VALLEY CENTER – The expression “If at first you don't succeed, try, try again” certainly applies to Charlotte Strauwald of Valley Center.

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It's taken 20 years, but her first novel, “Regions Beyond,” was published this spring.

“It's been a lesson in perseverance,” she said. “It's a lot easier to write a novel than it is to get it published.”

Strauwald grew up in the small town of Turkey Creek, Ky., where there were only three stores, two gas stations and a post office. She has always loved to read.

“We didn't have any stoplight or stop signs and no library,” Strauwald said. “I read every book in the school library. I read everything I could get my hands on, and when there were no books, I read the encyclopedia.”

It was Strauwald's dream to go to college, but teachers and counselors discouraged her.

“I had 138 IQ, but they kept putting me in remedial classes,” she said. “I think it was the hillbilly, Okie accent that made them think I wasn't smart enough.”

She married Jack Strauwald right out of high school and raised a son and a daughter. It wasn't until her children were junior high age, that she went to Palomar College and began writing.

After many rejections from publishers, she continued her education at Cal State San Marcos, focusing on literature. She received not only a bachelor's but also a master's degree. She is now a literature instructor at Cal State San Marcos.

When she finished college, she revised her novel and it was accepted.

“It's that never-give-up attitude,” Strauwald said. “I don't give up easily. I had a file of rejection letters at least two inches thick.”

Her publisher appreciates her individuality.

“Not only is she talented but her background as a literature and writing professor gives her a unique voice in the world of publishing,” said Shawn Street of PublishAmerica.

“Regions Beyond” is a romantic mystery that takes place in a jungle. The plot was inspired by missionaries at her church.

“It's fiction, but inspired by a true story,” Strauwald said. “It has bits and pieces of stories I heard from missionaries. There are angels in the story, and it illustrates that prayer is essential in the spiritual health of Christians.”

Strauwald has always loved mysteries, with her favorite being the Nancy Drew and Trixie Belden stories. What she likes most about her own book are the angels.

“They add such an interesting dimension,” she said.

Street believes her book will appeal to a wide audience.

“Christian readers will be drawn to (the lead female character's) commitment to God while non-Christian readers will be drawn to her relationship and struggles with (the lead male character),” he said.

Strauwald has four other books in the closet waiting to be revised and sent to her publisher. She hopes her writing trials will inspire others.

“I always had dreams of being a writer, and I didn't give up,” she said. “That just shows people should always pursue their dreams.”

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