Paulette Harper is a bestselling author, Christian Inspirational Speaker, Licensed Minister and workshop facilitator.

Paulette Harper

Paulette Harper’s literary achievement includes her first published non-fiction inspirational book: That Was Then, This Is Now This Broken Vessel Restored (Tate Publishing & Enterprises).

That Was Then, This Is Now This Broken Vessel Restored has been ranked consecutively for months on the Top 50 Black Christian Book Distributors Independent Publishers Bestsellers List for Non-Fiction, a finalist in the Religion/Religious Non-Fiction category of the 2009 Next Generation Indie Book Awards. Paulette is Co-Author for Victorious Living for Women, (Suber & Pullins Publishing) the first series of books designed to share with women how their lives can be empowered, purposeful and victorious…one chapter at a time.

Her third book Completely Whole will be released in 2010 under her own publishing company “Thy Word Publishing”. Paulette is a sought after speaker with a passion to lead people to a clear and precise understanding of how life challenges can become one’s ultimate source of victory. Paulette resides in Northern California.

Paulette, what made made you decide to become an author?

I believe it was a decision that God made for me. Actually becoming an author was far from what I anticipated for my life. I didn’t wake up one day saying I’m going to be author nor did I grow up with the desire to write. It was through my personal experiences in life, which drew me into this profession. It was through my writing I found it to be a source of therapy. While writing my first book That Was Then, This Is Now, I begin to see how God healed and restored my life and what He did for me I felt I needed to share with the masses. It was at that moment that I realized that God wanted my writing to be used as a ministry. The books that I write are focused on inspiration and encouragement. These books can be used as pathways and guides for the readers to grow spiritually.

Being a writer, there must be other authors that you admire. Who is your favorite author(s)?

In the inspiration genre a few of my favorite authors are T.D Jakes, Miles Monroe and Joyce Meyers. I enjoy their writings because they are filled with the wisdom and knowledge that helps me to grow spiritually. Additionally in regards to Christian fiction I enjoy the writings of Michelle Stimpson, Wanda B. Campbell and ReShonda Tate Billingsley just to name a few.

How are you giving back to the literary community?

God has given me a desire for writers especially those who want to write for the Lord. I have established workshops for those interested in pursuing a writing career called “Write Now “. I provide coaching to those wanted to go to the next step in the literary industry. Through these workshops it is my intent to provide information that will help the inspiring authors avoid some of the mistakes I’ve experienced along the way. When I begin writing in 2007, I didn’t know anyone in the field. So most of what I’ve learned has been by trial and error. I thoroughly enjoy being a conduit of information to those coming behind me.

Give one tip you would give to new authors?

One of the tips I would give new authors is to be patient. Connecting with your audience and branding yourself will take time. Especially for new writers the market is flooded with books for readers to choose from so by keeping this in mind you must be able to patiently wait your time to shine. If writing is your passion you will continue promoting and marketing your books even when it appears like no one is buying.

Who, What, Whee, and Where is your next event?

I have one title coming out in the spring of 2010 called “Completely Whole”. Completely Whole will be release through my own publishing company Thy Word Publishing. I’ll be working on another anthology with Victorious Living for Women entitled “For Moms” will be released right in time for Mother’s day. “For Such a Time as This” is set to be released in 2011. I will be conducting workshops beginning in Jan. Keynote speaking engagement, book signings and all events will be posted on my website.

What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned since becoming an author?

Since becoming an author and because I believe God is ordering my steps, one of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is to constantly seek Him for direction. I feel that my books must be God inspired so with that being said, I must pray and ask Him for what it is He would have me to write. My books must be able to speak to the reader’s heart by bringing change, encouragement and hope. This can only be accomplished when I bring God into the equation.

Suggest a preferred literary service, (i.e., publishing, printing, editing, marketing and accessories, etc.)

For marketing I would highly suggest EDC-creations. EDC creations have featured me many times through my writing career on blogtalk radio: Black Authors Network. As well as featured several of my articles in Black Pearl Magazine.

For blog tours, web design and graphic design Ty Moody comes highly recommended. Ty specializes in blog tours in which she has personally set up an inspirational tour for my first book That Was Then. She has designed my post cards, book marks and will design my book cover for my next book Completely Whole.

What genre do you consider yourself?

The genre I consider myself is Christian non-fiction Inspiration.

Where can your work be found?

Copies of That Was Then, This Is Now and Victorious Living can be found on my web site: www.pauletteharper.com and at all your major bookstores.
Articles can be found on Divine Inspiration, Black Pearl Magazine, Faith Filled Stilettos and Internet’ Cafe.

How can readers contact you?

Website: http://www.pauletteharper.com
Website: http://www.victoriousliving4women.weebly.com
E-Mail: paulet_harper@yahoo.com