April. Her voice was kind and soft. It made Cambrie want to cry. She swallowed her feelings before her raw emotions took control. “I got this covered.”
“We can cover your tables together,” Dino offered.
“You sure?”
April nodded. “Of course. What are friends for?”
Cambrie looked at them with gratitude. “Thank you.”
April stopped Cambrie once she reached the door of the breakroom. “Do me a favor, will you?” she said. Sadness filled her light eyes. “Text me from the hospital and let me know how he’s doing.”
“I will,” Cambrie promised.
“It might sound crazy, but I’ve had a little crush on Tony since the eighth grade,” April confessed. “Not that he ever gave me the time of day. But a girl never forgets her first crush, you know.”
“Yeah,” Cambrie replied. “I know. Keep an eye on Leona, you two. She’s going to be climbing the walls and yelling at strangers when she hears about what happened to Tony.”
“I’ll let Dino handle her,” April said.
Dino shot her a look. “Why me?” he asked.
“Because that’s why they call you The Lion Tamer,” April explained. “Aside from Cambrie, no one can keep Leona in check like you can.”