News
On May 22, 2023, Jessica and I were live on air with WXXI’s “Connections with Evan Dawson.” We covered a lot of ground: some of the specifics of Jessica’s story, both in our book and beyond, as well as broader themes including trauma, victim blaming, healing, the US criminal justice system, and so much more. One of our biggest goals with this book has been to generate discussion around topics too often left in shameful silence, and we’re so grateful that this interview is helping to do so and grateful to Evan and producer Megan Mack for the compassionate conversation. Listen here!
I’m thrilled to have joined the staff at Three Fates Editing! We offer developmental editing, line editing, copyediting, proofreading, manuscript critiques, and beta reading. We specialize in speculative fiction and creative nonfiction, but our interests are wide. Please keep us in mind for your own work or refer your friends our way.
On March 17, 2023, Jessica and I were on air with WGNS Radio in Tennessee to talk about the book, the long-term effects of abuse (especially from childhood), tips for healing and for helping, the importance of delving into difficult conversations, and so much more. Listen here! We’re grateful to host Scott Walker for his thoughtful discussion.
On January 17, 2023, I hosted a Zoom conversation called Trauma, Reclamation, & Healing with my friend Katie Baptist, social worker, sex therapist, feminist, and fellow writer about what ails us, heals us, and defines us. Katie writes the Substack newsletter BEING SEEN and is working on a memoir. We talked about what we’ve learned through our work and took questions from the audience. It was an inspiring conversation about silencing, speaking up, shame, and self-discovery. Watch the recording here:
Inspired by a friend’s generous suggestion, I’m excited to announce our book donation campaign. Please consider purchasing a copy of The Man Behind the Curtain to donate to a place in your community where a new reader can discover it — a library, little free library, school, community center, nonprofit organization, etc.
Get in touch to let me know you’re interested, and I’ll mail you a bookplate sticker to include in your donated copy!
It’s exciting to think of this book continuing to find its way into the world and into new readers’ hands. Thank you!
My first guest spot on a podcast is up! Normal Lies “challenges beliefs you thought were true about you and your world”—making it a perfect fit for talking about The Man Behind the Curtain. “In this conversation, Valerie and Linda discuss how she walked alongside Jessica, using words to bring a light to an impossible story that will leave you angry, frustrated, uncomfortable as well as riveted and hopeful.” I hope you’ll check it out!
I was honored to write a guest blog post for New Shelves, gurus of the publishing industry, sharing takeaways from my first author event. There are tips in here not only for fellow writers but for fellow humans of all types!
Upcoming Author Events
I love connecting with readers and hope to see you soon!
Questions? Want to connect beforehand? Get in touch!
Stay tuned
Check back for upcoming dates and details!
Past Events
It’s been a powerful and often emotional experience discussing The Man Behind the Curtain with readers and hearing about their own stories. For these events, I’ve read excerpts from the book, talked a bit about our creative process and the work’s themes, taken questions from attendees, and sold and signed books. I’m grateful to these welcoming hosts and thoughtful attendees.
If you’d like to chat about setting up a similar event, please reach out!
Lift Bridge Book Shop, Brockport, NY
June 9, 2022
Parma Public Library, Hilton, NY
July 12, 2022
Writers & Books, Rochester, NY
October 22, 2022
Pittsford Community Library, Pittsford, NY
November 20, 2022
Hilton Book Guild, Hilton, NY
March 15, 2023
Valerie Dimino 