Interview with Author Valerie Cullers
Author Valerie Cullers was born to an Italian mother and an American father who were married in Tripoli, Libya after the Second World War. As a child she knew there was more to the world than the provincial town she grew up in. She was an avid reader and seeker of truth. She thought she knew the truth until she was in her late teens and realized it was not so. She began her search for the truth and it took her down some blind alleys, dead ends and a few dark paths. She finally found the One who could save her soul and give her the peace she had been looking for.
She has spent most of her adult life sharing that truth with women and helping them find The One who made such a difference in her life. She is a writer, speaker and author living near Boise, Idaho. She current serves as a Regional Speaker Trainer with the ministry she serves with.
Tell me more about your latest book
My latest book, “The Road to Ravenna” is the sequel to my first historical fiction novel, “The Unwelcome Stranger.” It continues the story of Livia, a young widow, who was forced to serve in the home of Lucius Marius, a Senatorial Legate. While Lucius is serving the Emperor Constantine in Milan at the time the Edict of Milan is signed, Livia makes her escape. She thinks she is free of him until a storm forces her ship to set in at a port on the coast of Italy. The sequel follows Livia as she seeks to hide from Lucius and he pursues her. Not finding her at the port, he sends a spy to find her and bring her back to him.
What was the most challenging aspect of writing this book?
The most challenging aspect of writing both of these historical novels was the research. I spent months reading about the aspects of Roman life, the life of Constantine, the city of Ravenna in the early fourth century and the state of Christianity at that time.
What is your normal procedure to get your books published?
I was very fortunate to have Lighthouse Christian Publishing publish the Bible Study I wrote. Since then, I submit a manuscript to them and wait to see if they are interested in publishing it. If so, they send a contract and I sign it and wait for the manuscript to be published.
Do you view writing as a kind of spiritual practice?
I do. If the Lord hadn’t given me the first ideas to write over a decade ago, I would not be doing it. I pray each day before I write something and I depend on the Lord to give me the words and ideas I need.
How many books have your written so far?
Three. A Bible study, “Psalm One for Women on the Run,” and the two historical novels, “The Unwelcome Stranger” and “The Road to Ravenna.”
What’s the best way to market your book?
Social Media is probably the best way to market your books, but word of mouth is great because it brings in more and more people who become personally connected to the work.
How hard or easy is it to establish and maintain a career in writing?
I think it is difficult to maintain a career in writing because you have to be disciplined to write regardless of the encouragement you get from others. Initially it is hard to receive rejection letters but you must power through and believe in the work you have done and keep trying. Eventually, someone will appreciate what you do and the doors will open.
What is your advice for aspiring writers?
Learn all you can about the craft of writing, go to seminars, join writer’s groups. Do everything you can to perfect what you are doing. Above all, Keep Writing!
Visit Author Valerie Cullers book links:
Lighthouse Christian Publishing
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Valerie-Cullers-Author-211002669541472/
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