This week, I would like to introduce a local author, Paula Risely-Duchin, who has plunged into the world of self-publishing.  I think she has an interesting and unique story.  She uses her creative side for marketing as well as creating her work. Here’s Paula: 

 Where are you from? – West Des Moines, Iowa

How long have you been writing? – 11 years

What do you write? – I love to write humor and honesty and self-help!

Tell us a little about your publisher and agent. -  I self-publish

How many books have you published so far? – I have printed one book and am ready to go to printing three other books soon.

What is your writing day like? – It isn’t, I am a night writer!

Can you tell us how you found a publisher and/or agent? – No…

Do you have anything that just came out? – Soon, in a few weeks as soon as it comes back from the printer.  Hormonally Challenged “Meanie Pause”, Second Edition, and Man Oh’ ” Meanie Pause” will be out really soon.

What are you working on now? – I am just finishing up on “You work at the Dump and Take out the Trash”, it is about cheaters.Love writing that book it is to help everyone stop enabling!  ” My Own Cancer”, is just finished. “The Book of A”, is a work in progress. (Serious)

What would you do if a publisher asked you to change a major part of your story, like the ending? (Is it more important to get published or to be true to your story?) – I am the wrter of my work, I do it because I need to help people and I love people.  What publisher could know me more than I do?

 Do you have some words of wisdom for us unpubs? – Don’t be an unpub, it is a choice to be published, you can save up and publish yourself, or take out a loan, or get an extra job that can help you make money and give you time to write such as a sitter of sorts.  If you want to you can do it.  If I did it you can do it! No excuses!

My book has a page or couple that recognize the important people in my life, always remember that little out of the way place you drank a soda and wrote and remember the names of the people who kept bringing you a refill.  That is your best advertisement.

If you don’t fulfill your dream of writing you have ripped off a lot of people from being entertained by you and being educated by you. We are granted gifts in life this is only one of mine, I feel blessed!

When I first met Paula, she shared a little information about how she markets her books.  I thought it would be interesting for her to share that information with you too. 

My market is where the women go, for health and beauty, hair, nails etc.  I also market to Doctors, Counselors, and Churches.   Bowling, golf and most sports are interested in humor. 

I admire Paula’s strength.  She is someone who goes for what she wants.  She wanted publication and she made it happen.  You can purchase her book by clicking the Amazon link.

My next author interview will be with Shirley Damsgaard – a local author who has found success with her, not so typical, Ophelia and Abby witch stories.  

Until next time, keep writing.

Virginia