Interview with Glenda Walters

Author of This Place That I Go

Where are you from originally and where do you reside now?

I continue to reside in my hometown of Lexington, NC.

If you currently reside somewhere besides where you were born, what’s the story that lead from there to here?

N/A

What made you decide to write and publish your first book?

When the catalog department I worked in closed down I was laid off. It was at this time an inner voice strongly encouraged me to write a book about spiritual experiences. I assumed this voice to be God. For two years I made up excuses why I could not write the book. It was not until I began working for Hospice of Davidson County that I finally agreed to write the manuscript.

How would you describe your books to first time readers?

“This Place That I Go” is a collection of short stories including angels, blessings, prophetic dreams, near-death experiences, visions, and visitations. Not only does it include stories from a Hospice perspective, but it includes accounts from people from all walks of life, including the author’s experiences as well.

Who do you feel is most likely to connect with the topics you write about?

This book is for the reader who is searching for spiritual truths. These stories bring hope, and peace to those who are going through challenging times. “This Place That I Go” is for the reader who enjoys stories about the supernatural side of God.

What unexpected or surprising thing did you learn during the process of writing and publishing?

Through this process of researching, praying, and conducting interviews I realized the limitations I had placed upon God. I viewed religion and spirituality as being the same thing, and this is so far from the truth. I had limited God by putting him in a box.

If you could, what advice would you give to past self yourself before embarking on this journey?

I would have convinced myself to pay the high expense of hiring a professional editor. Instead, I relied on a friend who was good at proof-reading… who let me know at the last minute she did not have time to edit the book.

How many people would you ideally like to reach with your books?

Instead of dwelling on a number, my wish is that this book will make its way across America and across the seas. A woman once prophesied to me she could see this book going out to other nations.

What has been the biggest challenge and frustration during the process to date?

Finding time to write and now doing a final editing. I cared for my husband (now deceased) and father, along with working full time for Hospice. It took me over 17 years to write it.

What’s your biggest strengths when it comes to book a) writing, b) publishing and c) marketing?

I drew off my prior experience of writing columns for 3 newspapers, along with a marketing background.

What’s your biggest weakness when it comes to book a) writing, b) publishing and c) marketing?

I have a creative mind that is rarely still. This creates the challenge of trying to do too many things at once.

When do you think you will you write your next book?

I’ve already started.

Are you self published or did you use a hybrid publisher, or a traditional publisher?

I placed in the top 5 of Xulon’s 2011 Writers’ Contest… out of over 500 entries, winning a partial publishing package.