POSTED BY CRYSTAL ADKINS AT 5:32 PM

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 5, 2008
Valerie Anne Faulkner

Author Pen Name: Valerie Anne Faulkner

CA: What genre(s) do you write? Why do you write the stories that you write?

Valerie: My first novel, “I Must Be in Heaven, a promise kept,” is ‘a true, inspirational love story’ and has just been published in paper back. You ask why I have written this particular story…
Well, I never considered writing a book, however I have always enjoyed telling stories, and listening to them. Everyone I’ve ever met seems to have a story or two to tell, if you know what I mean.
My story literally had to be put on paper and shared. Its message is meant to offer hope, and insight. I personally experienced God’s presence in ordinary people, total strangers that I met, at the time this story takes place. Seemed one after another showed up… just when I needed them. Quite often people are placed along this path we call life; they shed light, on our darkness. But, we are too scared… we’re all afraid of the dark!
I for one had to keep faith when life seemed way to dim. And, I had to open my heart and my eyes to ‘see’ the light glowing, from these angels amongst us.

CA: When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?

Valerie: For me, I decided to write this story, when I realized I needed to write it all down and remember the miracles… and since I had made a promise, I needed to stay true to my word. At first, I planned to actually “Tell the Stories,” then the thought of writing a book to share them with people everywhere came to me.

CA: Who or what was your inspiration for writing?

Valerie: God has definitely been my inspiration.
Allow me to explain…It all began, due to a turn of events in my life. See, my hubby and I go back along way… childhood sweethearts, marriage, kids, ‘life was good.’ In May of 2005, life as we knew it, changed.
I endured a month of distress-dismay- and constant prayer at a hospital… watching, wondering if my husband whom had a brain aneurysm explode in his head, would survive! His prognosis was not good at all, and I asked family, then friends, and even mere acquaintances for their help in prayer.
One night while saying my prayers; I asked-like so many times before-for a miracle. It was that night I felt a presence like never before, and realized…should say I promised… to ‘Tell The Stories.’

CA: What is your work schedule like when you're writing?

Valerie: Yipes, well I’m an electrician with my husband during the day (well most of the day) so I try to get out my correspondences in the morning, e-mails etc. as I am always working to get the word out so-to-speak. I also write a column for the Christian Fiction Online Magazine… so that takes quite a bit of time. It’s fun though so I love doing that. As far as another book… I’ve been asked already to continue with a sequel but I have only mulled that around in my head at the moment.
Evenings I do things like this! And my hubby, God bless him, works at his computer too, and then we go to bed. One funny thing people always ask, is how we can be together 24/7 and not get in a tiff? It’s love!

CA: Your book is about to be sent into the reader world, what is one word that describes how you feel?

Valerie: Blessed!

CA: What was your biggest challenge in writing your book(s)?

Valerie: I tend to be a bit fanatical, and I desired perfection. In writing I would write-write-write, then read it, then have my husband read it – then rewrite it and start over again. It was a process that I eventually accepted, however if I didn’t go through all my steps… I couldn’t begin the next chapter. Of course it was pretty neat at the finish. I had very little I found that needed to be changed.
Then I sent it out to an editor for grammar and punctuation as well as flow. We compromised on ‘very few’ changes and the rest is history!

CA: What do you like to do when you're not writing?

Valerie: I like my regular job except this time of year it’s hot and Bill, my husband and I get dragged out and tired after a full day. He taught me how to do electrical wiring and the trade, as well as the people we meet are definitely interesting. If I’m not writing/working I love to go to the beach or swim in the pool. I am very fond of my dog Jake, and when possible he goes everywhere with us.

CA: How many books have you written? Which is your favorite?

Valerie: One, ‘I Must Be in Heaven, a promise kept” and it’s my favorite, too!

CA: Do you tend to base your characters on real people or are they totally from your imagination?

Valerie: Since this book is based on a true story, all the characters are very ‘real’ people.
I did consider who could play the movie roles since Bill and I resemble them so well. He could be Mathew McCaughnehey and I could be Kate Hudson. J

CA: Do you have any advice for the aspiring writers out there?

Valerie: Actually I do. This business of writing will amaze you, especially when you have your first book in hand. Try to focus on each day and each accomplishment rather on the ‘big ‘picture. Be patient, keep the faith, and be the best you can be. Write with your own voice! If you are satisfied and have given your project your all, be happy with your accomplishment. And constantly remember, to thank God, for the special gift he has given you. Then go out into the world with confidence and ‘show and tell’ them about your story!

CA: How can a reader contact you or purchase your books?

Valerie: I have a website. I also do book signings at local Florida locations, and keep an up to date calendar on my homepage. Basically if anyone outside my area wants a book they can also go to the website and purchase through pay pal. I sign and mail those copies, myself.

www.imustbeinheaven.com (and /or) shop at amazon.com
I am set up there as well, and they can take your order.

CA: Is there anything you would like to add?

Valerie: Crystal this has been most enjoyable, and I hope you will keep in touch. I am so glad you invited me to join you and your friends today.

CA: Thank you Valerie for hanging out and sharing your works with the readers! I’m sure they will enjoy it!

POSTED BY CRYSTAL ADKINS AT 5:32 PM
10 COMMENTS:
Crystal-Rain Love said...
Great interview. I appreciate any and everyone who shares such a powerful message!
OCTOBER 5, 2008 8:27 PM
happygirl said...
I have read Valerie's book. It is a very powerful book.If u like to laugh, cry, say oh no...or just need to renew your faith in the lord and prayer...Then read this book..If u ever get a chance to meet Val and Bill u will see and feel the love and faith in the lord and in each other that they share. In today's world u don't see this kind of love very often. I am very great full u interviewed Valerie. She is 1 of a kind.Thanks Val for reminding me of my faith..Whens the next one...lol...
OCTOBER 6, 2008 7:09 AM
Julie Lessman said...
Beautiful interview, Valerie! Your book sounds amazing -- may God bless it, and you, to the fullest.

Hugs,
Julie
OCTOBER 6, 2008 7:34 AM
Chick Lit Gurrl said...
Really enjoyed this interview. I've read Valerie's book, and it's a powerful testimony to her love for faith, for her husband, for her family, and for life.
OCTOBER 6, 2008 11:33 AM
kalea_kane said...
I thoroughly enjoyed Valerie's interview. Thank you so much for the opportunity to read about her. I have enjoyed all of Valerie's interviews on Christian Fiction Online Magazine. It was nice to read an interview about her. :)
OCTOBER 6, 2008 3:42 PM
Valerie Anne Faulkner said...
Wow...You all are SO kind...Thank you for the 'absolutely-wonderful', notes of encouragement!

This truely is what keeps me going.
I luv you all!

*Hugs* Valerie
OCTOBER 6, 2008 5:03 PM
Gary said...
This lovely interview makes me want to go get a copy of the book and read it! Thanks for sharing & may God bless you and yours!

Gary & Martha
OCTOBER 7, 2008 6:40 AM
Barbara Watkins said...
"I enjoyed this interview, and Valerie your book sounds lovely! I wish you much success."
OCTOBER 7, 2008 7:39 PM
Tamara Leigh said...
Great interview with Valerie. I love her enthusiasm for writing and love of God. Congratulations, Valerie, on the release of your book. May there be many more!
OCTOBER 8, 2008 3:16 PM
Zulmara said...
Love the inspiration part...que cool is that...wanting to see your name on a cover...

And, love the advice to young writers...it is so true...stay in the present and enjoy each day, each accomplishmnet, each goal achieved...

ADELANTE!!!

Zulmara