by Cyrus WebbFor years bestselling author Paulette Harper has been able to use her God-given abilities to inspire and empower individuals around the world. I've had the opportunity to interview her several times on our various platforms, and each time she shows not just appreciation for her gifts but the joy she feels in being able to help others.
With several projects going on in 2022---including her own podcast---Paulette shows the importance of rising up and answering the call each and every day.
Paulette, when did you know that part of your mission was to inspire others?
My mission to inspire others came years before I started writing books. My first mandate is to preach, so sharing an impactful message has been in me. Writing to inspire others is something God has equipped me with because of the things I have experienced in life. Those experiences have shaped, developed, and caused me to use my gifts beyond the four walls of the church.
Books are just one way you have reached your audience. Did you always know that being an author was something you were meant to do?
No. I didn’t get the nudge to write my first book until I was going through one of the worse times in my life — a divorce. I had no idea that writing books would be the vehicle God would use to redirect my life, expand my reach, and allow me to make a greater impact on those I’m assigned to.
Along your journey you have produced collaborative projects with other authors. Where did that desire come from to help share the stories of others?
After I published a few solo projects, I got the idea to ask other writers to join me as in co-authoring my first book collaboration. I knew there were other aspiring authors, who for whatever reason, were sitting on the sidelines wanting to write, but needed the push. It started with seven women who had powerful stories to share and voices that needed to be unmuted. Over the years, I’ve published five best selling anthologies creating 80 best-selling authors.
That's amazing! Your newest project that you’re gathering stories for is I SURVIVED THE STORM (Turning Adversities Into Triumph). Tell us about it?
These are raw, authentic, and candid stories from men and women who were stretched, pressed, and crushed but realized they had to options: death or survival. They chose surviving. This sure to be bestselling masterpiece will be released in July 2022.
How has the accomplishment of being a bestselling author and helping others accomplish that achievement impacted you?
Becoming a bestseller multiple times has been very rewarding. Along with the implied impact to readers, it also indicates that readers know the stories I publish are empowering, life-changing and worth their time to read. I believe in offering others the opportunity to experience the transformation of becoming a best-selling author. I take pride in wanting those who partner with me to have an amazing experience of knowing what it really means to become an author, and how to live in that moment when their dreams become reality.
For those looking to be a part of future projects what should they do?
Those looking for more information on my next book collaborations can sign up on my waitlist
https://pauletteharper.ck.page/5b63b72620
What is your advice for aspiring authors and writers?
I’ll give three pieces of advice for aspiring authors.
1. I would highly recommend to those who are aspiring to become authors to be patient with the process of becoming well known. 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.
2. Promote, promote, promote. I would suggest they start early. Start creating the buzz about your book months in advance. Look on the internet for ways to reach your readers, having a web site designed, flyers and if one can afford it, hire someone as a publicist.
3. And promote some more. I can’t stress that enough. Your book/books will stay alive if you keep them in front of your audience. No one is best suited than you to promote and market your products. If writing is your passion, you will continue promoting and marketing your books even when it appears like no one is buying.
Great advice indeed. Tell us, Paulette, what’s next for you?
I’ll be launching One Story University. One Story University is an online school that provides nonfiction aspiring authors with a step-by-step process on how to write and publish their self- help, how to, and personal story books in 90 days.
How can we keep connected with you online?
Website: https://pauletteharper.com
Business website: Write Now Virtual Book Tours www.wnlbooktours.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100010047302425
Clubhouse: https://www.joinclubhouse.com/@pauletteharper
IG: https://www.instagram.com/pauletteharper1/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/pauletteharper
