Up Nameless Creek: Finally A book about how NOT to cope with chronic illness. The story of a young woman who develops a baffling array of symptoms when her car is totaled out from under her. Struggling to find a diagnosis, she lights her way with dry martinis. Then, after one fateful drink too many, she stumbles into a murder mystery. Her illness seems to be getting worse, and now someone is stalking her. Will she survive VAL THOMMEN was born and raised in Los Angeles, California. She holds a bachelor's degree from California State University at Northridge and an MSW degree from Indiana University at Indianapolis. For her Nth degree, she majored in chronic illness coping. Val wrote Up Nameless Creek, her first novel, after abandoning her lifelong dream of becoming a sit-down comic. Notes from author: This book, though fiction, was written in honor of the millions of real women who struggle daily with disabling, invisible chronic illnesses. Part of the proceeds from its sale will go toward much needed research into the two diseases affecting its main character.