Meet Paula Perry

We recently connected with Paula Perry and have shared our conversation below.

Paula, we’re thrilled to have you sharing your thoughts and lessons with our community. So, for folks who are at a stage in their life or career where they are trying to be more resilient, can you share where you get your resilience from?
My education, professional background, and upbringing. I was taught to analyze complex situations and critical thinking. Being able to break down complex problems into smaller, manageable components. This allows me to understand the different aspects of the challenge and how they relate to each other. This helps make informed decisions based on evidence rather than emotions or biases. You can make well-informed decisions more likely to lead to successful outcomes.

The ability to think critically and come up with solutions to problems can help you overcome challenges.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
I am from Memphis, TN, attended school here in the city, and I continued my education at Jackson State University in Jackson, MS, where I studied Computer Science-Programming & Pre-Engineering.

My career led me to relocate several times, working as a Customer Service Mechanical Engineer and Computer Specialist before tackling writing my first romance novel. It was a struggle for me, especially switching from reading everything related to Corporate America and business journals. I had to become a reader before I could become a writer. And I did so by reading stories of every genre that interested me.

My mother became ill, and my son left for the military after college. I left my career without question to return home to Memphis, TN. One day, my mother held my hand and asked me, ”What will you do now?” I couldn’t give her an answer.
Now that I had no work-related distractions. Something on my mind had been bothering me for years, but I did not know what to do about it. I started by writing down my thoughts and using a recorder. Nothing was making sense to me. But everything became clearer when I started to type my thoughts into a story format. It was as if I was writing a letter to myself. That’s when I knew I had a story—the draft of my first novel, Hard Love. Escaping into an imaginary world was relaxing, and I loved it. Especially switching from reading everything that had to do with Corporate America and business journals. That’s when I knew that I had a story. My first book, Romance of a Lifetime. Writing my first novel was a struggle for me. So, I contacted a professional company to teach me how to write a book successfully. I had to become a reader before I could become a writer. And I did so by reading stories of every genre that interested me. I’m glad I reached out for help because I had more stories that I wanted to tell, and writing became much easier. Writing became my therapy, cheaper than counseling.

As with any skill, practice and learning can make a significant difference. The more you immerse yourself into your imaginary world of storytelling and continue to explore your creative ideas, the more you’ll develop your unique writing style and become more confident in sharing your stories.

Then came an even more difficult task: finding a literary agent or publisher. Headaches and heartaches were caused by receiving many rejection letters from agencies and publishers.

A friend convinced me to start my own business, helping other struggling authors like myself. He owned a printing company, and my previous career was in the printing industry, so it should have been a piece of cake, right? Wrong? I had to learn the business and the process of so many diverse self-publishing companies. Getting my name out there and connecting with the right people would be essential to not giving up and continuing my journey.

And yet, another friend convinced me to write children’s books. I told him that he was crazy. I knew nothing about that genre. He replied, “You knew nothing about writing romance novels, but you did it. Continue to write what’s on your heart.”
I’m glad that I listen to him. Once the children’s books are completed, we develop children’s app games based on the stories. Following seven romance novels, a self-help guide for writers, several children’s books and app games, a channel on Roku, a signature shoe collection inspired and designed with the characters from my books in mind, other business partnerships, and now, along comes Hollywood. A movie deal that will continue to lead me on this journey of not knowing what to do with myself.

Now that I have captivated global readers with my adrenaline-pinching excitement, unparalleled scandal, and complex romance stories, Hollywood came knocking at my door. Presenting an opportunity to produce my first movie based on my novel, Hard Love. Words cannot describe my excitement! I am thrilled to announce the launch of Writers Block Production & Entertainment Group. With immense passion and dedication, we are ready to embark on a new journey that will redefine boundaries for independent writers.

As I venture into Hollywood with the support of my Co-Producers Ray Ellingsen at Moving Pictures Media Group, also known as MPMG, a production company founded for motion picture, television, and internet content. Managing Director and Chief Creative Officer Michael Minkler is a three-time Academy Award winner for outstanding work on Black Hawk Down, Chicago, and Dreamgirls. A seasoned professional who has collaborated on over 200 projects with Hollywood’s elite directors, his most recent works include the Academy Award-winning film The Hateful Eight, written and directed by Quentin Tarantino.

Having content is key to opening up other doors. It’s incredible how writing can open up a whole new world of imagination and creativity. Remember to enjoy the process and keep nurturing your passion for storytelling. I want my stories to captivate readers and continue to bring joy and fulfillment.

I want viewers to walk away feeling empowered. Every reader and movie-goer is unique, and their interpretations and takeaways from stories may vary. But by creating narratives that inspire, uplift, and celebrate the human spirit, you’ll increase the chances of leaving your viewers feeling empowered and motivated long after they’ve finished reading your books.

This golden ticket that Moving Pictures Media Group (MPMG) presented to me as an Independent Author and Publisher for me is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Before now, If someone were to discuss developing one of my books into a movie, that would have been enough for me. Now, I can produce my books-movies, and what’s next, producing my children’s books to animations. I am working on new stories, writing a new series, and working with my advisory teams to develop other made-for-TV projects.

The door to Hollywood and other opportunities has been cracked open for me. I intend to make the best of this yellow-brick road leading me to extraordinary heights.

I started Writers Block Production with struggling authors like myself in mind. To extend a helping hand throughout the creative and publishing process. We are an independent African American Production, Publishing, and Digital company. Our cultural diversity permits us to stand out from other companies.

We share a dedication to embracing contemporary topics that are encouraging and supportive to our clients and customers. Focus on what makes you happy and invest in people who invest in you.

We offer comprehensive publishing assistance, app and game development, musical trends, technical tools, connections to social media platforms, exploring healthy living, cartoon development, illustrations, 2D & 3D animation, Roku channel, movies, and our signature shoe collection.

Our focus is on Voices Without A Platform. I intend to continue working with unknown artists in anticipation of shining bright lights on them.

Attending conferences and connecting with like-minded individuals on social media are great ways to network and learn from others in the industry. Surrounding yourself with a supportive community that understands and shares your passion for writing is essential.

Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you ever need any advice or support along your writing journey. I’m here to help in any way I can.

Best of luck with your future endeavors, and may your work continue to captivate audiences and bring joy and fulfillment to all who experience them.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Technical, Communication, and Interpersonal Skills.

Awesome, really appreciate you opening up with us today and before we close maybe you can share a book recommendation with us. Has there been a book that’s been impactful in your growth and development?
My novel, Hard Love. Life’s lessons, family, marriage, and career.

Contact Info:

Image Credits
Photographer: Dave Parepiah

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