Showing posts with label Wren Valentino. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Wren Valentino. Show all posts

Thursday, April 23, 2026

Welcome


Hello. Thank you for stopping by. We're happy you're here

We are Blue Dasher Press. We are a small, indie press based in Sacramento. We publish stage plays, novels, short stories, and collections of poetry exclusively by writer Wren Valentino, who co-founded the company with us in July of 2017. 

To date, we have published more than seventy of Wren's plays. Five of these scripts have been adapted into films. 

All of our stage plays are available to purchase at affordable rates in our digital store.  

If you're an actor, we encourage you to check out the Monologues section, especially if you're looking for a contemporary audition piece.

Interested in performing one of our plays? Visit the Producing Our Plays section where you will find more information about the simple three-step process for requesting free production rights. 

All of our plays can be produced royalty-free. There is never a cost to produce one of our scripts. We believe theatre is for everyone.

To learn more about our novels and short stories, the Fiction section includes information about them.

Similarly, the Poetry section is devoted to our collections of poetry. 

You can find us on Instagram at bluedasherpress.

Please reach out to us at anytime with questions via our contact form. We will be happy to help you. 

Again, thank you for being here!

Wednesday, April 22, 2026

Riding the Tide of Rebellion: Blue Dasher Press Releases a Bold New Edition of Marijuana Mermaid by Wren Valentino

Blue Dasher Press is proud to announce the publication and release of a bold new edition of Marijuana Mermaid, the gripping young adult novel by bestselling author Wren Valentino. Now available in both paperback and ebook formats, the novel brings attention to a story that fearlessly explores identity, rebellion, and the complicated terrain of teenage girlhood.

At the heart of Marijuana Mermaid is seventeen-year-old Leah Cassels, a girl uprooted from Chicago and sent to a quiet California beach town after getting into trouble. But reinvention proves far more difficult than expected. When Leah falls in with Monica and Sabina—two charismatic and commanding girls—she’s drawn into a world that offers belonging, but at a cost. As Leah navigates her new life working at a seaside theme park and secretly nurturing dreams of becoming a mermaid performer, she meets Ray Junior, whose presence challenges her to question the forces shaping her decisions.

What begins as a story of escape quickly deepens into something more unsettling. As Leah starts to pull away from the intense grip of her new friendships, she uncovers a darker undercurrent beneath the town’s polished surface, a place where image and control reign, and rebellion carries real consequences.

Wren Valentino describes the novel’s driving force with striking clarity:

“I wanted to tell a story about the raw, complicated power of female teen rebellion and not shy away from the messy, uncomfortable truths that come with it.”

This new edition of Marijuana Mermaid aligns closely with Blue Dasher Press’s mission to inspire, educate, and elevate voices across the creative spectrum. The novel embodies our commitment to fostering a welcoming space where imagination thrives and artistic expression knows no boundaries. Through Leah’s journey, readers are invited to confront difficult questions about autonomy, influence, and the cost of self-discovery: core themes that reflect our dedication to meaningful, thought-provoking storytelling.

We believe stories like Marijuana Mermaid are essential. This release represents not only a celebration of Wren Valentino’s work but also a continuation of our mission to champion literature that challenges, empowers, and resonates.

Marijuana Mermaid is available now wherever books are sold.

Tuesday, March 24, 2026

Blue Dasher Press Announces Publication of No Sky July by Wren Valentino

Blue Dasher Press is proud to announce the publication of No Sky July, a new one-act play by award-winning playwright Wren Valentino. The play was recently named a semi-finalist for the Venice Voices New Works Festival, further cementing Valentino’s reputation for crafting intimate, resonant stories that linger long after the final line.

Running approximately ten minutes, No Sky July is a two-hander featuring one woman and one man, both in their late 40s to early 50s. Despite its brief runtime, the play unfolds with emotional depth and lyrical precision.

Set in the quiet, early hours of dawn in Venice, California, the play brings together Eleanor, recently divorced and searching for footing, and Felix, a gay man reckoning with a lifetime shaped by love just out of reach. The two meet on a modest lot that once housed the legendary Gas House, a beatnik-era café alive with poetry and music, where Eleanor’s father played bongos and Felix’s mother performed her verse. Now transformed into a stretch of graffiti-covered vendor stalls, the site becomes a bridge between past and present.

Their connection is sparked by a revelation discovered only after their parents’ deaths: a brief, long-ago affair that binds their histories in unexpected ways. Against the shimmering Pacific and the familiar sway of palm trees, Eleanor and Felix navigate grief, identity, and inheritance, forging a quiet but lasting bond in a single, transformative morning.

Reflecting on the origins of the play, Valentino shares:

"This story grew out of thinking about my parents’ young lives in Southern California, the people they were before I existed, moving through a world shaped by art, risk, and reinvention. There’s something powerful about ‘yesterday,’ not just as memory but as a living force that shapes who we become. Venice Beach, Los Angeles—it’s all part of this iconic, ever-changing landscape where personal histories and cultural mythologies collide. I wanted to capture that fleeting moment where the past feels suddenly present, and everything shifts."

With No Sky July, Blue Dasher Press continues its commitment to publishing bold, evocative works that explore the intersections of memory, place, and human connection. This poignant short play invites readers and performers alike to step into a moment where time folds in on itself, revealing the fragile, enduring threads that link us across generations.

Wednesday, July 23, 2025

Stage Plays with an All-Female Cast

There’s something powerful about stories told entirely about women and at Blue Dasher Press, we’re proud to showcase a curated collection of stage plays featuring all-female casts. Whether you're in search of a short 15-minute piece or a full-length production that puts women front and center, we have something for every stage and every audience. Each script is available as a printable PDF in our digital store, and best of all, every play can be produced royalty-free. There’s never a cost to produce one of our scripts, because we believe theatre should be accessible, inclusive, and boldly empowering.

Connect with us on Bluesky Facebook, and Instagram. 









BRACELETS AND BOYFRIENDS
Story: Best friends since childhood, Judy and Olivia decide to return to a quaint seaside town that they once visited on family vacations during their early teen years. Reminded of love's lost, choices made, and the fading of their youth, Judy and Olivia reaffirm their friendship; a play about two women who must look back before they can move forward.
Highlight: Winner of the Carrie McCray Memorial Literary Award for Best Stage Play. 
Highlight: Adapted into the award-winning short film Bracelets.
Length: 15 Minutes
Cast: 2f; both characters are in their early 50's
Audience: Contains adult subject matter and adult language















THE BRAY OF THE BELLES
Story: Five Southern women who have known each other since childhood reunite in the ballroom of an upscale hotel to plan a wedding. Over the course of the evening, the women realize they are anything but friends.
Length: 30 Minutes
Cast: 5f; all characters are in their late 30's to early 40's
Audience: Contains adult subject matter and adult language









CLEAN
Story: A former movie star named Victoria is suffering from the beginning stages of Alzheimer's. Struggling to maintain her independence, Victoria resists a friendship with her equally stubborn housekeeper and must face the sudden arrival of her estranged daughter.
Highlight: Official Selection, Kentuck Arts Ten-Minute Play Festival. 
Highlight: Official Selection for the Alabama Conference of Theatre’s Ten-Minute Play Festival
Length: 30 Minutes
Cast: 3f
Audience: Contains adult subject matter and adult language

DON'T MENTION IT
Story: When seventy-year-old New York native Stella discovers that her grandson has been diagnosed with AIDS, she turns to her best friend Madeline for comfort and strength. 
Highlight: Winner, World AIDS Day Writing Contest, Stage Play
Highlight: World Premiere, Moments of Play, Salem Theatre Company
Highlight: Featured in A&U: America's AIDS Magazine
Length: 10 Minutes
Cast: 2f; both characters are in their 70's
Audience: Contains adult subject matter

FALSE HOPES
Story: Set in the employee break room of an American company, three female co-workers experience considerable personal and professional changes over the span of a year. Amy, an ambitious temp who will do whatever it takes to get promoted, chooses to have an abortion after discovering she’s pregnant with the child of her married boss. Lovelorn and lonely Claudia is told she’ll never be able to have children of her own. Young bride Nicole is pregnant with her first child but realizes she’s not in love with her successful husband. 
Highlight: Featured in The Best Women's Stage Monologues
Length: 30 Minutes
Cast: 3f
Audience: Contains adult subject matter and adult language; contains content related to abortion











FREE DRY ON THURSDAYS
Story: On a late Thursday night in Chicago, two seemingly different women meet in a laundromat, only to realize they are co-workers at a successful advertising firm. Mary, a white woman, is the founding president. Tameka, a black woman, works in the mail room and has come up with a lucrative marketing campaign. 
Length: 15 Minutes
Cast: 2f
Audience: Contains adult subject matter and adult language












HOMECOMINGS
Story: In a small-town laundromat, two former high school rivals come face-to-face for the first time in over forty years. 
Length: 10 Minutes
Cast: 2f
Audience: Contains adult subject matter and adult language

I BET SHE HAS A PARTY TO GO TO
Story: After watching a beautiful, free-spirited woman roller skate through a city park, three women respond to the resentment they feel about her assumed carefree life. 
Highlight: Featured in The Best 10-Minute Plays
Length: 10 Minutes
Cast: 4f
Audience: Contains adult subject matter and adult language

LIMELIGHT
Story: Moments before she's supposed to make a keynote speech to a sold-out crowd, a successful author makes the decision to stop writing and walk away from her career forever.
Length: 10 Minutes
Cast: 2f
Audience: Contains adult subject matter

PLEASE MEET YOUR MOTHER AT THE SERVICE DESK
Story: When high school student Abigail has a chance meeting with a stranger at a superstore, her feelings change about the difficult relationship she has with her mother. 
Length: 10 Minutes
Cast: 3f; one character is in high school
Audience: Contains adult subject matter

RELOCATIONS
Story: Inspired by Alix Smith's photograph States of Union #3, this short play is about two women who - as mothers and partners - realize how important geography is in America.
Highlight: World Premiere, Rough Writers Festival, Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center
Length: 10 Minutes
Cast: 2f; both characters are in their mid to late 30's
Audience: Contains adult subject matter
Printable PDF

A RUM CAKE FOR RITA
Story: The year is 1965. Rita has been suddenly widowed as her husband, John, has been killed in Vietnam. Since his death, Rita has been ostracized by John's family simply because Rita is white and her husband was black. Loneliness has left Rita emotionally crippled and suffering from a deep depression. When John's older sister, Marla, shows up unexpectedly on Christmas Eve brandishing a rum cake, the two women finally come to terms with their shared grief and sorrow. Through their tears and conversation, they come to the realization they will always be family, despite the color of their skin. 
Highlight: Featured in The Best Women's Stage Monologues
Length: 10 Minutes
Cast: 2f; both characters are in their late 20's
Audience: Contains adult subject matter
Printable PDF



SKY LINES
Story: This award-winning stage play explores the lives of Venita, Maggie, and Sarah who live in a rundown apartment building in an unnamed American city. Venita is a black woman who has been ostracized from her family for marrying a white man named George. Maggie endures a loveless marriage and within ten years gives birth to five children. Sarah desires a life of picture-perfect glamour and excitement and has married her high school sweetheart Jimmy. After a few brushes with reality, Sarah becomes dismayed with her predictable life and slips into a crippling depression. Over the course of 34 years, Venita, Maggie, and Sarah confront social and political issues as they fight to assert their identity and protect their friendship. 
Highlight: Off-Off Broadway Production, The Producer's Club
Highlight: Third Place, New Works for Young Women, The University of Tulsa
Highlight: Featured in Audition Arsenal for Women in Their 20s
Length: Full Length (90 Minutes)
Cast: 3f
Audience: Contains adult subject matter and adult language; contains content related to death and grief













THE SNACK QUEENS
Story: In this suburban comedy, a group of rival soccer moms take their sideline snacks way too seriously.
Highlight: Featured in CultureCult Magazine
Length: 10 Minutes
Cast: 5f
Audience: Contains adult subject matter















SYRUP
Story: To bring an end to their longstanding feud, the daughters of two former First Ladies convince their mothers to appear as special guests in a charity fashion show.
Highlight: Featured in The Best Women's Stage Monologues
Length: 10 Minutes
Cast: 5f
Audience: Contains adult subject matter and adult language


TAGGED
Story: After the homicide of her older brother, sixteen-year-old Cha’Relle is determined to keep his memory alive by creating a mural in his honor on a brick wall in their neighborhood, despite the possibility of being caught and charged with a crime. Knowing a police officer is sitting in a bakery across the street and watching their every move, classmate Jo Lee is determined to convince Cha’Relle not to paint. Fully aware of the consequences, Cha'Relle contemplates facing the challenge head on. 
Length: 10 Minutes
Cast: 2f; both characters are in high school
Audience: Contains adult subject matter







TAKING OFF
Story: If the plane just went down and there are no survivors, why is Mrs. Whitmore so happy? When Mrs. Whitmore is informed by Miranda, an airline employee, that her husband's plane has crashed and there are no reported survivors, she suddenly realizes a new sense of liberty has been given to her with which she’ll be able to make many lifelong dreams come true.
Highlight: Off-Off Broadway Production, Zero to Sixty in One Page Theatre Festival
Length: 5 Minutes
Cast: 2f
Audience: Contains adult subject matter















THERE IS NO 'D' IN REVENGE
Story: Fed up with the cruel antics of a lip gloss-stealing mean girl named Brenda, fifteen-year-old Jenessa is faced with the opportunity to seek revenge by outing her nemesis to their entire school when she discovers Brenda has carefully hidden the truth that she's a lesbian.
Highlight: Featured in 222 More Comedy Monologues 2 Minutes & Under 
Length: 10 Minutes
Cast: 2f; both characters are in high school
Audience: Contains adult subject matter and adult language








WHAT DO YOU KNOW ABOUT SUCH THINGS?
Story: Intrigued by Alexandra, a twelve-year-old girl who has a fascination with murder, a ghostwriter named Florence invites the young girl to her home for tea, with the intention of outwitting and killing her
Length: 10 Minutes
Cast: 2f; one character is an adult; one character is twelve.
Audience: All ages












WHAT HAPPENED TO CINDY
Story: Four young women come to terms with the haunting guilt they share over the tragic death of their friend Cindy, who was killed on the night of the junior prom. 
Length: 15 Minutes
Cast: 4f; all characters are in high school
Audience: Contains adult subject matter 

Thursday, July 17, 2025

📚 New Release from Blue Dasher Press: Back Strokes by Wren Valentino

Just in time for the heat of summer comes the new edition of a heartwarming, romantic, and deeply emotional novel from bestselling author Wren Valentino. Blue Dasher Press is proud to announce the publication of Back Strokes, a gay summer romance about coming home, finding unexpected friendship, rediscovering passion, and—of course—falling in love.

Available now in paperback and ebook, Back Strokes is the perfect summer read for anyone who has ever lost their way only to discover that the answers were waiting back where they started.

🏡 About the Novel

After a prank at his prestigious Chicago music conservatory nearly ends his academic career, twenty-two-year-old pianist Crawford Paul returns to his sleepy Northern California hometown for what promises to be a dull, forgettable summer. With his scholarship in jeopardy and his future uncertain, he reluctantly takes the only job he can find: escorting a glamorous seven-year-old, Isabella, to her swim lessons at a local community pool.

What Crawford doesn’t expect is to meet Nina, a fiercely stylish nanny who finds kids exhausting and Crawford mildly tolerable. Nor does he anticipate the growing mentorship with the aging owner of a record store—someone who reignites Crawford’s passion for classical music and encourages him to pursue his truth through the piano once more.

As Crawford navigates love, friendship, grief, and second chances, he begins to realize that everything he thought he had to leave behind might just be what he was searching for all along.

✨ A Word from the Author

“Back Strokes started with a simple idea,” said Wren Valentino. “What happens when someone returns to the place they were desperate to escape, only to find that what they were chasing was always within reach—if they’d only been brave enough to look? Crawford’s journey is personal to me. I wanted to write a summer romance that didn’t shy away from the complications of life—illness, identity, missed chances—but still offered hope, beauty, and love at its core.”

💙 Themes of the Novel

Beyond romance, Back Strokes explores:

  • A poignant subplot involving a beloved supporting character battling cancer

  • The enduring impact of intergenerational friendship and mentorship

  • The redemptive power of music and artistic self-expression

  • The courage it takes to face your truth—and follow your heart

Whether you're looking for a heartfelt LGBTQ+ love story, a tale of self-discovery, or simply your next great summer read, Back Strokes is ready to dive into your heart.

📖 Get your copy today in paperback or ebook wherever books are sold.


Follow Blue Dasher Press on Facebook and Instagram for more updates on new releases, author features, and behind-the-scenes looks at the stories we’re proud to publish.

Saturday, June 7, 2025

Blue Dasher Productions Announces Short Film Homecomings to Begin Filming This September in Sacramento

Blue Dasher Productions is proud to officially announce Homecomings, a poignant and powerful new short film that will begin production this September on location in Sacramento, California.

Written and directed by Wren Valentino, Homecomings is a moving character study set in a small-town laundromat where two former high school rivals—now in their sixties—unexpectedly cross paths for the first time in over forty years. What begins as an awkward reunion soon unearths buried memories, deep-seated regrets, and the fragile hope for redemption.

The film stars acclaimed actress Hester Wagner as Leslie, a once-revered beauty queen whose glow has long since faded in the eyes of the town—and perhaps herself. 

Opposite her, Desirae Velasquez delivers a layered performance as Cathy, a woman who has fought hard not to let the disappointments of life embitter her entirely. Together, they bring to life a story about time, memory, and the elusive nature of forgiveness.

Wren Valentino not only penned the screenplay but will also direct and serve as executive producer under the Blue Dasher Productions banner. The film is produced in association with Candid Life Entertainment and Hoop Earrings Entertainment, with Adam Michael producing on behalf of Candid Life and Frankie Hernandez representing Hoop Earrings.

Additional producers include Cynthia Lopez-Spencer and Edward C. Ortiz for Blue Dasher Productions, with Mindy Scranton-Morgan serving as Associate Producer. Seth Scranton-Morgan has been named Second Unit Director, contributing additional visual storytelling to enrich the film’s emotional landscape.

Valentino shared his inspiration for the project, stating:

“I’m deeply committed to exploring the lives of ordinary people who find themselves in extraordinary emotional circumstances—those pivotal moments that shift the course of a life forever. I’ve always been inspired by the inner worlds of women and the untold stories they carry. With Homecomings, I wanted to give voice to two women shaped by time, silence, and the things left unsaid.”

Homecomings marks another exciting step forward for Blue Dasher Productions in its mission to tell emotionally resonant, character-driven stories. With an evocative script, a powerhouse cast, and a dedicated production team, Homecomings promises to leave a lasting impact on audiences.

Stay tuned for more updates as production begins this fall.


Tuesday, June 3, 2025

Blue Dasher Press Announces the Publication of Home by Wren Valentino — A Poignant, Romantic Sequel to Northanger Abbey

Blue Dasher Press is delighted to announce the exclusive Kindle Unlimited release of Home, a brand-new short story by bestselling author Wren Valentino. A finalist in the international Jane Austen Writing Contest, Home is a moving, romantic imagining of what might come after Austen’s beloved Northanger Abbey.

In this atmospheric sequel, Valentino introduces us to Molly Hutchinson, a young woman descended from Catherine Morland, who embarks on a heartfelt journey from London to Bath and beyond. Drawn by the weight of her great-great-grandmother’s legacy and an unshakable desire for belonging, Molly sets out for the legendary Tilney estate—Northanger Abbey. Along the way, she meets Duke, a charming and enigmatic driver whose presence soon becomes entangled in her search for truth and connection. As the abbey's gothic silhouette appears on the horizon, Molly finds herself pulled into a deeply emotional experience where memory, identity, and romance converge.

Wren Valentino shares the inspiration behind the story:

“When I was a student years ago at Oglethorpe University, I took a class taught by the acclaimed poet Karen Head that focused on the literary canon of Jane Austen. That class was my gateway into Austen’s world—and her brilliance has stayed with me ever since. Northanger Abbey, in particular, spoke to me with its mix of satire, sincerity, and heart. Home is my love letter to Austen, to that class, and to the lasting power of stories that shape who we are.”

Home blends historical imagination with contemporary emotional depth, offering fans of Austen—and readers new to her legacy—a fresh yet faithful continuation of one of literature’s most quietly enchanting stories. Romantic, reflective, and steeped in literary tradition, Home is available now exclusively in a Kindle Unlimited edition.

Readers can begin their journey back to Northanger Abbey by downloading Home on Amazon.

Thursday, May 29, 2025

Workshops with Wren — Kick Off Your Writing Journey!

We are thrilled to introduce Workshops with Wren — a new series of interactive and inspiring writing workshops designed to support writers at every stage of their creative journey.

Whether you're just getting started or ready to take your work to the next level, these sessions are designed to be a safe, encouraging space where your ideas can flourish. With over twenty-one novels, numerous short stories, more than seventy stage plays, and eight produced screenplays under his belt, Wren Valentino is excited to share the tools, insights, and real-world experience that have shaped his creative path — and help you shape yours.

🌟 First Up: A Free Introductory Workshop!

📅 June 21 | 🕙 10 AM Pacific | 📍 Zoom

Join Wren for a 45-minute free session that introduces the basics of storytelling in a welcoming, pressure-free environment. This introductory workshop is perfect for writers who are:

  • Just starting out,

  • Returning to writing after a break,

  • Or simply curious about how Workshops with Wren can support your goals.

In this session, we’ll explore fundamental storytelling concepts and get you inspired to begin — or reignite — your writing journey.

👉 Reserve your spot today — space is limited!


What Are Workshops with Wren?

Each workshop is designed to be more than a lecture — it’s a creative conversation. We’ll focus on practical techniques, develop your unique voice, and work together in a supportive, writer-focused environment. Whether you're working on a novel, a script, a play, or simply want to stretch your writing muscles, there’s something here for you.

Workshops are available in a variety of formats to suit your schedule and learning preferences:

  • One-day sessions (great for focused learning)

  • 3-week and 5-week immersive formats, meeting every two weeks

  • Available virtually or in person

And yes — personalized feedback is a part of every workshop.


Let’s bring your writing to the next level — together.

📍 Save the Date: June 21 at 10 AM Pacific
🎟️ Free to attend | Held via Zoom

We can't wait to see what you create!


Tuesday, May 6, 2025

New Release from Blue Dasher Press: Mind Fields by Wren Valentino

Blue Dasher Press is thrilled to announce the exclusive Kindle Unlimited release of Mind Fields, a gripping and sensual new M/M romance novel by bestselling author Wren Valentino. A paperback edition will be available soon.

Set against the seductive backdrop of wealth and power, Mind Fields follows struggling college student Adam Parsh as he takes a job tutoring for one of the world’s most influential families. What begins as a chance to make ends meet quickly spirals into a dangerous entanglement with Dario Vassalos—a magnetic Greek tycoon and his married employer. As Adam is pulled deeper into a world of luxury, lust, and manipulation, his heart begins to lean toward someone else entirely: his loyal best friend, Victor Maldonado.

Caught between temptation and true connection, Adam must navigate a storm of secrets, lies, and impossible choices. Sometimes love can blow you away—and sometimes it can save you.

In speaking about his creative process, Wren Valentino shared:

“Mind Fields explores the emotional minefield of what money, power, and greed can do to people—and what happens when someone who’s never had any of those things still manages to hold onto his goodness. Adam’s story is deeply personal to me. He knows grief, he knows loneliness, and yet he still chooses love over corruption. That’s the kind of hero I believe in.”

This is a must-read for fans of emotional tension, forbidden romance, and characters who refuse to lose themselves in the shadows of others.

Mind Fields is now available exclusively through Kindle Unlimited. Don’t miss your chance to experience this haunting, provocative novel from one of today’s most distinctive voices in LGBTQ+ romance.

Read the Kindle Unlimited edition now. 

Paperback coming soon.

Thursday, May 1, 2025

New Release from Blue Dasher Press: Swimming to Chicago by Wren Valentino

Blue Dasher Press is thrilled to announce the release of the young adult novel Swimming to Chicago by bestselling author Wren Valentino. Now available in paperback and ebook formats, this powerful coming-of-age story explores grief, identity, and the kind of friendships that shape us forever.

About the Book:

Reeling from his mother’s suicide, seventeen-year-old Alex Bainbridge isolates himself from the world—often escaping to a secluded island behind his house. As an Armenian teen growing up in a small Southern town, Alex struggles to feel seen. His fierce friendship with the outspoken Jillian Dambro is his lifeline—until he meets Robby LaMont, a quiet new student who understands Alex in ways no one else ever has.

As their final year of high school unfolds and the adults in their lives spin out of control, Alex, Jillian, and Robby form an unbreakable bond. United by love and loyalty, the three make a bold decision to chart their own future—one that will test their courage and change their lives forever.

Author’s Inspiration:

In a note about his creative process, Wren Valentino shares:

“Swimming to Chicago was born out of music, memory, and emotion. I listened to a lot of Garbage and Metric while writing this book—those songs became a kind of emotional map for the characters. Their lyrics helped me tap into the rawness of Alex’s grief and the hope that emerges when you find people who truly see you. Both bands are mentioned in the book because their influence was so deeply felt during the writing process.”

Poignant, poetic, and ultimately hopeful, Swimming to Chicago is a must-read for fans of emotionally honest YA fiction.

Available Now:

Swimming to Chicago is now available in paperback and ebook through major retailers, including Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and indie bookstores.

For more news on upcoming releases and behind-the-scenes insights, stay connected with Blue Dasher Press.

Thursday, April 3, 2025

Blue Dasher Press Announces the Release of The Jetsetters by Wren Valentino

Blue Dasher Press is thrilled to announce the release of The Jetsetters, a captivating m/m romance novel by bestselling author Wren Valentino. Available now in paperback and eBook formats, The Jetsetters tells the passionate and emotional story of two young men navigating the complexities of love, fame, and personal growth.

In The Jetsetters, Justin Holt is a lonely barista living in Chicago who spends his days attending college and his evenings working at Clouds, a cozy coffee shop owned by his lesbian boss and best friend, Starsky. His quiet life is turned upside down when Diego Delgado, the hot Latin guitarist for the rock band The Jetsetters, strolls in for a cup of coffee. From their first encounter, a powerful spark is ignited between them.

As The Jetsetters rocket from obscurity to superstardom, Justin and Diego’s budding romance is put to the test. Justin must fight to preserve their relationship despite the chaos surrounding Diego’s rise to fame. When unexpected tragedy threatens Diego’s career and emotional well-being, Justin faces a heart-wrenching decision that will alter the course of their lives.

Author Wren Valentino shared his thoughts about the creative process behind The Jetsetters:

“I wanted to explore the intensity of young love and how it collides with the pressures of instant fame. At its heart, The Jetsetters is about finding connection and hope, even when the world feels impossibly loud.”

Don’t miss out on this unforgettable romance from Wren Valentino! Grab your copy of The Jetsetters today in paperback or eBook format, available wherever books are sold.

Stay tuned for more updates from Blue Dasher Press, including upcoming releases, author interviews, and special events. Follow us on social media to stay in the loop!

Monday, March 10, 2025

Blue Dasher Press Announces the Publication of Wren Valentino’s New Horror Short Story, Make It 'til Dawn

Blue Dasher Press is thrilled to announce the release of Make It 'til Dawn, a new short horror story by bestselling author Wren Valentino. This unique tale seamlessly blends horror, comedy, and romance into a single thrilling plot, offering readers an unforgettable experience filled with chills, laughs, and heartwarming moments.

At the heart of Make It 'til Dawn is the growing romance between two college-aged men, an element rarely explored in the horror genre. When Andrew accepts a dare to spend the night in an abandoned house to prove his bravery, Charles, a handsome parapsychology student, joins him—both intrigued by the supernatural folklore surrounding the house and eager to finally ask Andrew out. However, as the night unfolds, the two young men realize they’re not alone. Paranormal forces within the house, known to locals as Ghost Toast, are determined to prevent them from seeing the morning light.

“I wanted to write a horror story that not only delivers spine-tingling moments but also challenges the genre’s conventions,” says Wren Valentino. “Horror and romance don’t have to be separate entities, and I thought it was time to showcase a love story between two young men in a setting where they are rarely seen. Make It 'til Dawn is as much about finding courage—both in the face of supernatural terror and in confessing one’s feelings—as it is about surviving the night.”

Available exclusively in Kindle Unlimited edition, Make It 'til Dawn is perfect for readers who love stories that break the mold while delivering all the thrills and heart-stopping moments of classic horror. If you’re looking for a fresh take on the genre with a dash of romance and humor, this is one you won’t want to miss.

Get your copy today and see if Andrew and Charles can make it ‘til dawn!

Tuesday, March 4, 2025

Blue Dasher Press Announces the Release of Accidents Never Happen by Bestselling Author Wren Valentino

Blue Dasher Press is proud to announce the highly anticipated release of Accidents Never Happen, the latest novel by bestselling author Wren Valentino. With his trademark blend of raw emotion and taut suspense, Valentino delivers a gripping story of unexpected connections, complicated desires, and the haunting consequences of choices made in the heat of the moment.

Accidents Never Happen introduces us to Albert, a Puerto Rican amateur cruiserweight whose marriage has become a shell of what it once was. His wife can't even stand the sight of him, and he’s left to navigate the loneliness and turmoil of a fractured relationship. Enter Joey, a college sophomore who is dealing with the traumatic loss of his parents—an event that he feels responsible for, after he allegedly bled the brakes of their car, sending them off a cliff.

When Albert and Joey’s broken worlds collide beneath the shadow of a train track on a street in Chicago, a fierce and undeniable attraction simmers between them. Their desire is immediate and powerful, but when they give in to it, the consequences are catastrophic. A simple moment of passion triggers a chain reaction that spirals into murder, tragedy, and a series of events neither man could have ever imagined.

In a world where desire often defies the rules of identity, Valentino’s novel captures the complexities of human longing and the unpredictable paths it can lead us down.

“I wanted to explore how desire sometimes knows no gender, no boundaries—how it can exist in the most unlikely of places, between people who, on paper, couldn’t be more different,” says Wren Valentino in a statement about the writing process. “It’s a force that can be both redemptive and destructive, and Accidents Never Happen is a meditation on how those moments of desire can set off a chain of events that change everything.”

The novel is a haunting and thought-provoking tale of love, loss, and the way fate can twist and turn with the smallest of decisions. With vivid characters and a plot that is as relentless as it is unpredictable, Accidents Never Happen is a must-read for fans of contemporary fiction that pushes the boundaries of desire, identity, and consequence.

Accidents Never Happen is now available for purchase in a Kindle Unlimited edition.

Wednesday, February 26, 2025

Seven Stage Plays That Explore the Complexities of Dating

At Blue Dasher Press, we believe in the power of storytelling to illuminate the human experience. Through our collection of stage plays by award-winning playwright Wren Valentino, we invite artists, directors, and theatre companies to explore the theme of dating in all its complexity—its joys, heartbreaks, and unexpected connections. Best of all, our entire catalogue is available as printable PDFs, with no royalties required. This ensures that theatre-makers of all sizes and budgets have the opportunity to bring these compelling narratives to life.

Here are seven stage plays that delve into the triumphs and tribulations of modern romance:

1. Awake
After a night of drinking at a local bar, Justin brings Misty back to his apartment, offering her a place to sleep on his couch. When morning comes, their casual encounter reveals a deeper need for connection. 

2. Before Harmony Sleeps with Jeff
Gilbert is infatuated with Harmony, a young woman he meets in a fast food restaurant. Determined to win her over before she sleeps with her unfaithful boyfriend, Jeff, Gilbert faces the challenge of proving he is the better choice. This one-act play features roles for two men and one woman and contains adult language and subject matter. It has been featured in The Best Men's Stage Monologues.

3. Don't Say Bad Things About Me
Keith and Carla meet at a bar at the request of their best friends, who have recently broken up. Each has been led to dislike the other—despite never having met before. What starts as a conversation about their friends’ failed relationship turns into a humorous and unexpected connection. This short comedic play features roles for one woman and one man and has been featured in The Best Men's Stage Monologues and The Best Women's Stage Monologues.

4. Let's Not Confuse the Situation
Janessa Martin struggles with her decision to give her new boyfriend, Colby Varner, a key to her apartment. As their past relationship wounds resurface, Janessa and Colby must confront their trust issues and fears about commitment.

5. The Seventh of August
Erica’s decade-long relationship has ended without warning. Lloyd’s girlfriend has slept with all of his friends—and two of his relatives. When Erica loses her parking ticket in the underground garage where Lloyd works as a customer service manager, their broken hearts and fractured lives collide in unexpected ways.

6. Sloe Gin Fizz
On a rainy night, two male co-workers, Marco and Christopher, find solace in each other’s company. Marco is trapped in a loveless marriage, while Christopher is reeling from yet another failed relationship. Over the course of one night, they navigate the complexities of love, societal expectations, and emotional vulnerability.

7. Trixie's Last Date with the Boogey Man
Southern belle Trixie Howard is determined to survive a date from hell—literally—in a desperate attempt to avoid being single any longer. This darkly comedic play takes an imaginative and absurd approach to the trials of modern dating.

Each of these plays presents a unique perspective on romance, heartbreak, and human connection, offering rich material for performers and audiences alike. By making these works available without financial barriers, we hope to empower theatre-makers to share meaningful stories with their communities. Whether you are an independent artist, a community theatre, or an educational institution, these plays are ready to be brought to life on your stage.

Explore our full catalogue and download these plays today at our digital store. Let’s create theatre that resonates, inspires, and brings people together.

Tuesday, February 18, 2025

Blue Dasher Press Announces the Release of Wonder Land by Bestselling Author Wren Valentino

We are thrilled to announce the publication of Wonder Land, a gripping and heartfelt young adult supernatural romance novel by bestselling author Wren Valentino. Available exclusively in Kindle Unlimited, this enchanting story is one that blends magic, love, and loss into a narrative that will captivate readers from beginning to end.

After the devastating loss of her mother to cancer, fifteen-year-old Destiny Moore is forced to leave her home in Chicago and start fresh on the mysterious island of Avalon Cove, South Carolina. There, she moves in with her eccentric Uncle Fred and his husband Clark, and finds herself working part-time as a magician’s assistant—a far cry from her former life. As Destiny navigates her grief and attempts to adjust to her new home, she befriends two fellow outsiders, Tasha Gordon and Topher McGentry.

The trio is drawn to Wonder Land, an eerie and enchanting former boarding house owned by the enigmatic Adrianna Marveaux. It’s here that Destiny meets Dominic, and a deep connection is sparked. Meanwhile, Tasha finds herself intrigued by the mysterious Juliet, and Topher's heart is captured by Pablo. As their bonds grow, Destiny uncovers a shocking truth about why she and her friends were all brought to Wonder Land, and faces an impossible decision that will change their lives forever.

In Wonder Land, Wren Valentino explores the complex and painful themes of grief and loss through the lens of young love, friendship, and magic. Blending supernatural elements with deep emotional resonance, the novel invites readers to consider how the process of healing from loss can take unexpected forms and lead to profound personal growth.

Wren Valentino shared with us what inspired him to tackle these powerful themes in his latest novel:

“Grief is a universal experience, but it often feels like something we have to carry alone. I wanted to explore how young people—who are just starting to understand their own identities—process such profound loss, and how love can act as both a salve and a catalyst for change. The idea of blending magic and sorrow was particularly compelling to me; what if the mystical could help unlock parts of ourselves we’ve closed off in our pain? What if the impossible, like finding love in the midst of loss, could be a form of healing? That’s what I wanted to explore with Wonder Land—the intersection of magic, sorrow, and love, and how all three can shape our journeys toward understanding and acceptance.”

Wonder Land is now available to read for free with a Kindle Unlimited subscription, allowing fans of magical realism, romance, and stories of self-discovery to dive right in. Whether you’re looking for a book to lose yourself in or a story that will touch your heart, Wonder Land promises to deliver an unforgettable experience.

Get your copy today and start the journey to Avalon Cove—where magic, love, and the search for self intertwine in ways you won’t soon forget.