Author Interview On Writing- Paulette Harper part 2

This is part two of the author interview with pastor, teacher, and author Paulette Harper. Paulette was so gracious to allow me to the time with her to ask my questions. But I think you will see that her grace and talent will overwhelm you like it did me.

 In this interview we will talk about Paulette's new book Completely Whole, which was just released in August 2010 on her own publishing label Thy Word. Paulette discusses her life as a writer and talks about writing and publishing for new writers.

Again I would like to introduce Paulette Harper!


Since your life has be blessed with a new kind of ministry, how have you been able to connect with your audience on a personal Christ-like level?

PH- I connect with my audience through many channels. The social networks play a vital role in reaching readers. I have several websites and a blog.




You have a new book that was just released on your own publishing label, Thy Word Publishing, how did your own label come about?

PH- Thy Word Publishing was created in 2010 because I wanted to have more control over my books. I was able to learn more about the industry, which helps me to assist others on their quest for publication.



Your brand new book that was just released in August, 2010 on your own publishing label Thy Word Publishing, what was the inspiration for this book?

PH- My writing is inspired by God. Completely Whole was befitting considering that God had restored my life and brought me to a place of wholeness.



That Was Then... has a great intensity about it, where as your writing in Completely Whole appears more at peace. How has your life changed since you wrote That Was Then...?

PH- My ministry since That Was Then... has gone through a tremendous and wonderful change. My ministry has expanded and I’ve become a life coach so I can more effectively coach pastor’s wives in transition.  I’ve remarried to a wonderful man of God and life as I know it today is so different from 5 years ago. God is directing me to host women’s conferences in 2011 in and around the Florida area.



You spoke of becoming a writer as a calling. Was this something you had always wanted to do or become?

PH- I believe that decision was already made for me by my Heavenly Father. My personal experiences in my life actually drew me into this profession and I found writing to be a great source of therapy. While writing my first book That Was Then,…Restored, I began to see how God healed and restored my life. I needed to share these insights with others and I needed to testify of the great healing He accomplished in me. It was at that very moment that I realized God wanted my writing to be used as a ministry. It is my desire that God will use my writing to empower, enrich and transform the lives of every reader.




In your teaching how do you use That Was Then/Completely Whole?

PH- Depending on the audience, I take certain chapters and build the message from that. Because both books are scriptural based and full of examples it’s easy to connect the books with my audience. If I’m doing a workshop, I provide a workbook from either book.




How did you begin the process of writing That Was Then/Completely Whole? Meaning did you sit down at a certain time of the day or when the spirit moved you?

PH- People are sometimes amazed at the way I write. I don’t do much journaling but I can sit at the computer and God will begin to download things for me to write. I get the chapter titles and build the chapters around the title.



How long did the writing of your book(s) take?

PH- That Was Then.. took me three months to complete and Completely Whole took about six months.




Did you encounter discouragement along the way?


PH- I’m glad to say no, I did not encounter any discouragement. When I decided to pursue my writing career, I knew of no other author who could guide me through the process.Those I expressed my aspirations with looked at me with disbelief. Although they may not hav e openly questioned my goals, I knew in the back of their minds, they questioned my success. I was the kind of disbelief that whispered: "Oh yeah, we've heard that before!" I never allowed their disbelief to influence the direction I believed God was taking me. 



What encouragement could you provide for other writers (fiction or non-fiction) who are hoping to have their works published?

PH-The industry has changed over the years, so publishing a book is so much easier now. Actually, self-publishing has dominated the publishing industry. I would encourage those who are seeking to get published… go for it! Even if you desire to have a major publishing house offer you a deal and they do not, don’t loose heart, publish it yourself. What ever you decide to do, understand this that you will have to do most of the marketing.




What can interested writers do to get in touch with you about your workshops?

PH-Interested writers can email: info@pauletteharper.com




What are your future writing goals? What other projects do you have ready to publish?

PH- I'm currently working on two projects for 2011. Victorious Living for Moms, my second anthology, is slated for release in May 2011, right time for Mother's Day and the release of my forth book, For Such a Time as This.




Where can they go to find out more about Paulette Harper Ministries?

PH- http://www.pauletteharper.com/



I’m on facebook under Paulette Harper-Johnson


I also have a blog Empowered to Prosper which I am a blog tour host: http://www.pauletteharper.blogspot.com/


Again many thanks to Paulette Harper for taking time out of her very busy schedule to grant me an interview. Please go to Amazon.com, Christianbookdistributors.com, or barnesandnoble.com to purchase any of Paulette Harper's books!


Many blessings!


©  2010 ML Michaels