 Writer, Sophia Valentine | Sometimes our biggest mistake lies in believing there’s a difference between a goal and a dream. If an avid reader dreams of one day becoming a writer, why shouldn’t they make their dream a goal? And if a person who’s grown up in England dreams of living in Spain, why shouldn’t they make that dream a goal? This is exactly what Sophia Valentine did. She made the courageous decision to move to Spain and pursue her interest in writing, no holds barred. What gave her the courage to do this? Check out her answer in the interview below! |
What Was your childhood like?
A happy one! I definitely wasn't one of those people that missed out on childhood or wanted to grow up too fast.
I grew up in Birmingham, England and often played Barbie’s, rode skates/a bike/skateboard with other friends in the grove where we lived.
We used to have all kinds of adventures, exploring the area we lived in and meeting new people. I remember when some Americans moved into the grove, and though they never had any children our age, they used to let us play in their massive backyard and it was fun because it was full of trees, bushes, and secret passages.
I grew up in Birmingham, England and often played Barbie’s, rode skates/a bike/skateboard with other friends in the grove where we lived.
We used to have all kinds of adventures, exploring the area we lived in and meeting new people. I remember when some Americans moved into the grove, and though they never had any children our age, they used to let us play in their massive backyard and it was fun because it was full of trees, bushes, and secret passages.
What did you want to be when you grew up?
A teacher. I always used to round everyone up to be my pupils and I think they secretly hated it, I mean, who wants to be doing schoolwork out of school?!
I also wanted to be an actor or a writer. At about 12 years old, I was writing historical novels and I loved reading Catherine Cookson stories, and later when the series aired, I’d watch it with my mom.
I also wanted to be an actor or a writer. At about 12 years old, I was writing historical novels and I loved reading Catherine Cookson stories, and later when the series aired, I’d watch it with my mom.
Your Bio says that you went into law. What did you like and dislike about that field?
I loved studying and working within that field and I especially enjoyed Criminal Law. I didn’t have the chance to work in Criminal Law, I ended up working in the Injury & Insurance field. It was interesting and I enjoyed visiting the courts, reading the cases, and helping clients. What I disliked most was the predictable 9-5 days, it was the same old thing, every day.
Have you ever felt like you were "stuck in a rut"? If so, what did you do to get out of it?
Yes. I was in England working my 9-5 office job, going out on weekends and often thinking, 'surely there's more to life…'
I wanted to travel and experience some of the world before settling down.
So, one day, I quit my job, (I gave my 3 months notice, I'm not that spontaneous lol!), sold my car, and told my friends and family that I’d be working a summer in Ibiza, Spain. It’s a place I'd been on holiday and loved. I’d planned to then go on to Australia and wherever else, but I met someone and remained in Ibiza.
I wanted to travel and experience some of the world before settling down.
So, one day, I quit my job, (I gave my 3 months notice, I'm not that spontaneous lol!), sold my car, and told my friends and family that I’d be working a summer in Ibiza, Spain. It’s a place I'd been on holiday and loved. I’d planned to then go on to Australia and wherever else, but I met someone and remained in Ibiza.
If someone wants to be a writer but is afraid to make the leap, what advice would you give them?
It's better to fail than to have not tried at all. And always believe in yourself! Do it for the enjoyment also, do it for you! And never, ever give up on something you really want. Anything that the mind can conceive can be achieved!
Sophia is such an inspiring person! To check out her full interview in the PDF version of Heard>Herd, click here! And be sure to visit Sophia's blog here!
