As an emerging author, Valerie Anne Burns has a final draft of a collection of essays titled, "Caution: Mermaid Crossing—Voyages of a Motherless Daughter". The opening starts with one of the experiences she had growing up on a pristine island off Miami. Valerie Anne is excited to have one of the essays from her book chosen for publication in "Chicken Soup for the Soul: Tough Times Won't Last but Tough People Will" titled "Flying Nighties" coming out in print November 2nd, 2021. She's also had two other essays from "Caution: Mermaid Crossing" published in HerStry Literary Magazine: “Venice Vision” in September 2020 and “Your Bed” May 2021. Libretto Magazine published “He’s on Top of the World and I’m Not” June 2021. Valerie Anne has been awarded scholarships to the 2019 Santa Barbara Writers Conference and the 2016 Prague Summer Writing Program. In addition, Valerie Anne was sponsored on a trip to Italy for a breast cancer survivor retreat, where an essay from her book became a launching point for the workshop she presented, “Living and Healing Through Color”. Valerie Anne previously worked in Hollywood as a story editor and in production, as well as, running her own business as a makeover specialist for home decor and wardrobe image. Santa Barbara is home, where Valerie Anne has survived breast cancer. Being near the ocean brings out her “inner mermaid” and gives her the peace and clarity she requires to write, along with the strength and grace she needs to mother herself through the stormiest weather.
