The Fantastic Shenandoah Valley

“Mystic Whispers from the Valley’s Vales”

Ask An Author with James Blakey

You’ll never look at the Shenandoah Valley quite the same way again.

What if trolls lurked beneath Luray Caverns? What if time travelers wandered the American Shakespeare Center? What if a ghostly train still rolled through Mount Jackson?

Join author and editor James Blakey and fellow contributors for a fascinating conversation about Shenandoah Fantastic: Mystic Whispers from the Valley’s Vales, an anthology of original fantasy, science fiction, and horror stories inspired by the people, places, and history of the Shenandoah Valley.

Created by Valley writers, the collection transforms familiar landmarks and local legends into imaginative tales that are mysterious, humorous, and sometimes delightfully spooky. From Dinosaur Land to Blackfriars Playhouse, the stories invite readers to see our region through an entirely new lens while celebrating the landscapes, communities, and traditions that make the Shenandoah Valley unique.

During this special Ask an Author program, the authors will discuss the inspiration behind the anthology, the role of folklore and local history in speculative fiction, and how imagination can deepen our appreciation for the places we call home. A question-and-answer session will follow.

Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a fan of fantasy, or simply curious about the stories hidden in familiar places, you’ll leave wondering what might be waiting just beyond the ordinary.