Valerie Valdes is an accomplished American author, best known for her work in the science fiction and fantasy genres. She has published several short stories in various magazines, including "Nightmare Magazine," "Time Travel Short Stories," and "Uncanny Magazine." Valdes gained critical acclaim with the publishing of her debut novel, "Chilling Effect," which was released in 2019. The book was published by Harper Voyager and Orbit UK, and it received starred reviews in Kirkus Reviews and Library Journal. The novel was also shortlisted for the 2021 Arthur C. Clarke Award and was named one of Library Journal's best SF/fantasy novels of 2019.
Valdes has an impressive academic background, having studied English literature at the University of Miami, where she minored in motion pictures and Creative Writing. She also graduated from the Viable Paradise Workshop, which has helped her hone her writing skills. Valdes has been actively involved in the literary community for over a decade, serving as a professor of speculative short fiction, a copy editor, and the National Novel Writing Month’s Municipal Liaison. She is currently co-editor of the award-winning Escape Pod science fiction podcast and works as a freelance writer and copy editor.
In addition to her work as an author and editor, Valdes is a dedicated teacher and has taught classes and given lectures for Clarion West and Georgia State University. She is passionate about nurturing the next generation of writers and has been a Municipal Liaison for National Novel Writing Month since 2005. Valdes is also a talented artist and enjoys crafting handmade custom artisanal curses in her spare time. She currently resides in Georgia with her husband, children, and cats, where she continues to write and create in her elaborate meme palace.