C.L. STEGALL

The Valensi Library is the online home of author/lyricist, C.L. Stegall. A lover of words from an early age, CL has published a variety of fiction from novels to short stories. For almost 6 years, he and a few author friends owned and operated an independent publishing company formerly known as Dark Red Press. He has served as senior editor and CEO of the company. Now, he focuses on his own writing and looks forward to sharing some of that here, as well as publishing new works upcoming.

ABOUT ME

For me, writing has always been the utlimate escapism.

I craft stories that move like films through the mind and songs that paint scenes in sound. My fiction reads like cinema—visual, atmospheric, deeply felt—while my music tells stories that words alone couldn't capture. Both emerge from the same creative well: a fascination with how moments can shimmer with meaning, how a single scene or melody can hold entire worlds.

My Vision

I love creating new worlds, new scenarios in multiple genres. Wherever the story takes me...

My Mission

My mission is simple: to write sincere, engaging stories in which my readers can lose themselves.

My Goal

My goal is to produce at least two solid, publishable works per year, if not more.

MY WORK

My Writings

From the shadows of psychological thrillers where every heartbeat carries menace, to fantasy realms where magic feels as tangible as morning fog—my stories span worlds both familiar and strange. I write mysteries that unravel like haunting melodies, each clue a note building toward an inevitable crescendo. Whether I'm crafting the tension of a thriller that keeps you turning pages past midnight, or weaving fantasy landscapes where wonder and danger dance together, each narrative carries its own cinematic weight and musical rhythm.

The common thread? Stories that don't just unfold—they envelop. Characters who feel real enough to haunt your thoughts. Worlds so vivid you can almost hear their soundtracks playing. Every genre I touch becomes a different lens through which to explore what it means to be human, to fear, to hope, to discover magic in the mundane or find humanity in the extraordinary.

NOVEL

The Broken Night

Novella
Available Now

Fields of Anger

When the words flow...

I have been telling stories, refining my fiction writing for decades. I hope you enjoy what you find here and perhaps even gain enough interest to maybe buy one of my books. However, I will include lots of free stories and tales for you in my blog...so, feel free to browse!

CATEGORIES TO EXPLORE

Novels
Short Stories
Mystery/Thriller
Genre Fiction

Feel free to take some time and explore. If you enjoy music, I also wrting lyrics and songs that can be found in my blog..

My Latest Release

August 1st, 2025

Sage has spent thirteen years locked in a hidden tower, isolated from the world by ancient magic and deadly protective forces. Kept away since childhood for a tragedy she barely remembers, she's accepted her fate as both prisoner and threat.

When a mysterious stranger discovers her sanctuary and promises love and freedom, Sage must confront a terrible truth: Is she a victim in need of rescue, or is the world in need of protection from her?

In this dark reimagining of a classic fairy tale, some prisons keep the world safe — and some choices can never be undone.

Grab It Now

My Readers are THE BEST

This is just a few bits of feedback I've received from my wonderful readers.

TESTIMONIAL

What they say about my books?

" I'm not one who usually reviews products. I go over other reviews, and form my opinion based on those, but I don't usually do this myself. But with this book, I felt like I had to. I was first inclined to think of this as a Percy Jackson-esque book, but I was quickly disabused of that notion. The Weight of Night stands way out in the crowd, from the character style (more human, with flaws, problems, and nothing easily laid out before them), to the Greek Gods themselves (also more lifelike). "

St. Pierre, Amazon

RE: Weight of Night

" I have to stress how absolutely great this book was. Written by an independent author, I felt like I was reading something I just bought right off the best-seller shelves at Barnes & Noble. The writing style is amazing: clean, quick, crisp, believable and polished. "

JessicaRT, Amazon