Author Biography
Valerie was raised on Long Island, about two hours east of New York City. In the fifties and sixties her hometown Yaphank, was rural, woods and fields housed just a handful of dwellings. Growing up in a small town did not mean that Valerie would not have big dreams. In 1973 she and her husband and their first child began a new adventure as they left family and friends and moved to Florida. As their family grew by two more children Valerie had the luxury of being a stay-at-home mom during the primary years of their lives. This did not hinder another adventure however as she and her husband began an electrical contracting business in 1973. Valerie managed home, children and office while Bill worked out in the field. As the children became more independent Valerie dabbled in other endeavors including waiting tables and baby sitting as she brought in a little extra family income. Meanwhile husband Bill continued to cultivate Faulkner Electric, Inc. Which has now been a successful business for over thirty-five years. At one time the couple had many employees and tackled large construction projects but over the past eight years they have downsized to a team of two. As Valerie became adept in the hands on part of the electrical business in addition to skills she had in office management, she began working as an electrician with Bill on a daily basis. They continue to reside on the west coast of Florida in a town called Port Richey. Their three grown children and their families live nearby as well as Valerie's sisters and parents. When the clan gets together they make up about forty in all, last count. Valerie is a woman of faith and enjoys life and all her blessings. She is not wealthy but is certainly rich. She is a typical American that never gives up. She believes in the promise of tomorrow. During the course of writing her first novel Valerie's daughter gave her a compliment that she holds in high regard. Her daughter said, Mom, I know I know you, but while reading your book I realized you are a very special person with an extraordinary story to tell. Simply put she finished with, If I didn't know you already, you'd be a person I'd definitely like to meet.
