Influential Woman · Writing
Carla DiFulco Seyler
Author, Carla Seyler
Buena Visa, CO 81211
Her Story
About Carla
Carla D. Seyler is an accomplished author and retired career development professional whose writing career represents the fulfillment of a lifelong goal. After building a distinguished career in vocational rehabilitation and operating her own rehabilitation counseling business, she transitioned into authorship, bringing decades of professional experience and a deep understanding of human behavior, resilience, and career development to her work. She earned a bachelor's degree in Psychology from the University of New Orleans and a Master of Science in Counseling from Loyola University New Orleans, an educational foundation that supported her work assisting individuals with disabilities in returning to the workforce. In addition to her professional writing, Seyler is actively engaged in the literary community through organizations including Central Colorado Writers and International Thriller Writers. She contributes to the writing community by co-editing a monthly professional newsletter featuring articles on the craft of writing as well as short fiction. Her published novel explores a compelling love story set against the backdrop of a virus and pathogen threatening the food supply. She is also researching a forthcoming book centered on gun smuggling, expanding her research through participation in the FBI Citizens Academy and exploration of locations relevant to the subject matter. Seyler attributes her success to accountability, persistence, and making the most of opportunities when they arise. During the pandemic, she found the additional time and circumstances necessary to focus more fully on her writing goals, while maintaining accountability with a writing partner helped keep her moving forward. She embraces the question posed by Mary Oliver: Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life? She believes that women in general and aspiring writers in particular should not wait for the perfect moment to begin pursue their goals. Her journey from vocational rehabilitation professional to published author reflects her willingness to embrace new challenges, follow her creative ambitions, and continually develop her craft.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Carla
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute much of my success as a writer to accountability, having the time to pursue my goals, and finally eliminating my excuses. I had always wanted to write, but the pandemic gave me the space and opportunity to seriously dedicate myself to that goal. I found a partner with the same ambition and we became accountability partners, encouraging each other to keep moving forward. Having someone who understood the goal and expected me to follow through made a meaningful difference. That mindset helped me turn a longtime aspiration into action and ultimately pursue my goal of becoming a published author.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I have ever received is Mary Oliver's question: Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life? I believe we can't wait for the perfect time, circumstances, or level of confidence before pursuing what we want. This philosophy has been especially meaningful in my writing career, reminding me to take action rather than allow hesitation or excuses to stand in the way. I encourage aspiring writers to embrace the same mindset: don’t wait for the perfect moment to start writing, start today.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Do not wait for the perfect time, circumstances, or level of confidence before pursuing your goals. Take the first step, continue learning, and allow yourself to grow through the process. I believe that progress comes from taking action, staying committed to your vision, and having the courage to begin even when everything is not yet in place.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in the writing industry is the level of competition. With so many talented writers seeking opportunities, gaining visibility and attracting attention to a book can be challenging. At the same time, I view being a writer as an extraordinary opportunity to connect with other writers, explore subjects that genuinely interest me, and continue learning through my work. Writing has given me the opportunity to pursue my curiosity and embrace a dream I have carried for many years. At this stage of my life, I am especially grateful to have the opportunity to follow that dream and continue growing as a writer.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me in both my professional and personal life are authenticity and honesty. I believe these principles should guide not only how I interact with others but also how I approach my writing and research. I am committed to creating work that is authentic, credible, and grounded in facts, particularly when exploring complex subjects. For my current book involving gun smuggling, I have taken a hands-on approach to research by exploring relevant locations and participating in educational opportunities, including an FBI Citizens Academy, to gain a deeper understanding of the realities behind the subject. For me, maintaining integrity in both the process and the finished work is essential.
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