From the time I met Paula online, I’ve felt a kinship with her as a pastor’s wife and homeschool Mama. I’m very pleased to have the opportunity to introduce my readers to her wonderful writing!
Paula is a pastor’s wife and a former homeschool mom to a daughter who just started Liberty University Online. She works part-time as an assistant in a Pre-K and is a published author, speaker, and acquisitions editor for Prism Book Group.
Paula, I’m so happy to have you here today on my blog. Please tell my readers about your writing space! (I don’t know why I’m intrigued by people’s writing caves but I am!) Where do you write?
My husband calls it my writing hole. I have a wonderful L-shaped desk in a back extra bedroom. It is somewhat like being in a hole since it is at the end of the house away from everyone and most distractions. On one side of the L is my laptop. On the other side is stacked notes and lists of my present projects for writing and editing.
Sounds fantastic. What is your process? (Spreadsheets, Snowflake, Lists/Outlines, Seat of the pants?)
I’m what you might call a combo writer, meaning that I’m not totally seat of the pants but also not a big outliner. I normally get an idea and scratch it out on a piece of paper, putting it into a file. As I have other ideas for that story, I will add notes to that file. I usually make a short list about what the story is about, who it is about, and where it is headed. When I’m ready to start writing, I skim my lists and notes and then take off. I’m categorized as old-school because I write out my stories first in spiral notebooks. The only things I can compose directly on the computer are articles and blogs. I just can’t write a novel that way.
I use notebooks, too, but usually when I’m on the run. Tell us about your book, Be The Blessing.
My novella, Be The Blessing, released on September 13th. The main character in this book is a pastor’s wife named Addy. She wants to follow what God would have her to do but struggles when God asks her to be a blessing to others even when she is suffering through trials of her own.
Another title, Brave New Century, released November 14th. This is an anthology of four stories set in cities in the 1900’s. My story is called “Forgiven” and is particularly special to me because of a scene that I included that really happened to my paternal grandfather.
Why will readers want to read these?
I would encourage readers to pick up Be The Blessing for encouragement and even challenge for your Christian walk. The novella includes a short Bible study for further personal application.
Readers will enjoy Brave New Century for the sweet romance and historical aspects.
How did your book come to life?
Be The Blessing is actually the second in Addy’s story. When the first, The Blessing Seer, was completed, my editor asked if there would be a sequel. I hadn’t considered it until she asked. That evening the ideas starting coming, and Addy’s story continued.
Brave New Century was the brainchild of co-author, Lisa Lickel. She put out a call on a writer email loop for those interested in writing a story set in 1900 in a city with romance. Lisa, Teena Stewart, Kathy Rouser, and I corresponded. The result is the anthology, Brave New Century.
Who is your favorite character in the book and why?
In Be The Blessing I have to say that Conrad is my favorite character. I don’t want to give away anything about him. Let’s just say he is a little different and mysterious.
In my story, “Forgiven,” I really like Henry. Henry Smith was my grandfather. I never had the opportunity to meet him, because he died before I was born. I do have this newspaper article about him which is where the whole story was born.
How did you name your characters?
For The Blessing Seer and Be The Blessing I used a Christian baby name book. I wanted the names of the characters to have a significance as to their personality or importance in the book.
“Forgiven” utilizes my grandparent’s real names as well as the names of people in the newspaper article.
Why will readers enjoy your book?
As with anything and everything I write, I pray readers will enjoy my books because of the impression that is left on them. I hope and pray that they can be encouraged in their Christian walk or maybe encounter a need for a Savoir for the first time.
Is anything in the book based on your own life?
Be The Blessing does include some real occurrences from my experience as a pastor’s wife. Some of the events that Addy must endure and go through with church members has happened in my life.
What is your favorite scene in the book?
My favorite scene in Be The Blessing is the moment that Conrad tells Addy that she looks more like Jesus. I crave that!
Why Christian fiction?
I only read Christian fiction and some nonfiction. I only write Christian literature. First, I feel God has called me to a writing ministry. Second, I desire to communicate Christ through what I write so that others may encounter Him, too. I want to encourage Christians to fulfill what God has planned for their lives.
Is there anything else you’d like us to know?
All I can add is that God has so blessed me as well as humbled me by allowing me to write for Him. I promised Him long ago that if a book I write only touches one for Christ, that is enough reason to write it.
Find Paula Online:
Blog: www.paulamowery.blogspot.com.
Book reviews and articles: www.christianonlinemagazine.com.
Find her editor bio under “submissions” at www.prismbookgroup.com.
Paula, thanks so much for sharing your books with us today! Have a question for Paula? Please send them to us below!
Tweet This: If a book I write touches one for Christ, that is enough reason to write it.
Comments 6
Thank you, Karla, for the opportunity to appear here and share a little of my story. We pastor’s wives have to stick together, you know. LOL
Author
You are very welcome, Paula. I love having you here. Come by anytime!
Wonderful interview, Paula and Karla. It was so nice to learn more
about you, Paula. 🙂 Thank you for sharing so much about your vision
for writing and how it comes from some of your own struggles. You
are certainly a blessing, dear co-author!
Author
Paula is wonderful, isn’t she? I’m so glad the Lord allowed our paths to cross!
I loved this interview! I’ve been good friends with Paula for a while now and she is an awesome, gal, writer, and Christian. I can guarantee you will not only enjoy anything she writes, but you will be blessed as well.
Author
Thanks for stopping in and sharing with us today, Brooke! Come back soon!