Posted on Feb 25, 2019 in #readers, #writing, About the writer, advice, books, novels, writers |
That’s how it is for me in all my books, I want to immerse the reader in the whole human experience. I want them to understand, really understand, the stakes involved. When the heroes, their loved ones – loves and friends – are at risk, I want the reader to experience the journey of love, loss, threat, fear, with them. Every detail is necessary and nothing is gratuitous. If two people love each other, they’ll express that in the ways that people do. Finding those people who care about them on the deepest levels, the risk of losing those precious lives, are tied to the memories of them at the most intimate moments, when they can express themselves heart to heart. Friends will remember the times they spent talking over breakfast, lunch, or dinner, laughing sometimes, or being there through the struggles of life. Lovers will remember those moments when they shared their love for each other, held each other, curled up around each other to talk, to solve the problems of the world, sharing joy, or easing each other’s sorrow. That’s what it’s all about. That’s what makes life worth living, for the people in the book, and those who are reading it.
Read More »Posted on Oct 18, 2018 in #readers, Action, books, Nike's Wings, political thriller, strong heroine, Thriller |
A few years back I was inspired to write a political action thriller. An avid news reader, I’d been accumulating odd bits of information on a variety of subjects, including politics, terrorism to drug trafficking. One source of puzzlement was why this country has no truly fast response group, so for the purpose of the story I invented one, the National Intelligence Organization – a purposely vague title both for the agency in the book and for the book itself. Rather than our somewhat militaristic approach of wait, assess and engage, the NIO was designed to go in and assess on the run and neutralize the situation fast with as little loss of life as possible.
I’m a bit of a global thinker, putting together facts that seem random but have since proven to be not so fanciful.
The NIO is a case in point. Imagine my surprise when it turns out that in real life the Israelis have something very like the NIO for combatting terrorism, but they’re more public about it. (The Israelis also don’t allow women agents, just data gatherers, unlike Nike.) The NIO of the book isn’t public, they prefer staying in the shadows, and sharing the information they gather, or situations they deal with, to increase awareness and decrease any interagency issues.
Not to mention it makes for a darn good book.
Nike is a kick-ass woman who doesn’t take anyone’s sh*t!. She is rough, tough, and sexy appeal on a stick.
A reviewer gave it five stars – “Gripping and Emotional. Looking for a rip-roaring action thriller with great characters and emotion? You can’t go wrong with Nike’s Wings…”
Read More »Posted on Sep 6, 2018 in #audible, #audiobooks, #readers, epic fantasy, heroic fantasy, News, Romance, strong heroine |
The #Epic #highfantasy #audiobook Song of the Fairy Queen! A tale of Kings, #wizards, #fairies, #magic, epic battles, and the alliances forged between nations and people. In print, ebook and now in Audio! With the brilliant Zak Price narrating! https://www.audible.com/pd/B07GY3PVYQ/… …
#writing #writerslife #author #books #ebook #audible
Read More »Posted on Aug 31, 2018 in #audible, #audiobooks, #readers, audiobooks, books, epic fantasy, News, strong heroine |
I’m delighted to announce that Song of the Fairy Queen is now available on Audible!

Audiobook details
Song of the Fairy Queen
By: Valerie Douglas
Narrated by: Zak Price
Length: 15 hrs and 55 mins Unabridged
Audiobook Release date: 08-30-18
Language: English
Publisher: Valerie Douglas
Get your copy on Audible today!
Song of the Fairy Queen
2018 Top Shelf Indie Book Awards Nominee
It’s said of Fairy that if you’re in dire need and you call their name they’ll come. With his castle under siege and his young son in his arms, High King Oryan couldn’t be in any more dire need. With only his Marshal, Morgan, and a handful of Morgan’s men at his back, he has only one direction left to run…up. And only one ally to whom he can turn.
Kyriay, the Queen of the Fairy.
Learn more about Song of the Fairy Queen here!
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