Author Valerie Winn signs copies of her books during the Friends of the Starkville Library’s “Books & Authors” talk Thursday at the Starkville Public Library. Winn discussed her Mississippi-based trilogy, including her latest novel, “A Glaring Error.” Ashlynd King/Dispatch Staff - image courtesy The Dispatch
From newspapers to novels
By Ashlynd King
The Dispatch / Serving Columbus & Starkville, Mississippi
August 2026
Mississippi author Valerie Winn draws on her McComb childhood and decades as a journalist to create her Mimosa trilogy, a series of small-town stories rooted in real experiences. Her three novels—Forsaking Mimosa, The Dance Between and A Glaring Error—blend humor, nostalgia and autobiographical elements across generations. Winn spent years developing her first novel before finding a home with Dogwood Press, which she credits with giving her creative freedom. Speaking at the Friends of the Starkville Library’s “Books & Authors” event, she encouraged aspiring writers and artists to overcome fear, experiment and “be brave enough to do what you want.”
Clarion-Ledger / Hattiesburg American Mississippi Books Page
Review by Sherry Phillips Carlson
Clarion-Ledger / Hattiesburg American Mississippi Books Page
March 2026
—-”Mentorship, and the wisdom encouraged from previous generations’ experiences, are mirrored on the learning curves of those just starting out. “A Glaring Error” incorporates the passage of time while confronting aging, identity and professional evolution. Relationships and romantic dynamics challenge both the older and younger would-be couples in this story.”
LEGENDS MAGAZINE REVIEW OF FORSAKING MIMOSA
Review by Bill Scaggs
Legends Magazine - review starts on page 65
May / June 2012
...”Good stories draw the reader into the world created by the author. As this “non-review” demonstrates, Winn succeeded with this reader. And exactly when did Max “forsake Mamosa?” He didn’t. Mamosa went with him to boot camp and beyond. But I guess that’s Winn’s next book.”
VALERIE WINN ENJOYS MULTIFACETED CREATIVE OUTLETS
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Gulf Live
July 2014
Valerie Winn of Gautier is a busy lady. In addition to being the office administrator of Palmetto Dental Care in Gautier, and being the published author of Forsaking Mimosa, a novel published in 2012 by Dogwood Press, she is also a photographer and an artist.
MARY C. READS! ENCOURAGES READING
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Sponsors: Ocean Springs Chamber of Commerce
Ocean Springs School District
February 2013
We at the Mary C. O’Keefe Cultural Center for Arts and Education are very excited about this community reads project slated for March 16! Books may be purchased at Hillyer House, Gina’s, Lee Tracy, The Pink Rooster, Coffee Fusion, the Mary C., and the Ocean Springs Chamber of Commerce office.
WINN TO HEAD MARY C. LITERARY ARTS
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Ocean Springs Gazette
January 2013
Winn says she hopes to bring a variety of authors to the Mary C., particularly southern authors who are willing to share their writing processes. "Part of the goal is to create a place for independent booksellers to promote regional titles."
MARY C. READS— SEE WHAT’S IN STORE!
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Ocean Springs Gazette
January 2013
Mary C Reads! is directed at the Mary O' Keefe Cultural Center by Valerie Winn. It's a new community program to encourage the love of reading, with a March 16 event featuring a novel that channels Walter Anderson.
VALERIE WINN INTERVIEWS FOR THE MISSISSIPPI ARTS HOUR
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Interviewed by Diane Williams
Mississippi Public Broadcasting
September 2012
Diane Williams talks to author Valerie Winn. Winn's novel is titled Forsaking Mimosa; it's a coming of age story set in the 1930's in the mythical southwest Mississippi town of Mimosa. Winn also talks about being a recipient of the Mississippi Arts Commission's literary artist fellowship.
PERSEVERANCE PAYS OFF FOR 'FORSAKING MIMOSA' AUTHOR
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Written by Susan Ruddiman
The Mississippi Press
April 2012
GAUTIER - Valerie Balser Winn has a notebook full of rejection letters and so many revised manuscript pages that she plans to make a totem pole of the stack. The creative process she started more than 18 years ago is finished. Now, Winn, 59, is a published writer, ready to travel the state.
‘FORSAKING MIMOSA’ COMING OF AGE NOVEL SET IN STATE
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Written by DIOCESAN NEWS
March 2012
JACKSON - Valerie Balser Winn, niece of Father Edward Balser, a retired priest of the Diocese of Jackson, is a resident of Gautier. She officially becomes a Mississippi author with the release of her first novel, “Forsaking Mimosa” and she’ll sign copies at Lemuria in Banner Hall at 5 p.m.
‘FORSAKING MIMOSA’ COMING OF AGE NOVEL SET IN STATE
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Review by Sheri Krause
March 2012
Sheri Krause - You’ll struggle awake with Max each day at four a.m. to do his chores, drive his dad to town to his railroad job, then chauffeur himself and his brothers and sisters to school in a broken-down Ford. You’ll see how Max and his family meet the challenges, sorrows, and everyday happenings in their new rural life.