Author: Val Karren

Novelist, blogger at www.flybynightpress.com, and lover of world travel and cultural immersion.

Marten (with an ‘e’) shows you Europe.

25 February 2021

Marten (with an “e”) gives you his best travel tips for avoiding the boring and irrelevant attractions in Europe’s most visited cities, and some great spots in some of the continent’s up-and-coming travel hotspots that might be off your radar. Let Marten (with an “e”) help you navigate past the tourist traps and find the “best” food that Europe has to offer to discerning globetrotters.

… More Marten (with an ‘e’) shows you Europe.

Luctor et Emergo

24 July 2020

Do you have a favorite motto, phrase or mantra that keeps you positive or motivated? Maybe it’s something from a favorite book, or a quote from someone you admire. I have many of these: ‘Stay calm and carry on,’ ‘when the going gets tough, the tough get going,’ and of course, ‘when life gives you … More Luctor et Emergo

And it’s LIVE!

29 May 2020

My complete story, Fate and Longing in Lisbon, is now available for your reading pleasure! As of today, May 29th, this Kindle ebook is ready for immediate download on Amazon. You can use your Kindle device or the FREE Kindle app on your phone, tablet, or computer to read it. Click below to order this short Portuguese-style romantic comedy for … More And it’s LIVE!

Fate is a Wrecking ball

14 May 2020

Fate doesn’t know her own strength. One nudge from her well meaning elbow can land a blow to a fragile heart with the force of a wrecking ball. She has a habit of stepping in, uninvited, and carrying out renovation plans on content lives without consent and without reassurances that her victim will even like what she has in store. When Fate goes to work, most times she doesn’t have a blue print or a road map and works as precisely as a steamroller. … More Fate is a Wrecking ball

The Music behind the Story: Fate & Longing in Lisbon

7 May 2020

Available in ebook from May 29, 2020. Welcome back! I am so happy that you looked us up again this week to read more of my new short-story Fate and Longing in Lisbon. Last week we met some of the colorful characters of the story and I hope you fell in love with the postman … More The Music behind the Story: Fate & Longing in Lisbon

One Last, Deep Breath!

24 April 2020

At the end of January, just as the world was changing, I took one last, deep breath before it became clear that we couldn’t take breathing for granted any longer. On the flight home from Lisbon some passengers were already wearing face masks. China had just begun its quarantine. Since January, I have been holding … More One Last, Deep Breath!