Up Close with Paulette Harper Johnson

Bio: Paulette Harper Johnson, an award winning author, writing coach, and speaker, seeks to inspire women from all walks of life.  As an inspirational and motivational speaker, 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 wife, mother, grandmother, Bible teacher, radio host, and writer.  She has been mentoring and teaching women for years though seminars, workshops and conferences. Paulette Harper Johnson serves in ministry as an Elder with her husband Sr. Pastor Tony E. Johnson at Word of Faith Worship Center in Bradenton, FL. 

What inspires you as a writer?  

As a writer, my inspiration comes from both my faith and a love for the written word. The genre I write is Christian, and intertwined between the pages of my books will be some type of spiritual undertone.

When did you have that "ah ha" moment when you knew you were a writer?

My "ah ha" moment came during one of the hardest seasons in my life: facing divorce.  I realized that God wanted me to share my story with other women, churches, and really anyone who was in a transition in life. My first non-fiction book, "That Was Then This Is Now," actually chronicles that season, which was filled with trials, testings, ups, and downs. 

What is your writing process?

Before doing anything, I make sure I’m in a quiet area, free from distractions. When I’m ready to write, I sit at my laptop and begin writing. Depending on the chapter I’m working on, that determines the direction I’ll go. I am able to write as long as there is a constant flow.

Tell us about your favorite character and why you chose to write about them?

My favorite character in my current book that I’m writing is Lacey Jones. Lacey is an entrepreneur, author, and pastor's wife. She is the ideal woman who learns how to balance career, personal life, and church all at once. Though she has a quiet, gentle spirit, she uses her faith to help her conquer her mountains.

What are you currently working on?

Currently, I’m working on my first Christian fiction book. The first of two installments in the Trinity Lake series is called “The Sanctuary.”  I’m extremely excited to be able to introduce to readers another side of my writing ability. My first two books as well as the two anthologies were non-fiction.

Professionally speaking in the area of business, I’m the owner of WNL (Write Now Literary) Virtual Blog Tours. My business concept is simple: connect authors with readers via blogs, radio, and interviews.

Any upcoming events?

Yes. I do have a Write Now Writers Workshop scheduled for June 9, 2012, which will be held in Punta Gorda, FL. For information about this workshop contact me: infor@pauletteharpe.com.

Do you have any advice for new writers and something that a seasoned vet can learn?

I’d like to devote my answer to new writers.

First, be patient. 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.

Secondly, promote, promote, promote! I can’t stress that enough. Your book/books will stay alive as long as 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 that no one is buying.

Thirdly, use social networks to connect with readers. By joining social networks, it presents a platform for you to share with your readers your events or next book release. Readers must be able to find you either on your website or any social network you have joined.

Where can your followers find you?

E-Mail: info@pauletteharper.com

Blog: www.pauletteharper.blogspot.com

Facebook: http://tinyurl.com/6wq6mog

Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/pauletteharper

Linkedin:  http://www.linkedin.com/profile/edit?trk=hb_tab_pro_top

Website: http://pauletteharper.com

Business website: http://writenowlit.blogspot.com

Any last words?

Yes. I’d like to share an excerpt from my book Completely Whole. The chapter title is “Celebrate Me.”

I’m celebrating me, because I’ve come to know that I’m all right—regardless of what you think about me, or how you feel towards me. I celebrate that I am a whole person, spirit, soul, and body. I am who I am because of what God has declared about me. I’m celebrating the woman God has designed, destined and called me to be.

My celebration continues even if you don’t want to rejoice with me. I recognize that the celebration only needs a selected number of people. These people will celebrate my freedom, my achievements and my progress, because they are not intimated by my success.

I’m celebrating my freedom. I’m free from the bondage, and the oppression of others. People that are not liberated tend to want to harness others that are progressing, and moving forward. My celebration comes from years of struggle—struggling with self and the image within. The picture I see now is not the same one I saw years ago.

I realize I have issues, and God is still dealing with me about them; however, my issues will never prohibit me from loving the person I’ve become.  I’m celebrating the freedom in my mind. I’m free to be who I am and do what it is I am created to do. What you expect me to give, I cannot.

Giving you the world will not cause you to accept me for who I am. I must be happy, content and satisfied with me. As I look in the mirror, the person I see is one who has come to terms with her person, character, and spirit.  I change on my terms, and my terms only. Embrace my freedom. Come along and ride with me, if you desire. Celebrate my existence, because celebrating me—is celebrating the God in me.

Paulette thank you so much for stopping by.

Until Next Time,

Omegia Keeys

www.okeeys.com

 

Steven Novak Puts Omegia On the Hot Seat

Click the banner for my interview with Steven Novak on Lit Pod.

David S. Grant Shows Us the Dark Side of Fiction

 

Author BIO:

David S. Grant is the author of ten books including “Corporate Porn”, “Bleach|Blackout”, “Hollywood Ending”, and “Rock Stars”.  His latest novel, “Blood: The New Red”, is now available.  David lives and writes his weekly rock, travel, and NBA columns from New York City.  For more information go to http://www.davidsgrant.com  Twitter: @david_s_grant

Writing the Dark Side of Fiction

The dark side of fiction means different things to people.  There is shocking fiction, which may try to scare or force a reaction.  Transgressive fiction often focuses on taboo subjects and is designed to make the reader think and possible view a scenario in a new way.  For me, I often associate “dark” fiction with reality, exploring beneath the surface and taking the reader on a journey into insane (or perverse) thoughts, a lack of emotion, and of course, all of those bad habits we try to hide in our daily life.

Humor is a great compliment to dark undertones.  Adding funny dialogue allows the reader to focus on the overall situation, and not just focus on the depressing reality.  In my latest novel, BLOOD: The New Red, the main character, Mickey, is an ex-adult film star attempting to regain his fame as a model.  The real story isn’t about modeling, Mickey’s Vicodin habit, or his past life of porn.  The story is about decisions.  Mickey is forced to take responsibility for his choices.  Often, as in the case of real life we make choices and after the fact, there may be opinions, changes, or even regret based on those choices; however, in the moment there is no judgment, only choice, and hopefully a few laughs along the way.  

Life can be messy and this is how I like my fiction.  No need for a Hollywood ending if the story doesn’t warrant one.  Most tales have a character that comes upon a fork in the road.  One way is greatness, lollipops, and fields of flowers.  I like to send my characters down the other path, if they make it through, they are stronger for it.  Just like in real life.

In my latest book, the “dark side” is a backdrop for Mickey to come to terms with good vs. evil; a book that attempts to straddle real life scenarios and “Grindhouse type” fantasy.  As one reviewer put it, “If you enjoy romance novels, this book may not be for you.”

For everyone else, please check out my new novel: BLOOD: The New Red.

David S. Grant

http://www.davidsgrant.com

@david_s_grant

BOOK Synopsis:

Blood: The new Red begins at an after party where Mickey, and ex-adult movie star turned supermodel, is aligning himself with one of top Designers of Seventh Avenue.  While trying to land a job on the runway Mickey is thrown into the center of a scene where sex is often the motivation, the wine is served by year, and cocaine is back in full force.  Juanita, Mickey’s girlfriend is having difficulties staying sober, fully clothed, and off of her famous boyfriend.

Mickey goes to work for Fashion icon Paul Johnson, one of the two top Designers in NYC.  The other is Sandy Johnson, another Designer who will stop at nothing including murder to guarantee victory.  A runway exhibition has been scheduled for the two to compete in and find out who truly is the best Johnson.  Mickey will be Paul’s top model, and Sandy has found a homeless person nicknamed Kung Fu Master to show his line. 

In addition to getting his new line in place, Paul Johnson is also buying chain saws, the louder the better, to put the special in this special event.

Did you know that you can’t be sentenced to prison if actively seeking help at a mental facility?  Paul Johnson knows this.

Somewhere between the girls, counting Vicodin pills, and show preparation Mickey has grown a conscience and no longer likes what he sees.  He believes (and his psychiatrist agrees) that he has the power to change what’s happening around him.

Days before the show Kung Fu Master turns up dead and there is an attempt on Mickey’s life.  After a brief period of unconsciousness Mickey is back, is told that Juanita and brother Cheeks are now also dead and that he must continue with the show.  After all, what would Steven Tyler do?

The night of the show is laced with celebrities and models on the runway as well as one particular popular day-time talk show host that may or may not be murdered on the runway.

In the end only one Johnson will walk away, although this is temporary as Mickey has the last word.

Right before he pops his last Vicodin.

Thank you so much for stopping by David. Wishing you many sales. 

Until Next Time,

O. Keeys

www.okeeys.com

DK Walker Explores the Ugly Side of Sex

DK Walker, a recovering sex addict, has wanted to share with the world his story, but only now has found the courage to speak on it in his first novel The Ugly Side of Sex. Having battled this affliction for the better part of 20 years, DK Walker can speak first hand on the debilitating effects that this disease can have. Having finally figured out the difference between lust and love, DK hopes he can help anyone else who is struggling to tell the two apart. DK Walker currently resides in Washington DC with his wife and two beautiful daughters.

O. Keeys: Upon reading DK Walker's bio I had to interject. I am glad he chose to speak out on this topic because it's one not often talked about. If it is even mentioned it's mostly in a joking manner. Being that of often write Erotic novels, this appealed to me. Now back to DK Walker.

1. What inspires you as a writer?  Living life and being a lover of words, knowing when I put them together a beautiful picture can be constructed with as few or as many words I choose. I have always gravitated to the great orators that I admire; Malcolm X, Martin Luther King, President Obama, Les Brown (yes I said Les) and hope to over time have my works, if not noted with theirs, then honorably mentioned will do.

2. When did you have that ah ha moment when you knew you were a writer? Like most writers after reading someone else’s work and I just knew I could do better. It sounds conceited, but it's really isn't. I have always wanted to write. Hell, I run my mouth enough to sound like I knew what I was talking about. So why don't I piece something together and see if others feel likewise? So far they have, but who knows a few books down the line they may be scratching their heads having a WTF moment. Time will tell.

3. What is your writing process?  A thought becomes a thing. That thing is thought about some more to see if it's marketable. If it is and that thought persists in my head, I usually run with it. Some authors use character boards which is fine, but it all flows from the vision of how I want the finished product to look. I have to have an attention grabbing beginning that refuses to let you go and a climatic ending that doesn't always have to be so over the top like a Hollywood action movie. But fits in the grand scheme of things and still leaves the readers satisfied. The most important aspect of my writing style is the flow, it has to flow seamlessly. If I find myself forcing it, I stop and leave it alone. I believe when you set a page count or a word count in your head, more times than not, you find yourself trying to reach that number when you should have stopped writing a while ago.

4. Tell us about your favorite character and why you chose to write about them? My favorite character to date is Nicolas Andrews who is the main character in my book, The Ugly Side of Sex. I'm sure that the more I write and develop more characters he will be replaced, but for now he's the one. And that's solely because so many readers can identify to some degree with him and his plight of being addicted to sex. Whether it’s watching porn and the constant lusting over it, masturbating and it's pulling effects (yes pun included), or just a multitude of lovers whose purpose is usually served after a few moans; we all can relate to Nicolas somehow someway.

5. What are you currently working on? I'm currently working on a novel called 'Have You Seen My Childhood?' which delves deeply into what we subject our male children to. Honestly, it's a miracle more men aren't dysfunctional in dealing with their emotions. The book follows its main character through his life, chronicling his upbringing and the overall affect this plays out in his adult life.

6. Any upcoming events? I will be in attendance at the 2^nd Annual Baltimore Urban Book Festival, May 6, 2012. I plan on participating in the Baltimore Book Festival 2012 September 28-30^th, Black Authors and Readers Rock Weekend Oct. 19-20, 2012 in New Carrollton MD, and The Annual Authors Literary Festival Nov 3, 2012 in Richmond VA.

O. Keeys: I look forward to seeing you at the Baltimore Book Festival. I attended last year and had a blast. 

7. If you could be anyone you like, who would you be? Me. I'm 42 and just learning to walk in my own shoes and I'm sure someone else might not fit as snug.

8. Do you have any advice for new writers and something that a seasoned vet can learn? For new writers and vets alike if I was to part with any limited knowledge I have, it would be this; always write from an honest vein, no story under the sun is new, but the way YOU tell it is. Be careful that you don’t write with limited vision, placing yourself in a box and conforming.

9. Where can your followers find you? Followers can find me on Facebook (DK Walker) Twitter (@enelpublishing, @dkwalker1), www.en-el-publishing.com, www.enelpublishing.wordpress.com, and www.dkwalker117.wordpress.com.

10. Any last words? In closing you'll find in your attempt to pursue your dreams you will face many an obstacles, none bigger than you. So please do not be your own worst enemy. Trust me when I tell you that you will have a line of people vying for the opportunity, the more you work towards your goals.

Books are available on Amazon  http://www.amazon.com/The-Ugly-Side-Sex-Walker/dp/0615380115/ref=sr_1_cc_1?s=aps&ie=UTF8&qid=1333374324&sr=1-1-catcorr or www.en-el-publishing.com.

Author Spotlight Nicholas L. Maze

 

Born in Flint, Michigan, Nicholas L. Maze attended Baker College, where he earned his degree in Business Administration with a focus in Accounting and Marketing. With a knack for advertising and excelling in math, Nicholas seemed destined for a productive career in business. Instead, there would be another gift that would prove to be more dominant and rewarding.

In the summer of 1999, while still in college, Nicholas found a job with a nation-wide security organization. His initial plans were to work his job, until he finished college. But it was his stint with the security organization that would lead to a rebirth of his passion for writing. As a child, being driven by a strong imagination, Nicholas would write stories to past time. It was during his composition courses in college that Nicholas realized that his gift was still intact. His writing craft received praise from his colleagues and instructors. With substantial amount of free time on the job, Nicholas found himself writing more and more. He started by writing poetry and composing songs, during his free time on the job. It was at this same time that Nicholas began managing a small rap group, which allowed him to hone his writing skills even more. Nicholas began composing songs for his rap group and him. In 2004, Nicholas began to write his first published work. With ample amount of time and a number of ideas, Nicholas began to write. In order to compose a successful work, Nicholas had to make himself the reader. Nicholas placed himself in the passenger seat and let his imagination go to work.

As Nicholas was completing his book, he renewed his relationship with GOD and acquired a second job. Two jobs and attending college full-time, forced Nicholas to put his writing on hold. Once Nicholas completed his first degree in Marketing, he was able to focus on his unfinished work and complete his book in 2007. From there, Nicholas began to send out query letters for his book. After no success, Nicholas placed his book on the shelf and returned to school. In 2009, Nicholas received a prophecy on his writing gift and immediately began shopping his book around. “I instantly thought of my finished work and began sending out query letters. Within two months, I received a publishing deal.” Now, Nicholas is fine-tuning himself for a long, successful career as an author. His first love.

Up Close with Nicholas

1. What inspires you as a writer?

Life. Everything on this earth is an inspiration to write. From burning toast to oversleeping, I am inspired to write. A great example is a future drama that I plan to write. The inspiration for the drama came about as I was leaving out of my driveway. Since I drive in reverse into my driveway, I can observe my surroundings as I leave. As I was leaving out, I noticed my neighbor’s garbage on the corner and instantly got an idea for a drama.

2.  When did you have that ah ha moment when you knew you were a writer?

I have been writing since about the age of 12 and I have always had a great imagination. When I began to write my first book (White Collar Woman), I was at a security job. I had no plans to pursue a writing career, but I wanted to see what I could put on paper. After finishing my story, I received a prophecy from a visiting prophet at our Church. Although I had been writing for years, the prophecy was my confirmation or “ah ha” moment.

3.  What is your writing process?

I tend to begin a lot of my writings on paper versus on a computer. I hand write a lot, because my ideas come about unexpectedly. So, I usually grab a sheet of paper and write what is on my mind. After my first book, I began to carry a small notepad to write. Once I have a lot of information to put on paper, I limit myself. Instead of putting down everything at once, I save some for the next day. By doing this, I have something to build off of, when I begin to write the next day. This is my way of eliminating writer’s block.

4.  Tell us about your favorite character and why you chose to write about them?

My favorite character would have to be Marla Evans (White Collar Woman), because she allowed me the opportunity to tell a woman’s story, from a man’s perspective. At same time, I was able to display a career successful and beautiful woman with the same emotional battles of being in a relationship, as any other human being.

5.  What are you currently working on?

My current project is a book that will help restore Churches and restructure ministries. I discovered that Churches have been in need of this literature, for over 100 years, but it has never been written.

6.  Any upcoming events?

My next blog stop will take place at MK McCintock’s Blog, on April 5th. Also, I will be attending the Dayton Book Expo, on April 28, from 11am - 4PM in the Great Hall at Sinclair Community College’s Ponitz Conference Center (Dayton, OH).

7.  If you could be anyone you like, who would you be?

My father. A great influence in my life. His knowledge would be like having an encyclopedia stored inside my brain.

8.  Do you have any advice for new writers and something that a seasoned vet can learn?

You will NEVER please everybody. I promise. So when you write, write from your heart, because even your best critic can get offended. You are not writing to make people happy. You are writing to influence, inspire, and grow. Write from your heart.

9.   Where can your followers find you?

I try to enter every avenue:

My home is www.nicholasmaze.com

Amazon: http://amzn.to/ye4Z2I

Barnes & Noble: http://bit.ly/whKpKF

iTunes: http://bit.ly/xR1hdO

LuLu: http://bit.ly/vChpbL

Twitter: http://bit.ly/HB9Ax7

FaceBook: http://on.fb.me/p8eP4g

10.              Any last words?

I appreciate this wonderful opportunity. Technology has allowed us to connect at so many levels. I ask that every person seriously take “EXIT” into consideration. This book was written from the heart, with a desire to help restore our country. 

 What 12+ years of schooling never provided is located within this amazing literature. From basic instructions on saving to the reason for America’s current financial dilemma, we receive great advice in the world of finance. People across the globe are crying for relief that will never come. In EXIT, we learn that financial strain is planned and orchestrated. The more America suffers financially, the more successful certain individuals become. How do we eliminate a problem that has been in place for almost 100 years? We first learn how to exit, escape.