Who are you?
My name is Valerie Hope Campbell. I am a high school English teacher and part time Sunday School teacher at my church where I also serve on the Education committee.
Are you the hero of your own story?
I never considered myself a hero of anything. I was forced to become the protagonist when I lost my best friend, Beth. However, Beth Sizemore will always be the hero of my story. If it wasn’t for her I wouldn’t have made the vow, and there wouldn’t be a story at all. I never would have met Cooper, that’s for sure. I probably wouldn’t have met up with Evan again, and if I had, I certainly wouldn’t have had the guts to pursue anything.
What is your problem in the story?
I guess the real question here is what isn’t a problem in my story? Somehow I had to figure out how to keep my vow while maintaining my sanity, and my job. And yet, with the luck I have, problem after problem after problem…And without Beth, I just don’t know what to do. Fortunately, there is Cooper. And Evan. And Dakota. But I guess all that is a problem in itself. So really, I guess the problem is: What do I want to live for and how do I live for it?
Do you have a goal?
I have a lot of goals and dreams. I want to travel and see the world. I did a little of this when I was younger, but not as much as I want. I want to see China, India, Japan, Australia, Egypt, and—the Holy land. Sometimes I wonder about God and His role in our lives and I wonder if seeing the world would help solidify and answer these constant questions that plague me.
What are you afraid of?
I am afraid of failure. Of being alone. Of everything falling apart. My world shattered when I lost Beth, and I didn’t know if I could ever rebuild it. These fears are intensified some days. Other days the lesson. It’s a constant roller coaster of emotion.
Do you have any hobbies?
I’ve been restoring old furniture lately and that has been eye opening, and fun. It is a new skill I never thought I’d acquire, but has been very enlightening.
What is your favorite scent? Why?
My favorite scent is honeysuckle. It reminds me of home.
What is your favorite color? Why?
My favorite color is blue. It is calming and nurturing, it envelops you.
What is your favorite food? Why?
I love spaghetti—well anything Italian. Spaghetti is easy to make and is filling. And, well, brings back some pretty great memories!
What is your favorite music? Why?
I love a good salsa mix. It has a great mix, and now that I kind of know how to dance to it. Well, kind of I guess is a bit generous. Hopefully, he and I will have a chance to do a little more dancing in the future, but that’s a bit more than I want to divulge in a simple question like this.
Name five items in your purse, briefcase, or pockets.
A movie stub from The American Sniper, a lip gloss “blushing bride”, a few loose Euros, Pacific Cool Breeze hand sanitizer, and Stress-fix body lotion
What are the last three books you read?
The Professor and the Madman, The Atonement Child, and No Longer a Slumdog,
If you were stranded on a desert island, who would you rather be stranded with, a man or a woman?
A man. Many women tend to be catty and competitive with each other. Men will help take care of you…usually. Plus, well, now there’s only one person I want to be stranded with and if you’ve read my story, you certainly know who and why!
Where can we learn more about Valerie’s Vow?
From Second Wind Publishing: http://www.secondwindpublishing.com/#!product/prd15/2506087281/valerie’s-vow and Amazon
Pat Bertram Introduces . . . 
March 3, 2015 at 6:46 pm
This was a quick fun interview. I felt like I was sitting across from Valerie as Pat asked the questions. I don’t know what Val looks like but I liked her immediately and would like to be the guy on the deserted island with her. 🙂
March 6, 2015 at 4:38 am
Valerie was a fun character to write and to work with! I’m glad you enjoyed the interview with her!