Discover How Mentoring And Spiritual Exploration Influence Her Writing
Val Agnew discusses her journey from a cult-like environment, her novel “Lost in The Ark“, and how her experiences and passions shape her writing and mentoring work.
Val Agnew’s journey from the confines of an evangelical school with cult-like tendencies in New England to the sunlit shores of San Diego is a testament to her resilience and courage. Her experiences have not only shaped her worldview but have also deeply influenced her writing. In this issue of Reader’s House Magazine, we delve into the mind of an author who has transformed personal trials into compelling narratives. Agnew’s debut novel, “Lost in The Ark“, is a gripping exploration of faith, identity, and the struggle for personal freedom. Her ability to weave complex characters and intricate plots is a reflection of her own life’s journey—a journey marked by self-discovery and empowerment.
Val Agnew’s literary contributions extend beyond her novel. Her travel essays, featured in the San Diego Union Tribune, capture the essence of place with a unique blend of humor and insight, while her poetry, published in “Tidepools: A Journal of Ideas”, distills profound emotions into concise, impactful verses. Agnew’s dedication to mentoring young girls in military families through the Big Brothers Big Sisters organisation further highlights her commitment to fostering critical thinking and self-acceptance. Her passion for exploring cemeteries and angel statues adds a layer of spiritual and metaphorical depth to her work, enriching her storytelling with elements of the macabre and the divine. Join us as we explore the mind and works of Val Agnew, an author whose stories resonate with authenticity and heart.
Your background includes a year spent in an evangelical school with cultish tendencies. How did this experience shape your views on faith and community, and how much of it influenced the story and characters in Lost in The Ark?
In addition to the year I spent in an evangelical school, I spent my four years of high school with this group. I was well indoctrinated and told my family members they were all going to Hell if they didn’t believe. When I was able to muster the courage to leave, I learned what humility really was and asked all those I offended for forgiveness. I wanted to share my story so that other young adults might be prevented from making the same mistake.
As a result of my journey, I would say that I am a spiritual person but not a religious person.
In Lost in The Ark, Kate Bennett struggles with the tension between her dysfunctional family and the allure of a zealous youth group. How did your own journey of breaking free from a similar environment inform Kate’s story?
As a young adult, I was shy and never fit in. I felt unloved at home and wanted to be part of something. The youth group at my high school was very welcoming and offered me the love I yearned for.
In Lost in The Ark, Kate also wants a place to belong. In her journey, she struggles with her worldly desires and the school’s restrictions. When she finds out her sins are minor compared to those of The Ark’s leader, she digs deep and channels her mother’s strength to flee.
The Ark, in your novel, is depicted as both a sanctuary and a place of hidden sins. How did you balance the portrayal of religious devotion with the darker aspects of cult-like behavior in your narrative?
When you are told that the leader of your ministry speaks directly to God, you do not question what is going on. If I thought something was “off,” I was conditioned to think that the devil was controlling my thoughts.
It wasn’t until one of the younger pastors told us that God gave us a mind and we should think for ourselves. I realized that I hadn’t watched TV, read a newspaper or associated with those outside the school for the entire school year. It was very jolting to realize how much of a blind follower I’d become.
Kate gets very close to the inner circle at The Ark. She falls in love with the leader’s nephew. But as the darker aspects of The Ark’s leadership and hypocrisy are revealed, Kate’s eyes are also opened.
Your passion for mentoring girls in military families through the Big Brothers Big Sisters organization is admirable. How has this work influenced your writing, particularly in crafting the relationships and dynamics between your characters?
Mentoring young girls has reinforced how important it is to teach them critical thinking as fitting in with a crowd is very tempting. Encouraging them to see both sides of an issue, expanding their world view, and accepting them just as they are is both enlightening to me as a writer and rewarding as a human being.
You’ve also written travel essays and poetry. How do these different forms of writing complement your work as a novelist? Do you find that they offer you different ways to explore similar themes?
Travel essays have helped me describe places with a sense of wonder tinged with humor. Poetry has helped me deal with strong emotions in a compact way that has a big impact.
Cemeteries and angel statues are a unique passion of yours. How do these elements of the macabre or spiritual find their way into your work, and do they serve as metaphors in your storytelling?
I don’t think I would have found angels and cemeteries as fascinating as I do if I hadn’t gone through my time with the religious cult. Seeing the wings and face of angel statue evokes in me the same feeling that hearing a beautiful song does. It is like a private spiritual moment with the heavens. I used that feeling to describe Kate’s response to joyful times at The Ark.
The last scene of Lost in The Ark takes place in a cemetery where Kate visits her mother’s grave. It is very powerful, and I cry every time I read it.
