Merry Christmas eve, everyone! Today, joining the 31 Days, 31 Authors event is Paulette Harper! Paulette is a best selling author, and has penned various inspirational stories, including Living Separate Lives, Completely Whole, and Secret Places Revealed. Her work has been featured on CBN as well as Real Faith Magazine. It’s truly an honor to have her joining the event.
Now, here’s Paulette! 🙂
Making her home in Northern California, award winning author of Completely Whole, Paulette is also an inspirational speaker as well as a writing workshop instructor. Her literary works have been spotlighted in a growing number of publications, including CBN, Real Life Real Faith Magazine, The Sacramento Observer and Black Pearls Magazine.
1.Besides writing, what else do you like to do?
I’m a lover of sports. Basketball, football and when the weather is perfect, hiking.
2. What inspired you to become an author?
The inspiration behind my writing came from going through a major transition in my life. I started writing about that particular journey I was on which lasted a few years. Now, as an inspirational and fiction writer, I write to inspire and empower readers. I write because I feel I have 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, 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 help 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.
3. What was your first reaction when your debut novel was published?
My first reaction when my book was published, I held it in my hand, laughed and said…”Lord you did this.”
4. Where do you see yourself in the next 5 years?
In 5 years I will have published a few more books, facilitated more writing workshops and graduated from college.
5. What advice can you give to anyone who wants to become an author?
My advice would be to do your research and learn the industry before you publish your book. I have heard so many stories of writers rushing to become published authors that they don’t learn that books are a business. Take the time to learn, get council from other authors, find the right people to help assist you and make sure you have a marketing budget.
From Secret Places Revealed
Aaron racked up the pool balls for the third time. He lined the pool tip with the cue ball and smashed it forward. Aaron tried unsuccessfully to force every thought of Simone away. His thoughts always led back to her. The tears in her eyes eroded the tablet of his heart.
“I don’t even have to ask what’s wrong with you,” Shaun said.
“There’s nothing wrong with me. I’m letting out a little tension.”
Shaun took his turn. “I wonder why.”
Aaron gave his brother an icy stare. “Go ahead and say what you want to say, even though I told you to stay out of my business.”
Shaun dismissed his brother’s request. “Okay. I’ll say what I want to say. Man, you wrong about Simone. She has to be innocent. Didn’t you once say everything is fixable?”
Aaron gave Shaun a stern look. “Yeah, but there is always something that can’t be fixed, and this is it.” He took a deep breath. “We lost a big contract because of her.”
Shaun took a swig of his drink. “Brother, you lost more than that. You lost a great woman that cared about you, adored you. I’m sure she was falling in love with you. I know you feel the same about her.”
Aaron raised an eyebrow. “A woman who played me.”
“I reject that statement. That’s where you’re wrong, counselor. You made assumptions about a situation that you have absolutely no facts to support.”
Aaron took a sip of his drink. He studied his next play on the pool table and took his turn. “Don’t need any facts. The handwriting was on the wall.”
“The only handwriting I see on the wall are the words ‘Aaron messed up… big time. Aaron pushed a good woman out of his life. Aaron’s a complete fool. Aaron’s―’”
“Watch it, brother,” he cautioned.
“You said yourself you didn’t give her a chance to explain. Maybe she does have―”
“A good explanation?” Aaron completed Shaun’s sentence.
Shaun nodded. “Yeah. You should have heard her out. This is one case you have definitely lost, and I will not defend you.”
Aaron’s nostrils flared. “Are you done?”
“No. I’m not done. So, you do admit you were falling in love with her?”
Aaron positioned himself across the pool table, aimed at one of the balls and took another turn. He took a moment before answering the question. “Nah. I wasn’t.”
Shaun laughed hysterically and shot him a look. “Yes, you were. Let me correct myself. You’re in love with her. That’s why this is bothering you so much. If you didn’t love her, you wouldn’t be acting like this. Maybe it’s your guilt kicking in.”
“I told you I’m letting out a little tension. Will you take your turn, please?”
“Hmmm. Call it tension if you want. You acting like a junkie needing a fix. Let me drop this on you and then I’ll be finished. You gave Lamont full access to her again.”
Aaron cringed. “When did you become an expert love therapist? Let’s enjoy the game and not talk about my complicated love life. And, please. Don’t mention Lamont’s name.”
Shaun lifted up his hands in defense. “The last time I checked, you don’t have one and I rest my case.”
Aaron scowled. “Good. Now, can we finish our game of pool?”
But Shaun was right. So what? Yeah, he loved her. More than he cared to admit. Trying to get Simone out of his mind was like trying to get the white out of milk. It was simply impossible. He wished even more that he could dismiss what Shaun had said, but he couldn’t do that either. You were wrong, his conscience accused him. Maybe his guilt was kicking in. He had hurt her and scolded her in a matter of a few seconds.
Aaron mulled over the last words she’d said to him before she walked out of her office. “And after you realize your mistake, don’t even think about calling me. You won’t find me trying to get you back.” No problem. Fine, Lady Simone. I know I’m right. How did she do it? Why pretend to care about him? How could something that felt so perfect turn out this way? He’d let his guard down. Once again, Aaron vowed not to allow another woman to soften his heart.
How could he be wrong? Nah. I’m not.
But, what if I am?
She would never forgive him, especially for how he’d treated her. It was too late for him to be second-guessing himself now. So why was his stomach in knots and his head throbbing?
Exasperated, Aaron slammed his pool stick down on the table.
“You okay?”
He took a deep breath. “Nah, Shaun. I’m not okay.” He walked out of the game room and headed to the nearest medicine cabinet to take two aspirins.
Win Paulette’s Secret Places Revealed, as well as other books from each featured author through the 31 Days, 31 Authors giveaway! To enter, please click on the link below:
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