Behind every powerful memoir is a story that goes far deeper than the pages themselves. In this exclusive author interview memoir, we explore the journey of Vivian A. Spoelman—an author whose life experiences, faith, and resilience shaped the deeply moving narrative of My Road to Chaplaincy.
From a troubled childhood to a calling rooted in compassion and service, Vivian’s story is one of transformation, healing, and purpose.
Q: Vivian, can you tell us how your journey as a writer began?
Vivian A. Spoelman:
My journey began at a very young age. With encouragement from my dad, I started writing when I was just twelve years old. I fell in love with storytelling across all genres. Writing became a space where I could express myself freely, especially during difficult times.
Over the years, that early passion grew into something much more meaningful. I wrote children’s books, spoke at Young Author Weeks across the Midwest, and eventually became both a Montessori/elementary teacher and a high school teacher. Writing was always there—it was part of how I processed life.
Q: Your memoir touches on deep personal experiences. What inspired My Road to Chaplaincy?
Vivian:
The inspiration came from rediscovering my past—literally. When I came across my childhood journals, it opened a door I hadn’t fully walked through before. Those pages held pain, confusion, and memories I had buried for years.
Writing this book became a form of self-therapy. I had already explored parts of my life through a thriller I wrote, but this memoir allowed me to be fully honest. It’s about understanding where I came from and how those experiences shaped my calling.
Q: Faith plays a central role in your story. How did it influence your healing?
Vivian:
Faith has been everything. It didn’t erase the pain, but it gave me the strength to walk through it. Over time, I began writing essays about my faith and sharing those thoughts with others.
There were moments of silence—times when I felt distant or unsure—but looking back, I can see how God was working through every part of my journey. What once felt like hardship eventually became a blessing. That transformation is at the heart of my story.
Q: You’ve had a diverse career—from teaching to writing. How did that lead to chaplaincy?
Vivian:
Every step of my journey prepared me for this path. My background in teaching, my experiences with loss, and even my medical exposure all shaped how I understand people and their struggles.
I found that I was naturally drawn to listening—to being present for others during their most difficult moments. That desire to offer compassion and support led me toward chaplaincy. It felt less like a decision and more like a calling.
Q: What message do you hope readers take away from your memoir?
Vivian:
I want readers to know that their past does not define their future. Healing is possible, even when it feels out of reach. If my story can help someone feel less alone or encourage them to face their own journey, then I’ve done what I set out to do.
Life has a way of shaping us through both pain and grace. When we begin to understand that, we can start to see purpose in places we never expected.
Q: How has the response to your book been so far?
Vivian:
It’s been incredibly meaningful. Readers have shared how the book feels honest and relatable. One reader, Emily Carter, described it as “deeply authentic and emotionally grounded,” saying that each chapter felt like a meaningful conversation rather than just a story.
That kind of feedback means everything to me because it tells me the message is reaching people in the way I hoped it would.
Q: What’s next for you on this journey?
Vivian:
I plan to continue writing and sharing my experiences, especially through faith-based reflections. My goal is to keep connecting with people, offering encouragement, and walking this path of service wherever it leads.
Continuing the Conversation
This author interview memoir offers a deeper look into the heart behind My Road to Chaplaincy. Vivian A. Spoelman’s journey is a reminder that even the most difficult experiences can lead to growth, purpose, and a life dedicated to helping others.
If you’d like to learn more or follow her work:
- 🌐 Visit Website
- 📖 [Buy this Book on Amazon]
- 📝 Check Out Blog Section
Final Thoughts
Vivian A. Spoelman’s story is more than a memoir—it’s a conversation about healing, faith, and the courage to face one’s past. Through this author interview memoir, readers gain insight not only into the book but into the heart of the person who wrote it.
It is a story that continues to unfold—one rooted in compassion, guided by faith, and dedicated to serving others.
