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Hello, and welcome back to IN THE CHAIR. Today our guest is Paulette Harper.
Paulette is a multi-published, best-selling and award-winning novelist, who writes Christian fiction, nonfiction and children’s books. She has been writing since 2008. Paulette is also the owner of Write Now Literary Virtual Book Tours and as a book writing coach she enjoys assisting aspiring authors navigate through the process of publishing books, marketing and creating an online presence.
Paulette lives in Northern California.
Welcome, Paulette,tell us a little about yourself.When did you start writing, and what did you write about?
Thanks Ey Wade, for having me in the hot seat.
My writing journey started in 2007 with my first non-fiction book, That Was Then, This is Now which was published in 2008. I would have to confess, I’m a late bloomer when it comes to writing. I didn’t grow up with a passion or desire to write or to become an author. In fact, I didn’t have any author friends, who I could get words of wisdom from, or advice. But with a nudge from the Lord and plenty of experiences about life, I accepted the challenge and begin writing. Nine years later, I’ve written over six books. I write in various genres including Christian nonfiction, fiction and children picture books.
My spiritual roots enables me to write books that inspire, encourage and strengthen readers, while the desire to write fiction has enabled me to write stories that entertain.
What is the difference in your perception between now and the time you started writing?
Even though my writing has grown over the years, I realize how important it is to continue developing my skills as a writer. I invest in myself by hiring writing coaches, and attending writing workshops.
Please write a few lines about the books you have published, and what brought you to publishing each one of them?
That Was Then, This Is Now, nonfiction- How could God have a purpose for me amidst this mess? Struggling to recover from a broken marriage and disappointed dreams, I searched for meaning and understanding and through my searching, God revealed Himself to me in ways I never before imagined possible. The inspiration behind this book came from my own personal journey as I walked through the process of healing.
Completely Whole, nonfiction: A must read for all who have the assignment of edifying the hurting. Completely Whole takes you on a journey of Wholeness by identifying areas that hinder us from becoming whole— spirit, soul and body. Trauma (stress, shock, suffering, pain, hurts) impacts everyone at one point or another. It has the ability to leave scars embedded in our hearts and in our souls. We know we hurt don’t know how deep the pain goes until we find ourselves trying to hide behind the pain through temporary remedies that leave us still not healed. Completely Whole was inspired by learning through the greatest trials in life, God has a purpose for everything we go through.
Living Separate Lives, fiction novella- Four Friends, One Secret and The Weekend That Changed Their Destiny. Candace Walker, Kaylan Smith, Jordan Tate, and Tiffany Thomas have their share of sorrows, but neither of them realizes how deep the sorrow goes. What happens when they agree to meet for a weekend of relaxation in beautiful Napa County? I’ve always wanted to write a fiction book and this was my first.
Princess Nevaeh, Lessons on self-discovery, picture book. Six year old Nevaeh wants to be something she already is. She will soon learn that her wish to be a princess takes a little bit more than just asking. Some of the Lessons taught in Princess Nevaeh:
Self- Worth, Behavioral Skills: pertaining to fighting, bullying, and name calling. Teaches the child about manners, and the books encourages listening skills pertaining to adults, parents and teachers. The inspiration came from my oldest granddaughter whose name is derived from the book. Nevaeh asked me to write a book with her name in it and I was more than please to do it.
Quite a well rounded selection. Tell us,what are you writing about now and why are you writing this book?
My work in progress is my first inspirational fiction romance novel, Secret Places Revealed. I love reading romance books and writing a story that brings two people together for the sake of finding love was something I thoroughly enjoyed. Aaron Blackman is not looking for love, in fact the only thing he has on his agenda is adding to his Real Estate Development portfolio, while Simone Herron has her own internal battles with trust and abandonment. One decision on her part leads her to meet the eligible bachelor who is smitten by her, but has made a vow to himself not to get involved.
Tell me, how do you go about writing your books? Do the ideas just pop in your head or do you have to plot and plan?
With the nonfictions books that I have written, I created chapter titles first and wrote the content of the chapter based on the title. I found that to be an easy way to write for me because I knew based on the title what areas of research I needed to do. When it comes to writing fiction, I’m still learning how to write, plot and develop the story. The ideas behind Secret Places Revealed and Living Separate Lives, did come from plotting and planning.
I’m having a bit of a hard time marketing my books. What are your techniques and do you feel they are working?
As a marketing coach, I absolutely love to market and promote my books. When I wrote my first book, I realized that the publisher wasn’t going to promote my book the way I felt it needed. I decided to take the responsibly to market and promote the book myself. The publisher was only going to do so much of the marketing and if I wanted to reach a larger number of readers, I had to step up and find places to introduce my book to new readers. The techniques that have worked for me is getting the buzz out about my book before it is released. I’ve done virtual book tours, radio tours and Facebook chats that have been a tremendous asset to me.
Wow. I haven't pumped myself up enough to do the FB Live or videos, yet. But I do enjoy and have learned a lot from others. Please let the audience know where they can the audience purchase your books?
My books can be found on the following sites. My author profile on Amazon and my website: Paulette Harper
I have a habit of talking (interviewing) to the people in my books. How do you communicate with your characters?
Great question. I use to hear writers say… “The characters won’t stop talking.” At first I didn’t understand this statement and that was because I hadn’t experienced it until I started writing Secret Places Revealed. I could see scene play in my head and them talking to one another. I know for those that are not writers this might sound weird but it’s so true. As a storyteller my job is to create believable characters who have emotions, attitudes, drama and characters who have life issues that we can identify with. These same characters are the same ones in which our readers will have a love/hate relationship with.
What hobby or activity do you enjoy other than writing?
When I’m not writing a few of my activities include attending the theater, going to art shows, dancing, listening to jazz and attending the Warriors basketball games.
Thank you for your time and stopping over to chat with us here at IN THE CHAIR, Paulette It’s been fun.
Audience, Paulette has a new book coming out in July. Take a peek below and grab another seat at the revealing character interview, here.
#SecretPlacesRevealed
By Paulette Harper
Genre: Inspirational Fiction Romance
ASIN: B00GLF5BW0
Single and content, Real Estate Developer, Aaron Blackman is determined not to be in another relationship. His ex Macy, gave him enough heartache to last a life time. The only thing that has his attention right now is his growing business, that’s until Simone Herron comes along. Fighting to keep his promise to himself, he soon learns that when it comes to love some rules are meant to be broken.
After losing her fiancé to an untimely death, Simone Herron is relocating and trying to put the past behind her. A new chapter in her life is what she is hoping for but what happens when her past and her present collide? Will she let the walls she has built come down?
Simone must learn that in order to love again, she must conquer her past fears and allow God to put all the broken pieces together.
Buy Links
Amazon e-book: https://amzn.com/B01G1CP1OA
Social Links
Twitter: https://twitter.com/pauletteharper
Amazon author page: http://amzn.com/e/B004FEJKCQ
Website: www.pauletteharper.com
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A very nice and informative post. I like it! Great Job!
Thank you for stopping in. Paulette was a very interesting guest.