Meet Paula Johnson Neal

We were lucky to catch up with Paula Johnson Neal recently and have shared our conversation below.

Paula, thanks for taking the time to share your thoughts with us today. We’re excited to dive into your story and your work, but first let’s start with a broader topic that might be stopping many of our readers from pursuing their dreams – haters, nay-sayers, etc. How have you managed to persist despite haters and nay-sayers that inevitably follow folks who are doing something unique, special or off the beaten path?
 I won’t kill Paula to become something that I’m not to please others.  I have fully aligned myself with doers and supporters. Since becoming a successful author, some of my haters have approached me to inquire about the publishing process.  To quickly end the distraction, I simply respond, “What form of payment will you be using today?”  It’s important to maintain an accountability circle with other professionals in which all parties mentor, coach, and root for each person successes.  I persist because of my circle and grit!  Equally, I understand my purpose in life and find joy in using my talents to gift happiness to others. 

Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you? 

I’m a graduate of The Ohio State University and an educator.  I enjoy indoor skydiving, zipling, sleeping, traveling, and watching the Golden Girls marathon. 

In 2019, I founded PJN Books as my publishing house. PJN’s Vision Statement:  PJN Books is one of the most trusted producers of children’s books with a lead black protagonist.  We evaluate the impact of our books by a child’s initial reaction, “That’s ME!” 

PJN’s Mission Statement: PJN Books inspire children to become reader enthusiasts and compassionate human beings.  We are driven to produce books that include characters, stories, and imagery that hold a mirror and microphone to the unseen and unspoken life experience of children that are marginalized, and a fun adventure for all.

PJN Books seek to offer our books to all children through collaborations with schools, foundations, non-profits, for-profits, individuals, and any businesses with an interest in promoting literacy.  

Moreover, I’ve been featured on many local news channels, in newspapers, school districts and non-profit organizations invites for author visits and purchasing of books. Many public libraries in major Ohio cities, Columbus, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Toledo, Dayton, and smaller, Marion and Westerville are homes to my chidlren’s books.  

My second book titled, BREATHE, GABBY, BREATHE released in April of this year. It’s the sequel to my award-winning book I’M GONNA HAVE A GOOD DAY! I’m trying to soak in the success of both books, while focusing on writing my third to be released in early 2025. I’m on a mission to teach children’s self-love, self-regulation, and kindness.  Anyone that would like to be a part of my mission may purchase my books at www.PaulaJohnsonNeal.com.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on? 

My three most important qualities to impact my journey to success:

1. Don’t kill you to become a copy of someone else.  When we allow ourselves to naturally evolve over time, our self-love feels awesome.  We discover our strengths and spend time developing those gifts without dedicating any of our head space to haters and self-doubt. Our work is just as good or better than the next person, so just go for it!  Not everyone is going to like it, but most will love it!

2. Know your “WHY” in whatever you do. When your WHY is no longer strong enough to keep you afloat, that’s when you know it’s time to abandon a sinking ship. During my early writing, when the process wasn’t enjoyable and felt like work, I changed the direction. For example, I enjoy writing fun, Social-Emotional Learning children’s books versus a simple story about children riding their bikes.

3. Eat the elephant one part at a time!  When I thought about the writing, editing, illustrations, finding a publisher, cost, marketing, etc., it was too much and overwhelming! It briefly stopped me from writing  until I focused on one part at a time. Within 4 years, I have two successful published children’s books, one award-winning book in less than two years of its release, conducting school/author visits, featured on multiple local television news outlets and community newspaper, on the shelves of public libraries across Ohio, and now working on my third book of the series. Commit and just go for it!

Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?
Yes, I would love to collaborate with an Animator! I’m creating a book series with the goal of creating an animated series on television. Tyler Perry and established, professional animators, please reach out to me at [email protected].

Also, if you are a principal, librarian, or teacher with any school district interested in a school visit, please reach out to me at the above email address and visit my website at www.PaulaJohnsonNeal.com to learn more details.