Beginning her career in 2008, Paulette is an award-winning, bestselling author and the founder of WNL Coaching and Marketing Services. Along with being an ordained Elder, she is the author of several books and founder of Write Now Literary Virtual Book Tours, a service to help promote authors of the Christian genre and authors of clean books.
As an inspirational and motivational speaker, Elder Paulette’s desire is to empower, influence and cultivate women to move forward while dealing with issues that hinder women from becoming all they are created to be. Her topics are biblically sound and pertinent to the needs of today’s women. Paulette is a mother, grandmother and Bible teacher. Paulette has appeared on numerous radio and Television shows.

Combining enthusiasm with an energetic speaking style, audiences describe Paulette’s presentation as inspiring, enriching and encouraging. She is committed to speaking a message that is always uplifting and edifying.

As a writing coach, she is the visionary behind her own writing ministry called “Write Now,” a literary program that specializes in coaching aspiring writers in the areas of creativity, development, and publication of Christian books. She provides her listeners with tools, resources, and opportunities to help them succeed in the writing business.
Her books have ranked consecutively on the Black Christian Publishers Bestsellers List for Independent Publishers (non-fiction category).

1. I first want to thank you for taking the time out of your very busy schedule to do this interview. Speaking of your busy schedule, you’re not just a writer of various genres, but you are also a motivational speaker, a workshop and conference facilitator, and an ordained Pastor. How is it that you find the time to write at the rate that you do with everything else on your plate? Do you find it hard to juggle writing with the other areas of your career?

Hello Jimmetta! Thank you for this opportunity to share with your readers. Those are great questions. Wow, it seems totally impossible for anyone to be able to juggle all those things on their own. When people ask me how can I possibly do everything on my plate, my reply is simple…God gives me the grace to do it. Over the years, I’ve learned to say no to some events and engagements. Some events are not for me. As a speaker and even author, I have to determine if the event warrants my attendance. You asked if I find it hard to juggle writing with the other areas of my career? Yep! I have to discipline myself to take the time to write. If I don’t then my writing gets put on the back burner. Before I know it, months and even years may have gone by, and I haven’t finished writing anything. I must prioritize my schedule and carve the necessary time out to finish any project on my plate.   

2. When did you know that writing is what you were called to do? What is it about being a writer that you love the most and in what ways does your writing help empower you in the other areas of your career such as being a pastor and being a motivational speaker?

I first felt the nudge to write after going through a divorce. Those were the darkest hours of my life. Yet, I felt compelled to share my story. The passion to write would never leave, so I surrendered to the call and the journey of authorship began. Over the years, what I’ve grown to love about writing is hearing from the readers. It gives me no greater joy but to listen to readers give me feedback as they dig into the characters or are moved by the inspirational books I write. 

3. You have quite a few books under your belt, both in the non-fiction and fiction genres, and even a children’s book. Can you tell us a little about your books and where our readers can find out more about them and you? Which genre do you like writing in best and why?

A few of my books are as follows: Secret Places Revealed, is an inspirational romance novel.  Single—and very content—real estate developer Aaron Blackman is determined not to become involved in another relationship. He’s experienced enough drama to last a lifetime. The only thing garnering his attention now is his growing business. He plans to keep it that way. Then Simone Herron waltzes into his life, beautiful and confident. Fighting to keep his promise to himself—to remain single—he soon discovers that when it comes to love, some promises must be broken. After losing her fiancé in an untimely death, Simone Herron relocates. She desperately needs to put the past behind her and start a new chapter in her life. While love is the farthest thing from her mind, she experiences an attraction to the handsome Aaron Blackman that frightens her. She’s built a wall around her heart, but can she find the strength and courage she needs to welcome love again? To do so, she must conquer her fears and allow God to put all of her broken pieces back together. 

The Scriptures in Color– Nonfiction. The Scriptures in Color is a beautiful collection of promises from the Bible. Inside the pages of this book are verses that will help you meditate on His word as you RELAX. UNWIND. BREATHE. Sometimes we need to block out the noise and spend some quiet time with the Lord. So grab your coloring pencils, and let your imagination flow.  

Princess Neveah– My children’s book. Lessons on Self Discovery – Six-year-old Nevaeh wants to be something she already is —a princess. Do you know a little girl that doesn’t know she is loved or even beautiful? Do we as parents, grandparents, or guardians reinforce and give our little one’s daily affirmations? Princess Nevaeh, Lessons on Self-Discovery, covers topics that are important, not only to parents, but also to our little girls. 

Princess Nevaeh, Lessons on Self-Discovery, allows caregivers to use this as a tool to affirm the child, build positive dialogue and to encourage self-worth.  

Find out how Mimi shares with her granddaughter the things that matter most. 

I’d love for readers to visit my website @ pauletteharper.com. Readers can find my books on Amazon and Barnes & Noble.  

4. What has been your most significant achievement within your writing career thus far? What projects are you currently working on and when can we expect your next book? Where do you see yourself within your career in the next five years?

My most significant achievement was my inspirational fiction book, Secret Places Revealed, winning the 2017 Emma Award for Best Inspirational/Spiritual Romance.

I’ve just released two nonfiction anthologies. Arise from the Ashes and Women Who Soar. Arise from the Ashes are stories of hope from seven women from all walks of life. These women have gone through the fire, walked in places that others dare not tread, but women who are not ashamed of their scars and willing to bare it all.  They share their journey of going from trials to triumph and pain to purpose. Arise from the Ashes is filled with inspiration, wisdom and life lessons from women who have endured personal pain and have come through empowered, encouraged and victorious.  

Women Who Soar is a book collaboration project of women who stepped out on faith, launched their own businesses and released their dreams and purposes into the world. These powerful women have dispelled lies, overcome difficult challenges, refused to take no for an answer and are now soaring and creating the life they deserve. Their stories are moving, revealing, encouraging and empowering. They have resolved to use their testimony to pave the way for other women to soar into their destiny. 

5. So what does your writing schedule look like? Do you write best in the mornings, the afternoons, or the evenings? Do you outline your books before sitting down to write them? How long does it typically take you to finish a project and does the time differ depending on whether you’re working on a piece of fiction or non-fiction?

Because I work full-time, my writing schedule is chaotic, so there is no set time to write. The weekends and some evenings are when I can carve out time. I find outlining is best for me because it keeps me on point and focused.  

6. What are your thoughts about how the publishing industry is drastically changing today? Did you have to deal with a lot of rejection in your journey to becoming a published author and if so did the rejection ever deter you from pressing on? Do you prefer traditional publishing, small press publishing, or self-publishing and why? 

The publishing industry has gone through a tremendous change over the years. Self-publishing has exploded, and the number of indie authors continues to rise. That said, some publishers are now offering more self-publishing services to attract aspiring authors. Personally, I prefer self-publishing because it gives me the freedom to publish what I want, and it allows me to set my own time table when I release a book.  

7. So many writers say that they hate reading their own work? Do you ever just sit down and curl up with your own book?

I sure do! I love reading my own work. Reading my own work gives me the opportunity to see my growth.  

8. Do you believe that there is ever a point in life where it’s too late for an aspiring writer to become successful in this industry? Do you feel a late start would hinder their chances?

I was in my forties when I started writing. Because of that, I’ll never think it’s too late for anyone to write. I strongly believe that if anyone feels prompted to write, they should. No matter the age, one can become a published author.  

9. What would be your advice to those writers?

There are three main steps to writing a book. Get it clear, get it down and get it out. 

Simple, huh? It may sound obvious, but you can’t write a book without planning it first. Anyone desiring to write should list reasons why they want to write. Is it to make money? Is it because you feel you have a story to tell? Is it because you want to add author to your resume? Whatever the reason, the success of your book will depend on your answer. My advice for anyone desiring to write is to make sure the reason you’re doing it will sustain you when your books are not selling. 

10. I feel like writing is a remarkable tool to help people not only express themselves, but also to cope emotionally and mentally. I know for me I write to be and feel more authentic. What unique quality is there about you, about your art, that you feel represents your authenticity? How does writing help you to be more empowered in your purpose?

My authenticity comes through writing in several genres. As an inspirational and fiction writer, I write to inspire and empower readers. I write because I feel I have a message to share with readers, not only to entertain readers but to help them grow spiritually. I love to mix real life stories into my fiction. Although each story is unique, we experience some of the same feelings, situations and challenges in life in which the reader can identify.  

With the ability to craft fiction books, it gives me the opportunity to live through each character. I’ve been blessed to write in several different genres: Christian fiction, nonfiction and children. Although each genre is unique in their own way, I enjoy each one. Developing a craft for writing is an ongoing process. I’ve been able to gleam from so many others. I read books which helps me learn the craft as well.  

When I pen a non-fiction book, I can go deep into my soul and the soul of the reader. My non-fiction books come from my own personal life experiences, research and biblical studies. I try to connect with readers in a place where the words in the book can leap off the pages and bring about a spiritual change, as well as spiritual growth.  Everyone needs to be inspired, empowered and strengthen in every area of their lives, and this is where my books are able to touch the readers.   

As a Christian, my faith shines throughout the pages of my books. The empowerment comes knowing that I am walking in my power and intentionally living life on purpose.