My first attempt at “creative” writing was to write a letter to God to request a magic pencil to pass my math tests. I felt that I had written a very persuasive composition; however, HE remained adamantly silent, even after several rewrites! Actually, it is really ironic as I have spent my entire professional career in the accounting field. Go figure!
I was born in Alamagardo, New Mexico on Andrews Air Force Base. My dad was a “career man” so I have lived in many countries and locations as we followed the “orders” dad received. I continued to write and experiment with poetry, short stories and plays during our travels but did not get serious until we relocated to London and I caught “ Beatlemania”. So, I switched from writing to God to writing poems dedicated to Paul and Ringo!
Seriously, I developed two passions quite early: writing and painting. I enjoy both equally and have tried to develop my “talent’ through the years. Most of my poetry is inspirational /spiritual although I also write in the romantic and erotic venues. After God “found me” and turned my life right side up, I began to write from deep love and gratefulness that HE decided to save a wretch like me. Before relocating to Houston, Texas, where I live with my daughter and very “spoiled” granddaughter (my fault), I had a prison ministry which was rewarding and heartbreaking, taught poetry and journaling to inmates and visited women on death row. Much of my poetry is inspired by those individuals that I have counseled who found themselves on the wrong side of the law. I also write to share my personal experiences with prayer (I fight the good fight on my knees), my joy and victory in Him and my struggles.
I’ve found a real home at “Soul” and enjoy being in the presence of such wonderful and immensely talented poets. Thank you all for your encouragement and most appreciated reviews of my work.
Presently, my first inspirational book is undergoing pre- production review at Publish America. I hope to publish my first romantic poetry collection with “Soul” the latter part of this year.
Blessings to You and Yours Always!
Val
