Interview with Paulette Harper

Paulette Harper is an emerging Christian Author making her debut with her first inspirational book “That Was Then, This Is Now, This Broken Vessel Restored”, a compelling story of deception, heart-ache and ultimate victory. In 10 chapters she masterfully uncovers the hidden obstacles she faced as the “first lady” and how she eventually broke through those barriers.

A native of Pittsburg, Ca, Paulette travels as an Inspirational speaker and licensed minister teaching people how to overcome life’s unexpected experiences by delivering a strong message of hope. Beyond her writing ability she has a passion to lead people to a clear and precise understanding of how life challenges can become one’s ultimate source of victory by sharing solid, biblical principles that will enable people to find a way out of every trial so they can reach their God given potential.

Paulette has been a contributing writer for Inspired Women, WOW Magazine, Divine Inspiration, Average Girl, Mentoring Moments, Internet Café, and Live Magazine. She has also been featured in Grace and Mercy Magazine and EKG Literary Magazine. She has been appeared on numerous TV and radio stations in the Northern California area.

To schedule Paulette Harper for a book club meeting, interview, book signing, speaking engagement, workshop, seminar, or other appearance, please contact her at paulet_harper@yahoo.com. For more information about Paulette and her new release “That Was Then, This Is Now,” visit: Broken Vessel Ministry

• What has been your writing experience like with your first book? Was it more or less difficult to write? What was your writing process like?

  While writing That Was Then, I was filled with excitement knowing that God had called me to do something out of the norm. Writing has never been something I had ever imagined doing so to see the journey I’ve been traveling has been exciting. That Was Then This Is Now is a non-fiction inspirational genre and it is about me so sharing it to the world was quite easy to do. My process of writing That Was Then is such that I named the chapter titles first and I built my story around each title. For example chapter 1 is entitled “Built to stand”. I chronicled several situations that I was faced with that required me to stand and face the opposition and I provided the scriptures as a reference guide to use in prayer.
  

• What has been the reader reaction to your book? Have they provided encouragement?

  The response from the readers has been very positive. I’ve gotten many comments on how That Was Then, This Is Now has brought encouragement, hope and healing in so many lives. I get e-mails, phone calls and even people just approaching me to tell me how the book has blessed them.

• How have you set out to promote it? Any book signings or book tours?

  I have a publicist assisting me in marketing That Was Then, This Is Now however I have continued to put the book before readers by using many on line magazine companies; I have joined many network sites; I have several websites and a blog page. I constantly look on line for promotional offers. I’ve written several articles that have made it possible for me to share about That Was Then, This Is Now. I’m am also a columnist for Step up Sista which is an on line magazine which allows me the exposure I need to get word out about That Was Then, This Is Now.

  My calendar continues to be full of book signing and speaking engagements. I’m planning on traveling to Alabama, Georgia and Florida later in summer months.

• What are you reading now?

  Currently reading Dr. Linda Beed novel “Business Unusual.”

  I’ve read “Illusions” by Wanda Campbell. A Christian fiction but with real life issues. One of the reasons why I loved this book is because I could identify with the characters. It’s a story about a Pastor, his family and his church. In the story I began to reflect on my own life and some of the same issues that the first lady struggled with were my own. Even though it was fiction the situations and circumstances are things in which we face today. This book was one on hope, restoration and healing.

  I’ve read “The good stuff” by Michelle Stimpson. Another Christian fiction. A great read for those having problems in their marriages. What I loved about this book was the fact that the writer showed the importance of standing in a marriage and believing God to bring restoration. I was inspired because Michelle revealed that marriages takes work and both people need to have a open heart in order for God to come in and make things better.

  Since becoming a writer, my library has enlarged to include Christian Fiction. I usually read inspirational books. TD Jakes, Joyce Meyer, Joel Olsteen, Miles Monroe to name a few.
  

• Tell us about That was Then, This is Now: How did you come up with the title of the book?

  That Was Then, This Is Now is a nonfiction inspirational book. I uncover the obstacles, barriers and hindrances I faced as the “first lady” while going through a divorce. It is a must read for anyone facing bumps in the road, those who are dealing with life’s challenges, disappointments and let downs. It is definitely a book that will inspire, motivate and encourage anyone to face every trial and test in life knowing that God will bring victory to them. The title was derived from a desire of wanting the readers to see the condition my life was in and the progression I was making as I traveled in unfamiliar territory.

• Is there a message that you wanted your readers to grasp? Who were you writing to?

  The message is clear I want people to experience freedom and That Was Then, gives one a genuine message of hope. That Was Then, is written for those who are still scared by divorce, trauma and the issues of life. I survive what I called one of the greatest trials and I want people to realize that God will and can pull you out of your situation and bring good to you.

• I assume that most of the book is shaped by your experiences but, are there other experiences that gave you additional inspiration to write this book?

  I realized that all during the ordeal God was carrying me through the rages of life. Even when He seemed so distant He was there. I continued believing that God was not allowing me to experience the things I was experiencing in vain.

• Are you planning to write a follow-up?

  Actually I’ve started writing another book entitled: Completely Whole which will be released next year. It’s not a follow up to That Was Then, but I will share how God uses life tough times to bring us to a place of wholeness in Him, spirit, soul and body.

• How does writing fit into your plans? What are your current projects?

  I’ve had to rearrange my whole life and put things in proper order. Writing has now become one of my major projects. I understand that I have something in me that is worth sharing and I’ve seen positive results from writing my first book. I will also launch writer’s workshops to assist other inspiriting authors and poets move from procrastination to become published authors.

Author JavaNoir
Comments (0)

April 12, 2009