My Interview With Voyage LA Magazine | by Valerie Anne Burns

So grateful for this interview revealing a roller coaster of a ride and craggily personal story as a survivor and beauty seeker, as well as a late-in-life path to a full-time focus as a writer.

Here is a piece from the beginning of the interview. Please click on the link to continue:

Today we’d like to introduce you to Valerie Anne Burns.

Hi Valerie Anne, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Valerie Anne Burns, lover of story and beauty landed in the glamorous life of Los Angeles. As it turned out, working in Hollywood as a stylist, producer, and story editor wasn’t as glamorous as it appeared…

“Since childhood, when I was living on a tropical island, I have been finding ways to remain in the magic of ethereal beauty as a mermaid does when crossing over to face the demands of life,” said Burns, who has had a business as Santa Barbara’s makeover specialist for wardrobe image and home décor.

Valerie Anne was diagnosed in July 2013 with a cancerous tumor in both breasts, which showed a genetic disposition. Initially, two surgeries were planned. However, because of complications of staph infection and a chronic autoimmune condition, She endured nine surgeries resulting in 64 days in the hospital.

Burns began writing personal essays before her diagnosis. The first one she wrote was about the one memory she has of her mother who died of breast cancer when Burns was three. It is a book of personal essays beginning as a toddler in Miami and the island of Key Biscayne. It focuses on strength and survival while seeking moments of exceptional beauty with an awareness of all the humorous ironies in life. Valerie Anne’s own diagnosis and ordeal with breast cancer doesn’t come into the story until 2/3 of the way through the book. Caution: Mermaid Crossing, Voyages of a Motherless Daughter.

Valerie Anne states, “The book was a cathartic endeavor, with its raw honest words, and I’ve found moments of beauty even in the most painful times. It will hopefully resonate and be of meaning to others facing what seems to be an insurmountable challenge that is often a lonely and isolating journey.”

Thank you and enjoy the interview read.

Keep on swimming throug life,

Valerie Anne