Valerie is a secondary English teacher and a writer. She lives in Brisbane, Australia with her husband and daughter, after moving from Sydney three years ago. Valerie is currently completing a Master of Letters in Creative Writing and writing her first novel. She is the daughter of Italian migrants and enjoys writing short stories that have an Italian cultural and family focus. Her dog Mischa and cats, Daisy and Miss Lilly, are her writing companions. Valerie loves reading a wide range of genres. You will always find a novel and notebook filled with ideas and observations, tucked away in her handbag. She believes in a balanced and serene life to nourish the mind and body. Valerie is an advocate for the environment and for living a more sustainable life.