Lourdes Valtierra Dirden

Storyteller and Writer

“Through the art of storytelling,

we can preserve our heritage,

educate future generations,

and inspire change.”

PHILIPP HUMM

Welcome to where it all started…

Whether you found me by chance or intention, I’m thrilled to have you in my corner of the internet.

As a storyteller and writer, I believe in the profound impact stories can have on our lives. They can transport us to different worlds, evoke emotions, and make us reflect on our experiences.

Do you know what sparked my love affair with stories? It was those eerie legends that whispered through the night, tales like “La Llorona” (The Crying Woman), “El Cucuy” (The Bogeyman), and “El Chupacabras” (The Goat-Sucker). As a child, they painted my dreams and sparked a lifelong fascination with the mysterious and the unknown that has stayed with me. These tales filled my childhood with magic and mystery and inspired the themes of resilience and self-discovery that are central to my writing and podcast.

Since my earliest memories, I’ve been jotting down my dreams, real-life events, and short stories. However, a veil of self-doubt and a persistent feeling of not being good enough kept my tales hidden. It took nearly three decades to muster the courage and embark on a personal writing journey. This adventure began during my tenure at a solar company, and I published my first book, ‘Going Solar: The Homeowner’s Handbook.’ Explore ‘Going Solar: The Homeowner’s Handbook’ to journey through my initial steps into writing. For more information, [CLICK HERE].

My latest creation, ‘Second-Guessing: How I Stopped Doubting Myself and Focused on What Matters,’ is more than just words on a page. It’s a piece of my heart, a memoir of my struggle with self-doubt and how I found the courage to silence those inner demons. Dive deeper into my saga with ‘Second-Guessing: How I Stopped Doubting Myself and Focused on What Matters.’ For more information, [CLICK HERE].

BOOKS

Second-Guessing

This memoir explores the transformation from self-doubt to self-trust, showing how mistakes can be opportunities for growth. ‘Second-Guessing’ reaches out to older adults dealing with trauma and complex family dynamics, offering a message of healing and self-discovery. Lourdes hopes her journey inspires others to embrace their own, affirming that their stories matter too.

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Going Solar

Lourdes guides you through residential solar system installations, drawing on her industry experience for crucial insights. ‘Going Solar: The Homeowner’s Handbook’ answers key questions about costs, savings, tax credits, and avoiding scams. Learn to find reliable information and ask the right questions.

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PODCAST

A Little Bit About Me

I was born in the 1960s before the internet took over. Books and family stories filled my world. Reading was my escape and comfort, allowing me to immerse myself in different worlds amidst the chaos at home. My family’s stories, especially in Spanish, were more than just tales; they allowed us to bond through shared laughter and wide-eyed wonder.

One of my earliest memories is watching “The Last Man On Earth” starring Vincent Price. I remember standing on the other side of a metallic mesh door, listening to those haunting calls of “Morgan,” feeling both fear and excitement. Despite the chills, I couldn’t pull myself away until someone shut the door. Among many books, that movie ignited my love for stories, a love that I carried with me into adulthood.

My career has taken many turns, starting from being a police detective secretary to becoming an assistant investigator. Each job added to the story of my life. In June 2023, I started my business, VA 4 Solutions, a virtual business support service. It’s more than work; it’s my way of offering the skills and insights I’ve gathered over the years to help others, bringing a personal touch to every task I undertake.

Apart from my professional work, I have volunteered at various places, including a hospital, rape crisis center, and library. In 2023, I briefly volunteered for an animal welfare nonprofit.

I am the mother of one son, two granddaughters, and two grandsons. I live in California with my husband.

BLOG

  • Trust Your Gut

    How do you fight predators, criminals, and con artists who have scammed you or tried to? By telling your story and raising public awareness. Here’s my story. For several months, I had been pursuing employment, maintaining a record of the companies to which I submitted applications. I initiated my job search on platforms such as…

  • Hurtful Words May Have A Lasting Effect

    Life is full of positive and negative moments, but it’s the negative ones that sometimes take a heavy toll on you. Hurtful words, whether they’re stated, texted, or messaged, can tear you down. The words do not disappear. They continue to exist from the moment they are said, and they can have a lasting effect….