Featured Interview With Val Silver
Tell us a little about yourself. Where were you raised? Where do you live now?
I spent my first ten years in Brooklyn, NY. It was wonderful. Most of my loud, lively, large extended family lived within a few miles of our house and we would see them often. My sister would say she could tell who was at our home when she rounded the corner.
Since those days we moved every few years. The most interesting place I lived was Germany for three years. We got to visit several countries while we were there. For the past 30 years I’ve lived in northern New York where we get big piles of snow – but our short lovely summers by the lake make up for it.
After I retire from teaching next year, my husband and I hope to spend a few winter months a year in warmer southern climes. I think our dog Teddy will like that, too, although he is not a fan of traveling.
At what age did you realize your fascination with books? When did you start writing?
Oh my, I loved books since I was old enough to know what a book was. I would have my mother read me my favorite books over and over and would listen to stories on records for hours on end. That’s how I learned to read by the time I was four or five years old. I was equally fascinated with writing, and could print and write in cursive before I went to school. That was about the time I wrote my first “books”.
Who are your favorite authors to read? What is your favorite genre to read. Who Inspires you in your writings?
I really enjoy reading a variety of authors and genres. Novel wise, I probably enjoy historical fiction best, because I learn something while enjoying a good read. Most of what I read is non-fiction, because I love to learn by reading.
My writings are inspired by real-life needs of animals and people. Leo Buscalgia and Henry David Thoreau were two major inspirations in my teen years.
Tell us a little about your latest book?
My first and latest published books are about rescue dogs, how we saved and adopted them, and how in turn they rescued us. It’s a fundraiser for shelters and rescues and also helps raise sensitivity to the plight of homeless dogs. The stories touch the hearts of dog lovers because we can relate to them.
My upcoming book, still in its infancy is about religions and sacred writings from around the world and what they say about how humans should treat and relate to animals and the natural world.
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