You write about overcoming mental depression by drawing on Christian religious and spiritual principles in your books That Was Then, This Is Now and Completely Whole.
1. Tell us a little about your life.
I was born and raised in Northern California. I am the youngest of eight children and the first published author.
I have two daughters and I have one grand daughter (whom I intend to spoil).
2. What personal experience allowed you insight into understanding mental depression?
And what is one Christian spiritual/religious principle have you drawn on for help?
I went through a very difficult divorce that nearly devastated me.
I have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ which allows me to deal with test and trials in a different manner.
My faith has carried me through all of my life’s challenges.
I have learned over the course of my life that Christ is the only person who will be with me through all the ups and downs of life.
My faith in Christ brings my life into purpose and fulfillment.
Considering the times in which we live today, I don’t understand how anyone could live apart from have a personal relationship with Christ.
2. What is your major message in Completely Whole?
Oftentimes, many people try to seek fulfillment from money, relationships, accomplishments, or material things.
Others choose to cope with difficult problems by using drugs or alcohol, but they often come up short and soon
have to realize that such things do not bring true happiness and fulfillment in life.
Completely Whole, shows readers how to overcome suffering caused by alcoholism, substance abuse, poverty, and other obstacles blocking the path to a life of wholeness in spirit, soul, and body.
Readers will receive practical and biblically-based solutions to overcome everyday problems.
3. What is your major message in That Was Then, This Is Now?
That Was Then, This is Now, This Broken Vessel Restored is a moving and heart felt memoir of a woman who continues to inspire and encourage women all across the world with her testimony of God’s power to heal, deliver and restore.
4. How long have you been writing?
My writing journey began in Jan 2007. So I’ve only been writing for a few years.
5. How long did it take you to write and revise That Was Then, This Is Now?
It took me 3 months to write my manuscript and about 3 months with the revisions/edits.
6. How long did it take you to write and revise Completely Whole?
It took me 6 months with the manuscript and 2 months with revisions/edits.
7. Do you categorize you books as strictly non-fiction, Christian non-fiction, Christian Creative Non-Fiction. etc?
I categorize my writing style as Christian non-fiction inspirational
8. Have you ever taken writing classes.?
No I have never taken any writing classes but do intend on attending conference in the future
9. What is your greatest difficulty in writing?
One of my greatest difficulties in writing is keeping focused on my deadlines and goals with so many things pulling for my attention.
10. What is your greatest joy in writing?
When I hear how my books have been a blessing in the lives of the readers
11. What is your process when writing a book?
When I starting writing That Was Then, This Is Now It began with the titles of each chapter and I built my stories around those titles.
For example chapter 1 “Built to stand- though it all” in this chapter I share with my readers the personal challenges that I faced and how certain scriptures helped me cope with and eventually overcome those challenges and gain spiritually victory.
Do you outline? If so, how?
No I have never did a outline
12. How often do you write–every day, every other day?
I write something every day. Devoting my writing time to articles or my manuscript
13. Do you write full-time?
Currently I am not a full time writer. I work in corporate America. However within the next few years, (the Lord willing) I will be writing full time.
After a day a work, I’m usually ready to unwind either by reading or writing.
I spend plenty of time on the computer searching for ways to network, promote and make connections to get word out about my books.
14. What is one thing you have learned in writing each of your books?
Promote, promote, promote.
Because so many people still have not heard about me, it is important that I continue seeking places to network and market my books.
I believe once I establish myself in the industry, it won’t take as much money, time and energy to market my books.
15. What do you have on the agenda for your next book?
I’m currently working on two projects for 2011.
Victorious Living for Moms, my second anthology, is slated for release in May 2011, right in time for Mother’s Day and the release of my forth book, For Such a Time as This.
16. How can interested readers get in touch with you?
Please visit me at:
Website: www.pauletteharper.com
Email: info@pauletteharper.com
I’m on facebook under Paulette Harper-Johnson
I also have a blog Empowered to Proper which I am a blog tour host: www.pauletteharper.blogspot.com
15. What is a word of advice you would give anyone interested in writing a non-fiction self-help book?
Some of the keys to my success for promoting my books have been me knowing the market for which my books are trying to reach, which includes identifying people, groups and organization that will embrace my writing. I talk about my books to everybody which has afforded me the opportunities to be on radio and television. I also try to stay connected to my readers my email, newsletters and by speaking and having book signing events.