Meet Dalea Faulkner | Author, Creatrix, Producer, & Spiritual Mentor

We had the good fortune of connecting with Dalea Faulkner and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Dalea, is there a quote or affirmation that’s meaningful to you?
I love this question! My favorite affirmation is the philosophy that I developed and live by: “I am. You are. We are. And so, It is.” The heartbeat of this philosophy is that, when it comes down to it… Love is the source of it all. It all comes back to love. It is the solution in every way, and the central focus of all the work that I do. When you reflect back on the affirmation, you can feel it, even though the word is not present in the actual sentence, what it really is saying is, “I am Love. You are Love. We are Love. And so, It is Love.”
Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our
community?
I’m a bit of an eclectic creative! I write YA Fantasy Fiction, Children’s books, Non-Fiction, Screenplays, Music, and Poetry. I Co-Produce the Show Low Film Festival, Produce in Film, Lead Women’s Circles, and run an Online Spiritual Membership and Coaching business.

When I’m not writing or working on my latest film, I am utilizing my Spiritual gifts to support and mentor others. What I love most about my work is infusing positive messages about mental health, growth, and love in a way that can be received by the greater collective. I am most proud of the message within my Christmas movie “Hashtag Blessed”, and that is, “There is never any shame in asking for help. We all need help every now and then.” The reason I feel so proud about this message, is because it was a process that I needed to learn and go through in my own mental health journey. Now, I ask for help and support freely and with ease. It has made a world of difference in so many ways.

I grew up watching my parents build and run several successful home-based businesses, everything from a Dance Studio to Trophies and Awards. It was a natural next step for me to pursue my own creative endeavors and work from home, since I really value the time and memories I was able to share with my parents as a child. I then went on to California State University, San Bernardino where I received my BA in English: Creative Writing.

With entrepreneurial pursuits, the road is paved with good intentions and warnings, along with your big shiny dream waiting for you at the end. Would I say that the journey here was easy? No, absolutely not. I slayed so many dragons along the way (limiting beliefs) and also found myself clearly on the wrong path standing in front of someone else’s dream a time or two. I will say this however, when you ARE in alignment with the dreams and desires of your soul, the next steps come with ease. It does become “easier” the more you align with what your heart truly longs for. I’m diving even deeper on this in the non-fiction book I am currently writing.

The challenges that I faced along the way, were overcome with help from friends, family, therapy, my journal, and through movement. I learned how important it is for us to move our bodies, as it helps us let go of old thought patterns and beliefs. For example, when I was writing “The Christmas Witch” a YA Fantasy novel, I would periodically take breaks by going on a walk around my neighborhood, going in my back yard and running around with my son and dog, or an impromptu dance party. This is the first book in The Amberlight Valley Series, and is available for purchase online at major retailers, and signed copies are available through my personal website. Of course, I will share that I am also working on book two in the series right now, titled: The Christmas Witch – Lost in Time.

I would love the world to know that I put my heart into my work, and do this with integrity and deep authenticity. Storytelling may be the foundation for my work, but my goal is to always share what is real and what matters. Whether I am guiding a circle of women through a meditation in person, connecting with readers at a book signing, typing up a storm in a coffee shop, or working behind the scenes on set… it all comes back to love.

Hashtag Blessed is going to be available for viewing this Christmas season on Pureflix, UPTV, and other platforms. In addition the DVD will also be available for purchase online, and screenings will be held in Phoenix, Chandler, Scottsdale, Show Low, and Lakeside.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
There are so many beautiful places to visit, see, and stay up here in the White Mountains which is exactly why we chose to film our feature up here. Show Low Lake is so lovely, and the wildlife is plentiful! It is a great place to go fishing, camping, or inner peace down by the water. The lake is embraced by the woods, so you have multiple opportunities for shade and forest bathing!

I love going to Arizona Mountain Coffee Co, and have held book signings at both their Show Low and Pinetop-Lakeside locations. They serve a variety of different coffees, teas, panini’s, and pastries, and play great music in the background. The Pour Station is another great stop for coffee, tea, and sweet treats!

One of my favorite restaurants is called The Bistro at Annie’s. This place is charming, quirky, and serves incredible food! I am a huge fan of their Grilled Cheese… it is unlike any other grilled cheese you will try. Amazing. They also have a sweet little boutique you can shop before or after you dine, that has lovely artisan items that make great gifts for loved ones.

For great Mexican food, look no further than Aliberto’s! It is my entire family’s favorite place, especially on Tuesday’s. My go-to dish is their Shredded Chicken Taco Bowl, but everything on their menu that I have tried has been delicious!

The weather up in the White Mountains is beautiful, and there are a variety of different hiking trails and lakes to explore. My husband and I like going to Timbermesa Outdoors for Archery practice and accessories for our bows.

For a night out, if you are a fan of Billiards or just feel like some great music and a bar atmosphere, The Lodge is the place to be. Even if you are alcohol-free like me, you can still have a blast and shoot some pool!

If you plan to come up to the mountains the third week in October, you will definitely want to check out WME Village 8 theaters for the Show Low Film Festival.

Camp Grace is a beautiful place for a lovely getaway, tucked into the woods with a variety of activities for the kiddos.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I have such an incredible circle of support. My parents and grandparents always encouraged me to follow my dreams, and I am so glad that I listened! My husband Brien, and my son Daen have also been amazing at holding space for me to be in my creative work, and I am so grateful for that. I have an amazing sorority sister (Alpha Delta Pi), Crystal Schwanke, that I know for sure I wouldn’t be where I am today without her love and support. I give immense gratitude to every person that helped bring my script to life, both on and off the set… to list all of your names could fill an entire novel! To my sisterhood of friends, thank you for every word of encouragement and bit of support. I would also like to thank my ancestors, teachers, and mentors who have helped to guide me in my journey. I am eternally grateful.

Website: www.daleafaulkner.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/daleafaulkner

Facebook: www.facebook.com/daleafaulknerauthor

Other: www.hashtagblessedthemovie.com www.showlowfilmfestival.com www.daleafaulkner.com/the-christmas-witch www.daleafaulkner.com/sanctuary

Image Credits
Martina Webster