CWV Book Corner, February: Karla L. McCullum

Each month, VA’s Center for Women Veterans profiles a different woman Veteran author as part of its Women Veteran Authors Book Corner. This month’s author is Army Veteran Karla McCullum, who served from 2000 to 2002.

McCullum wrote, “Lessons Learned From Dating; Moving Past the Hurt into Your Blessings.” The book focuses on her dating experiences during various stages of life and each unique lesson that came from the experience. She didn’t take the time to heed the teachings. Eventually, she took a break from dating and started the work to heal completely, practice self-discovery, and find peace. In her book, she reveals how she went from a place of hurt and pain to a healed place of receiving.

What are you doing now?

I am the owner and founder of Full of Joy Life Coaching LLC. As a relationship mindset coach I help my clients with building healthy relationships with themselves and others by helping them discover their life’s purpose, work on a positive mindset, show them how to overcome limiting beliefs and develop effective ways to communicate with others in relationships. I am also a management analyst with the federal government. My most important job is being a mother to my beautiful teenage daughter. I also love to travel.

Where and when did you serve?

I served in the U.S. Army from 2000-2002. During that time, I served at Fort Stewart in Georgia as a personnel service specialist.

What was your proudest service memory?

I loved my job working in the Welcome Center in-processing incoming soldiers to Fort Stewart. At this duty station I was able to meet soldiers and learn about their different backgrounds and what journeys brought them to where they were that day.

One of my proudest moments was being able to serve my country and help train my fellow soldiers on how to properly in-process soldiers into the post.

What was your inspiration for becoming an author?

This book was the last step of my healing process, and I also wanted to get my story out there to help others to heal from bad relationships, to encourage them to love themselves more and most importantly wait on God.

How has your military experience shaped your creativity or how you express yourself?

My military experience gave me the much-needed discipline I lacked in my life. It has helped me to focus, commit and do what I set out to do. The Army changed my life for the better. I do not believe I would have accomplished half of what I accomplished thus far if I did not have my military experience and I still have so much more I want to and will do.

What advice would you give other women Veterans who may be considering becoming an author?

Don’t overthink, just finish it. You can do whatever you put your mind to. Be disciplined and set a daily writing time. Let it flow and edit later. Believe in yourself; someone needs to hear your story.

How can women Veteran Authors shape society’s understanding of women Veterans’ military experience and their contributions?

Women Veterans should continue to share their experiences, drive and what led them to join the military and succeed.  There are other women or little girls out there who don’t believe they can or are being told they can’t join and be successful in the military. Even though I only spent two years in the military, my experience has encouraged other women to enter the military and they have been successful. Like I said, “someone needs to hear your story.” Be encouraged.

What were some of your obstacles and challenges in writing this book?

My biggest obstacle was actually writing the book. I can sometimes be too critical of myself and I kept writing then I would delete and start over. I found a 7-day writing challenge on Facebook; the commitment was for 3 hours a day. The first hour the host provided helpful information for writing and publishing your book. The last two hours were a writing part, during that time we just wrote. I found that to be very helpful and led to the first outline of my book.

What are your recommendations for illustrating, book cover selection and the publishing process?

Google provides a lot of useful information on how to self-publish, create your book cover and format your book.  Thankful I found a royalty free publishing company that did all the heavy lifting and made sure I didn’t miss a step. It was so worth it. I honestly did not know all that went into publishing a book.

What is one significant thing we should know about you?

I try to find the positive in all situations.

How has writing this book helped you?

Writing this book has helped me to heal completely. Heal not just from dating issues, but from things I had been holding on to since childhood.

What is your favorite quote?

“Success is liking yourself, liking what you do and liking how you do it.” ― Maya Angelou

If you could choose one woman from any point in time to share a meal with, who would she be?

Michelle Obama, the former First Lady of the United States. Mrs. Obama is a mom, daughter, wife and attorney. Such a classy and graceful woman. There are so many questions I would ask, but I probably wouldn’t ask. I would just sit and listen and absorb all her knowledge and wisdom.

Are you a woman Veteran author, or do you know of one?

If so, please visit our website to find out more information.  If you have further questions, contact the CWV Outreach Program Manager, Ms. Michelle Terry at Michelle.Terry2@VA.gov.