“I don’t want to read a story, I want to live it,” the international best-selling romance novelist told her audience who arrived at the venue to hear her talk.

Valerie (pictured) was on hand at the library from 10am until 3pm yesterday to provide advice, knowledge and experience.

She also gave two presentations over the course of the day - her first attracting a crowd of 30, with some guests coming from as far as Orange and Canberra.

 Valerie, who resides in Young, spoke of her childhood and how all she ever wanted to do was “write for a living”.

She attributed the role a library had in her life.

“My mum took me to the library before I started school and it made a huge impression on my life,” Valerie said.

She encouraged others to do the same.

Her first story, she said - penned in pencil - was written in Grenfell and is now housed at the State Library, along with many more of her works.

Valerie said her first paid article was a story featured in the Women’s Weekly when she was 14 years old.

She said even back then her story taught people what she teaches writers now.

“And that is write what you know,” Valerie said.

“Love what you do and do it with all your heart and passion.”

Valerie - a strong supporter of local writing groups - allowed the Lambing Flat Writers Group to use her presence at the library to launch their annual writing competition.

President Ted Webber gave a brief speech on the group and upcoming competition.