Veronica is a fantasy writer with an MA in Creative Writing from Kingston University. She published her first novel: The Word-Keeper with Silverwood in 2019. Her new novel: The Book of Four Journeys links to The Word-Keeper and explores some of the history of this book’s characters.
In her latest book, Veronica has delved into her love of Inuit mythology to write her story of Mumik and Pimnik: a story of twins separated at birth and raised on different poles and whose quest to find each other begins at the same minute on the same day.
When Lincoln Jax was a baby, she was left on the doorstep of Wendelin Children’s Home. At the beginning of the story, she is now ten-years-old and one night, while reflecting on how unhappy she is, a white crane named Pearl flies onto the windowsill where she’s sitting, unable to sleep. Pearl gives Lincoln an invitation, which gives her faith in a better future; she sets off on her journey immediately.
Alfalfa is the postman in Yellow. One day, an unusually addressed letter for the attention of the milliner, Kinsley. Alfalfa delivers this letter last to enable him to have the time to investigate it. Kinsley agrees to tell Alfalfa about the hat’s magic power if Alfalfa will deliver it to Phineas in Blue, a town on the other side of the spiky hills.
Finally, Neboo McCloudy, the grumpiest creature lives in the only grey, stormy, cloud in Floccusville. One morning, having upset the locals by shouting at the queue in the bakers, Neboo storms off on his paraglider and spots a tightly rolled scroll floating just beyond his grasp. He chases it and manages to grab it. Its rhyme tells of a huge fortune to be found in Oraland, so Neboo hurries home to pack for the journey.
Here’s a free mid-grade short story about bullying from Veronica
Here’s a note from Veronica about The Book of Four Journeys:
By Veronica del Valle
What does a journey do to the one who journeys?
This is a middle-grade fantasy book made of four stories: Alfalfa Spooly, Lincoln Jax, Neboo McCloudy and Mumik & Pimnik. These are four stories about four different journeys. Hence, they are about change, crossing the threshold into the unknown and weathering our greatest fears.
Whether by foot, by sailboat, by hot air balloon or with a paraglider with a little propeller on the back, these four journeys are about deep inner transformations and discoveries. The heroes and heroines of these tales will venture into paths that lead them through wild adventures, risks, uncertainties and, most importantly, possibilities.
WARNING NOTICE: This book is different from others in that the reader won’t find in it any dragons, wizards, trolls or ogres. But that doesn’t mean it’s not fill to the brim with peculiar and unexpected characters.
Click on the link for a free mid-grade story from Veronica where the nerds triumph over the bullies. I hope you enjoy it.
The Word-Keeper is published by Silverwood Books:
Print book ISBN 978-1781328415
e-book ISBN 9781781329085
The Book of Four Journeys will be published on 18th May 2021 and is available for pre-order through Amazon and the book depository: ISBN 978-1800420441
Thereafter, both books will be available through all online and high street retailers.
Veronica can be contacted via her website: http://www.veronicadelvallebooks.com/
Review from Veronica Del Valle
“Lesley’s work is exemplary. She is thoughtful and meticulous. Her talent is nothing but extraordinary. Her editorial skills have profoundly enhanced the quality of my work. I couldn’t have asked for a better editor. I recommend her wholeheartedly and I look forward to working with her on many more projects.
“It goes without saying you have a very special place on the acknowledgements page. As I mention there, and as cliché as it may sound, this book would not be what it is without you. Thank you.”