Valerie Coulman won her first writing award at age 11 but did not consider a career in writing until many years later. "The beauty of writing is that I can be working on a story wherever, whenever … although as the mother of a growing family, actually getting it on paper can be challenging."

"Wherever, whenever" proved itself true when a bedtime story became my first published picture book, the award-winning When Pigs Fly. Since then, I have gone on to write more award-winning picture books as well as adult and children’s magazine articles, poetry and more. When I'm not writing my own words, I work with others through technical writing, editing and other services I offer. And in 2005, I ventured into the world of art and illustration, learning to communicate by "a picture or a thousand words" as my artwork has exhibited both locally and internationally.

I love to create, whether through weaving a good story or stitching an heirloom quilt, capturing an image with my camera or producing a piece of art. My hobbies include quilting, sewing, gardening, knitting, cross-stitch, photography, bargain hunting and reading. I also enjoy cycling and hiking ... especially when I have my camera along.

Before writing, I earned two bachelors degrees (Linguistics and Theology) and a CERTESL (Teaching English as a Second Language) certificate from the University of Saskatchewan. My other job choices have included bridal consultant, seamstress, small business owner, retail fabric sales, homemaker and mother. I am a member of a variety of professional organizations and volunteer regularly.

Born and raised on the Canadian prairies, I now write from my home in southern Oregon … or wherever.

Want to know more?

My Picture Books

Feature Article by Val

Complete Publishing Credits

Resources for Writers

Check out my page on Jacketflap.com, find me on Facebook or visit my blog, " It's My Day Job"!

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Professional memberships:

CANSCAIP — Canadian Society of Children’s Authors, Illustrators and Performers
CCBC — Canadian Children's Book Centre
SCBWI — Society of Children's Book Writers & Illustrators
CPSA — Colored Pencil Society of America
OCW — Oregon Christian Writers
ICWF — InScribe Christian Writers Fellowship
SOSA — Southern Oregon Society of Artists

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Friends & Mentors:

Karen Cain-Smith, artist
Janet Rawlings, artist
Kim Ragsdale, artist
Christine Tripp, artist. Christine also has a blog called The Children's Illustrator Studio
Margriet Ruurs, writer
Sandy Cathcart, writer, artist, photographer
Irelock Imaging— Olivia (Livvy) Schemanski, artist.
Carol S. Fitzpatrick, reading specialist, writer