A visit from Valia Lind

“The true beauty of a soul is the ability to love the simple things in life.” This is the quote that sums up my book “Simplicity.” I was a full time student with two jobs, trying to make my way through college. While most were enjoying their cozy beds, I sat on the hard tile floor in the bathroom finishing my homework at two o’clock in the morning. One Saturday night, the one night I had a chance to relax and catch up on some sleep, I was restless. As soon as the lights went out, my mind began racing. I was on a plane heading to a foreign land. I was finally reaching my career goals and I couldn’t wait to get there. Yet, God had a plan for me unlike anything I could have ever imagined. My world was torn apart by a storm, which took the life of three people, and left me stranded on an island. I met a group of men there, who had a faith like nothing I have seen before. They taught me that life was not about getting to the top; it was enjoying the journey while you are doing it. I learned that love is messy, but when you care about someone with your whole heart you fight for them. I learned that God brings trials our way to teach us what life is all about.

Needless to say, I didn’t sleep much that night. I traveled, I learned, I fell in love, and I fought for the ending I wanted. When I finally got up the next morning, I wasn’t tired. I was itching to pen the words that I believed were given to me by God. Maybe I wasn’t on an island in the middle of the ocean, but I was going through some trying times. Through this story, God showed me that He was in control. He taught me to trust Him, and to know that His plans are the best. I wanted to share that with the world. Every time I hear of someone reading my book I hear of the blessing and encouragement the words were to them. In a form of a story, I brought out the truths we live with every day, and I showed the love of God.

Publishing my book didn’t come until almost three years later. After countless query letters and returned unopened envelopes, I received a letter from Argus Books with an offer to read my book. I accepted and in February 2010 my book was published.

This is only the beginning. After all the hard work and prayers, I have achieved my goal of being published. I encourage anyone with a dream, to pursue it. Nothing is impossible to those who reach for the things they want. If a Russian immigrant, with only ten years of English experience, can tell a story that touches lives, then anyone who shares their heart can see great things accomplished. Writing is a powerful tool. The beauty of the words is what makes our lives better. I encourage everyone to reach for the stars, in whatever you do.

I’m a writer. I write.