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Bio: Born and raised in a relatively small suburb of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Valerie grew up staging plays, musicals, and talent shows on a makeshift stage at the end of the dead-end alley she lived on. Early in life, she realized the Lord had blessed her with a deep creativity that needed to be released--in all forms of art.<P>As an actress, Valerie has appeared in several productions for the local theatre troupe. "I love the performing arts," she says. "Being on stage allows you to become anyone in the world in any time period. To have people pay to watch me perform is a dream come true. It's validation of the gifts I've been blessed with."<P>Valerie has had several short stories published. Her story <I>Green and Red Trappings</I> was included in a compilation book of Sherlock Holmes pastiches, <I>Curious Incidents Volume 2: Being a Collection of the Further Adventures of Sherlock Holmes by Mad for a Mystery Publications.</I> Her short story <I>Tag, You're It</I> won the Donard Publishing writing competition.<P>Valerie is an adjunct lecturer for a local college, as well as working part time for an attorney. She spent eleven years in the banking/finance industry before leaving her position as branch manager to spend more time with her family, and de-stress her life. Entering the workforce a year later--happier and healthier--she taught secondary special education for homebound students. She's been teaching the Preteen Sunday school class for her church since 1999, through which she takes her class on an annual tent-camping trip in June. In her spare time, Valerie is the owner and hostess of a website for writers of all levels of experience (<I>www.writerswall.com</I>). Known there as Beatrice Ware (BeaWare for short) Valerie mingles with writers from across the globe. If you're a subscriber to either <I>The Gabriel Writer</I> or <I>WordWright,</I> then chances are you've read one of her editorials on writing, as both publications recently featured her work. She also edits for other writers--novice and experienced alike.<P>Valerie shares her life with her best friend and husband, Steven. Together, they make their home in Southwestern Pennsylvania. "Steve is a true blessing from God. He's one half of me. His support of my dreams and my writing is invaluable. Each time I pray, I thank the Lord for allowing me to share my life with Steve."