Friday, July 11, 2014

Paulette Harper: Ways To Find Writing Inspiration

Everyone's Story welcomes author and speaker Paulette Harper. Anyone who knows me knows that I admire and applaud people who inspire others. This world is a tough place. We can all benefit from encouragement. That's why I was drawn to Paulette, an author who states on her website so well that I don't dare paraphrase: "Therefore, live life with purpose, dream big, don't limit God, stay focused and allow God to take you to places you have only imagined. You will not be disappointed." Wise and uplifting words to live by! Do you agree? Please check out the blurb on Paulette's lovely Giveaway novella, LIVING SEPARATE LIVES and her tips on finding inspiration for writing. Come say hello. Both Paulette and I look forward to hearing from you.


Book Giveaway:
Paulette is offering one e-version of her Christian fiction novella LIVING SEPARATE LIVES to one randomly chosen commenter. The winner will be announced here on Friday, July 18th, between 5-6 PM EST. For convenience, please leave your contact information within your comment. Thanks!


Here's a blurb of LIVING SEPARATE LIVES:


Four Friends, One Secret and the Weekend That Changed Their Destiny

Candace Walker, Kaylan Smith, Jordan Tate, and Tiffany Thomas have their share of sorrows, but neither of them realizes how deep the sorrow goes.  What happens when they agree to meet for a weekend of relaxation in beautiful Napa County? Which one will leave the same or worse?

For Candace Walker, life has left her battered and bruised.  Kaylan Smith has struggled with prejudice from her in-laws. After fifteen years of marriage, bitterness is trying to raise its ugly head for Jordan Tate, whose husband wants to call it quits. And for Tiffany Thomas, dealing with rejection has never been one of her greatest feats.

Although they have been friends for years, they thought they knew each other well. But will a secret destroy their relationship and bring the sisterhood to a complete halt? Will they be able to forgive and allow God to mend that which might be torn?

Seven Ways to Find Inspiration for Writing by Paulette Harper

Every Writer needs Inspiration. No matter how many books one has written, there are times when we need a little inspiration to get us going.

Many times I sit at my computer, starting at the blank screen, waiting for words to start flowing. Sometimes they do, sometimes I need a push.

Here are seven ways you can get inspired:

1. Pictures

Whether you take them yourself, look through an old photo album, or spend some time searching through Google, photographs are a great way to find inspiration for your writing. There is a Facebook group that uses pictures for this purpose.

2. Books

I use this method a lot. Reading what other people have written may be enough to spark a few ideas you wouldn’t have otherwise had. Grab a book and mediate and let the inspiration flow.

3. Eavesdropping

I know it’s not polite to do but it does work. Next time you’re at work, the store or the coffee shop, pay attention to what’s going on around you. Listen to the conversations people are having. Body language says a lot. Watch the movement of the people around you. People live interesting lives and those lives are told in someone’s book, why not yours?  Remember always have a pen and tablet with you.

4. Experience

This is the best teacher. Sitting at home may not be the greatest idea to stir your mind. Go for a walk, sit at the park, run or ride somewhere, go sit at the beach. Keep your eyes and ears open while you do it. Through life experiences we can find plenty of inspiration. We can take what has happened to us or even to others and that alone can trigger an idea which can easily lead to some interesting writing.

5. Music

Some people can write while listening to music. If this is you, grab some of those tunes and go for it. Playing old tunes can sometime jar memories that can be used to get the juices flowing. Try finding music that you’ve never listened to and see what happens.

6. The internet

The internet has proven to be a great source of inspiration filled with knowledge, gossip and information—some truth, some lies. There are plenty of topics that can spark meaningful conversations amongst your friends and family but most importantly amongst the characters in your head.

7. Interview someone

Talking to someone whose story might be similar to yours is a sure way to get inspired. One word, one idea, one encounter can make all the difference in the world.

Are You Inspired Yet?

We are surrounded by information, people, by stories. Things we see, people we hear, any person you meet can bring the inspiration for your next best seller.

Be Inspired!

Paulette's Ah-hahs To Tweet:
Everyone’s Story: Meet mulit-pubbed Christian novelist Paulette Harper. (Tweet This)

Stumbling on the blank page? Paulette Harper: Ways to find inspiration for your writing. (Tweet This)

#BookGiveaway of #ChristianFiction novella by Paulette Harper. (Tweet This)

Author's Bio:
Paulette Harper is from Northern California who enjoys the beautiful weather, shopping and spoiling her two adorable granddaughters. A multi-published, best-selling and award-winning novelist, she also writes both Christian fiction, Christian nonfiction and children’s books. She is a blogger and entrepreneur who owns Write Now Literary Virtual Book Tours.

Places to connect with Paulette:


20 comments:

  1. Really want to read Living Separate Lives! And those are some great tips. I use all but 1--haven't tried looking at old photos.

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    1. Thanks for sharing your Friday evening with us, Pat. Music is a good one for me, especially classical, Irish dance pieces, and show tunes. It frees my thoughts, yet ironically I have to write in silence.

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    2. Hi Patricia,

      Thanks for stopping by. I'm glad there was a least one you could try.

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  2. Today I struggled with writing a blog to go along with a picture I had taken. Perhaps that is backwards, but it was the process I was determined to follow. I used an example of a man and woman in a grocery store. And then read this. Eavesdropping was what I suggested, so I was sort of on the same page as these seven ideas for inspiration. :) I have been very bad about finding something to blog about. Life has taken me for a ride lately. I have fought to get control of things. My father's death last November, his sister's death a couple months later, and the death of a close friend has kept me spinning in circles, trying to decide where I need to be. Do I write? No Mom needs me. Do I clean house? No I have my father's paintings stacked everywhere. Do I run away. No, that's not an option. But now my mother is doing good on her own, and I need to focus in on what keeps pulling me back--urging me to write down the stories in my head. God gave me the desire for some reason. I pray he can use what is produced.

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    1. AnonymousJuly 18, 2014

      Karen, I have been in a similar situation in my life when mom and dad passed away. My family and I were going thru some trying times. And you say to yourself, when will this all end,. I know that life in not a picnic, but it seems like when hard times comes, it
      comes in like a flood. No matter who you talk too, there comes a time when we have to seek our peace the best way we can. I have found that I just start praising the Lord for all the wonderful things I have been blessed with, my family. I thanked the Lord for all those wonderful years I had with mom and dad. They gave and taught me the values of life. I just have asked the Lord to place a peace and a joy on the inside. 'god has done it for me. Yes, there are times when I cry because I do miss my parents. So, I have sat down and asked myself, what do I have a passion for. It was music and writing. So, I took a couple of classes and boy did I have fun. I met young and elderly people that decided to further their dreams in life. You see, I want to show my grandkids and children that we can pursue anything we want to in our lives. So, treat yourself to a nice massage, pedicure, go buy yourself and new outfit. Take a trip, Volunteer, do something that makes you smile. I hope and pray that I have said words of encouragement. Thank you Catalina
      (Chattyzoe@mail.com)

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    2. Catalina, what a blessing to all of us on Everyone's Story in the encouraging and beautiful words you've shared with us. Thank you. Several people this week have tipped me off that one of the most powerful things one can do during difficult times--and all times, really--is to keep praising our Father. So true!

      Hope to see you again.

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  3. Sorry, I forgot to leave my contact info. :) kepro01@aol.com
    Thanks,

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    1. Karen, first, thanks so much for visiting this evening. Do check back later or possibly tomorrow for Paulette's reply.

      I love how God words! Always awesome, always amazing, always right-on timing… though it's us humans who get tangled up demanding our own timeline. What I'm getting to is this--here He is, bringing you here. He's planted Paulette's encouragement about writing in your heart. I may hear a bit if angst mixed with wonder, yet Karen, I hear hope in your words as well. And honesty, with yourself and being accountable to others. And that my friend, encourages many others. God is indeed using you to reach others.

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    2. Sorry--that's supposed to be: how God works!

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    3. Hello Karen,

      Nice meeting you. Thanks for stopping by. I'm glad you found the post inspirational and informational. Karen I do understand how life can pull us from what we are accustomed doing. In spite of life and all the ups and downs, we must find our way back to that brings us some since of comfort and purpose. Our writing no matter what season we find ourselves, it that which God uses to pull out words of encouragement and inspiration. Write on and allow the Holy Spirit to craft words out of your pain and to be a blessing to others.

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  4. AnonymousJuly 11, 2014

    Nice read!

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    1. Thanks for your visit, C. Hope to see you again.

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    2. Hi Cassietta,

      Thanks for stopping by.

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  5. Hi Paulette and Elaine -

    Great tips! I enjoy looking at photo sites, and a picture has often sparked an idea for a blog post. Old photos remind us of our heritage and bring dust off memories of bygone days.

    Blessings,
    Susan :)

    susanjreinhardt AT gmail DOT com

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    1. And what I enjoy, Susan, are your visits. Blessings, my friend.

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  6. Elaine, I so agree with you. Encouraging others is what it's all about, because we all need encouragement. Paulette, your ideas ROCK! Thanks for sharing them!

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    1. Kathy, I appreciate your visit. Always do. I'm so glad Paulette's suggestions resonated with you.

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    2. Thanks Kathy,

      So glad I've sparked some inspiration with you.

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  7. Heartfelt thanks & appreciation, Paulette, for guesting on Everyone's Story this past week. You've touched a few hearts, I can tell, and I sense that you've nudged a few sparks to the writers' minds out there. Thanks too for offering your Giveaway of LIVING SEPARATE LIVES. And the winner of Paulette's novella is…

    Karen. Congratulations, Karen! Both Paulette and I will contact you via direct emails.

    Blessings to all.

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    1. AnonymousJuly 18, 2014

      Greats tips Paulette. Miss Cat

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