Valentine J. Brkich shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Valentine J., so good to connect and we’re excited to share your story and insights with our audience. There’s a ton to learn from your story, but let’s start with a warm up before we get into the heart of the interview. What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
I’ve become addicted to disc golfing! I stopped ball golfing years ago because of the cost. But disc golfing is free! And it gets me out into nature, no matter the weather. It’s great exercise and therapeutic, too. I just wish I’d discovered it years earlier.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m a freelance writer doing business as Val The Writer. (It’s easy for people to remember, and way easier than having them try to spell my last name.) I do any and all types of writing, from resumes to web copy to magazine articles and more. I also work as a ghostwriter, helping people achieve their dream of becoming published authors. Additionally, I enjoy writing for fun on my Substack: valthewriter.substack.com.
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. What did you believe about yourself as a child that you no longer believe?
As a kid, I was 100% sure that one day I would be a world-famous author. There was no doubt in my mind. Now, as a 50-year-old man, I no longer believe this will happen. And that’s OK. I’ve written a dozen books and hundreds of magazine articles and essays. I can say with confidence that I am a published author. But I realize now just how difficult it is to write a book that connects with everyone. Honestly, I don’t know if I’m talented enough to write a novel. That’s a true skill. But as I said, I’m satisfied with how my writing career turned out.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
There’s so much I would say to younger me. First off, read, read, read! I didn’t really get into reading until I was in college. Then I fell in love with it. It’s not only made me a better writer, but a better person as well. Reading opens your mind and teaches empathy. I’d also tell myself not to wait until I graduated high school to figure out a career path. I actually wrote a little tongue-in-cheek book about all my childhood mistakes called “Achieving Mediocrity: Surefire Strategies for a Lackluster Life.” Now, I’ve given it to my teenage son to help him avoid the same mistakes I made.
So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. What do you believe is true but cannot prove?
That Bigfoot is real. ; )
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
That there truly was no one like me. That I was unique. That I entertained them and made them laugh through my stories.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://valthewriter.substack.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/val_thewriter/
- Linkedin: https://linkedin.com/in/valentinebrkich/
Image Credits
Headshot: Richard Kelly (www.richardkelly.com)
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