We recently connected with Paul Duerr and have shared our conversation below.
Paul, so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?
I suppose I was born with it. My affinity for history is the root of all I am. It led to my interest in writing, and it led to my interest in politics, both of which I am building as careers. I am currently a sophomore at Rutgers University with seven novellas published, immense political campaign experience, and a passion for history. I chose to double major in history and political science in order to pursue my purpose: history. I intend to share the lessons of history through writing, and to apply the lessons of history, through politics.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
My name is Paul Duerr and I am 19 years old and a sophomore at Rutgers University, double majoring in history and political science, and minoring in archaeology. I began writing in 2020 in the heart of COVID at 15 years old and published my very first book at 16 years old, as a sophomore in high school. By the end of high school, I had six historical fiction novellas published and numerous academic accolades. Now, as a sophomore in college, I have seven novellas published, with the addition of my newest and only political non-fiction work ‘Sentiments on the American Executive.’ My passion for history expanded into not only just writing, but also politics. Since I registered to vote in 2023, I have been working on political campaigns as staff ranging from school board races, county races, state senate, and United States Senate. Since 2021 I have been presenting historical and political presentations to various audiences around the state. This past Summer, I completed my first mini-tour, the ‘Four Door Tour’ consisting of book signings, presentations, and a festival. It is my hope to continue building on my careers and to build an audience with which to disseminate history.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
The three qualities that were the most impactful on my journey were resilience, passion, and determination. Words that everyone know but seldom use. I have had numerous hardships in my youth but I remained steadfast and resilient despite them, they did make me stronger. My passion has been with me since birth and it fuels my creativity and provides my drive. Determination is the hardheadedness I carry with myself on a day to day basis which keeps me up at night writing dozens of pages of history. If you possess any of these qualities, be sure to use them. Don’t let whatever qualities you have go to waste.
What do you do when you feel overwhelmed? Any advice or strategies?
When I feel overwhelmed (which can happen when you are a full-time student, author, and political operative) I typically “make rounds.” What I mean by that is I take care of one small part of each of my daily tasks, whether it be homework, research, etc, and continue switching from task to task until they are all complete. I find it easier to operate this way as I find it difficult to focus on one immense task for long periods of time.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.paulbduerr.com
- Instagram: @paulbduerr
- Facebook: Paul Duerr
- Twitter: @paulbduerr
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