In Valerie Kinsey's "Siren," the arrival of a captivating young woman at a retirement community sparks vivid memories and desires among the aging residents. As they become entranced by her presence and her search for her parents, they collectively engage in a whimsical farewell celebration, momentarily transcending the limitations of their age. The story beautifully explores themes of memory, connection, and the yearning for the past in the twilight years of life.

Published by Arcturus: An online literary magazine of new perspectives from the Chicago Review of Books.

Valerie Kinsey's "Life and Death of Mary Percy Stone," published in Hypertext Magazine, delves into the complex inner world of its titular character as she grapples with profound life changes and confronts her own mortality. The narrative intricately explores themes of identity, memory, and the search for meaning in the face of inevitable loss. Through introspective prose and vivid imagery, Kinsey crafts a poignant portrayal of a woman navigating the delicate balance between life's fleeting moments and the enduring impact of her existence.

Published by Hypertext, a magazine and studio that publishes original, brave, and striking narratives of historically marginalized, emerging, and established writers online and in print.

Winner of the D.H. Lawrence Prize for Fiction at the University of New Mexico

"MAN-O'-WAR" by Valerie Kinsey explores the fractured relationship between a grandmother, Susan, and her eight-year-old granddaughter, Sarah, against the backdrop of a Florida beach that Susan once shared with her deceased daughter, Janey. As Susan grapples with memories of Janey and the distant illness of Sarah's brother, Clay, she projects her past onto the quiet and somewhat unnerving Sarah, creating tension and unspoken grief. The story culminates in a poignant moment of attempted connection in the ocean, highlighting the enduring power of loss and the struggle to find solace in the present.

Published in Angel City Review, a literary journal that is committed to bringing the cutting edge in fiction and poetry to a modern audience.

In Valerie Kinsey's "Grandmother's Gifts," the seemingly simple tradition of gift-giving from a beloved grandmother evolves into a poignant exploration of changing relationships and the complex messages embedded in material objects. Through childhood memories of cherished presents to the often-confounding gifts of adulthood, Kinsey reflects on how these exchanges reveal shifts in perception, the weight of the past, and the enduring desire for connection across generations.

Published by the Sanat Fe Writer’s Project: SFWP is an independent press founded in 1998 that publishes exciting fiction and creative nonfiction of every genre.

Also published in the Evening Street Review.

Valerie Kinsey's "Postcards from the Darkroom" vividly portrays a fourth-grader's experience as her family's business collapses, turning the shuttering printing plant into an unexpected after-school world. Amidst the backdrop of dismantling machinery and her parents' growing stress, the narrator grapples with childhood friendships, a confusing first crush, and finds a strange fascination within the darkroom's revolving door. This introspective account captures the unsettling atmosphere of a family facing financial ruin through the poignant lens of a child navigating personal and familial upheaval.

Published by Streetlight: Streetlight Magazine is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Our mission is to publish exceptional talent, both new and established, from our region and across the country.

In Valerie Kinsey's "Chest Pains," Holly grapples with her daughter Sadie Roo's self-destructive behavior following a missed trip to Rio and the recent death of her close friend, Beth. As Holly navigates her own grief and anxieties about motherhood, she confronts the lingering trauma of losing her young son years ago, intertwining memories of Beth's rebellious spirit with her present struggles to connect with her increasingly distant teenage daughter. Through raw emotional honesty and poignant reflections on loss and connection, Kinsey explores the complexities of maternal love and the difficult journey of letting go.

Published by Sweet Tree Review: Sweet Tree Review is a biannual online literary and arts publication obsessed with ineffable connectivity.

"Forever Blue" by Valerie Kinsey, published in Penmen Review, serves as a heartfelt tribute to Chris Isaak, weaving together personal reflection and appreciation for his music. The narrative explores the emotional resonance of Isaak's songs, particularly "Forever Blue," and their impact on the author's experiences and memories. Through vivid prose, Kinsey crafts a poignant piece that celebrates the enduring power of music and its ability to connect with individual lives.

Published by the Penman Review, Southern New Hamphire University’s online journal for creative writers.

Additionally published by Adelaide Literary Magazine

In this issue, Conclave presents "The Trickster's Song," literary work that defies genre definitions and conventional expectations. Michael Chabon introduced the idea of "trickster lit," in which "the highbrow and the lowbrow, once kept chastely separate, are now hooking up, [and] you can almost see the future of literature coming." The world is filled with voices, but some are infrequently heard because they don't conform to expectations. This issue presents a wide range of voices, hybrid work that focuses on originality and fresh perspectives. The common thread is innovation, genuine emotion, and plumbing the full range of human experience. These are the tricksters, the writers who combine the best of all forms to produce wonderful work regardless of sex, race, orientation, religion, or country of origin. In this way, Editor-in-Chief Lara Bernhardt writes, we "[c]ontinue bringing the divine into the world."

Published in Conclave: The Trickster’s Song (2018).