Author Interview: ‘On The Other Hand’ by Renée Paule

Hello Everyone! Today I feel very grateful for getting opportunity to interview Renée Paule, the author of ‘On The Other Hand’ and many other non-fiction books.
Know more about Renée Paule and her work in this interview-
You can also check out Blurb and my Review on the book ‘On The Other Hand’ ⇒HERE⇐

About Renée Paule-

My take on life changed dramatically following a profound experience revealing the connection between myself and the Universe; there’s no separation. I wish to share this knowledge and show how a change of perspective can provide an alternative to the topsy-turvy world that Humanity, on the whole, accepts as an inevitable way of life. I’ve always known that I’m here to write books but for many years I talked myself out of it because I didn’t want to publish my life story, which was the only thing I could think of writing; instead, I’m writing about what life has taught me along the way and sharing those experiences. Now, for the first time in my life, I know I’m doing what I’m meant to be doing.

Q & A:

Q. When and why did you begin writing?

In many ways I’ve been writing all my life. I used to write songs – sometimes in my head and sometimes on paper. I also jotted down thoughts and the like in a diary, but I never took any of it seriously.

Q. How did you come up with the idea for your book?

That was a little strange. I just started writing and it turned into a book (On The Other Hand). Before I knew it I was designing draft book covers. I was very comfortable with this book after I discarded my autobiography.

Q. What sort of research did you do to write this book?

Very little as mostly my book is a stream of consciousness. I only needed to check up on the validity of some quotes and information for things like the time taken to run the 100 metres in the 1896 Olympics.

Q. What book(s) have most influenced your life?

Probably my earliest influences are The Tao of Pooh by Benjamin Hoff and Jonathan Livingston Seagull by Richard Bach. I was always a deep thinker and these two books showed me that I was clearly not alone in realising that life is a quest – it’s an opportunity to grow. Other books I love are Pygmalion, The Catcher in the Rye, Coming up for Air (I love Orwell) and anything by G K Chesterton.

Q. What have you written? (Books, novellas, short stories, poems, blogs, awards or anything of interest.)

I’m currently writing my sixth book which I’m excited about. I have already finished:

1. On The Other Hand: The Little Anthology of Big Questions
2. Just Around the Bend: Más o Menos
3. Louder than a Whisper: Clearer than a Bell
4. Stepping Out of Time
5. A children’s picture book which I co-wrote and illustrated with a friend – ‘The Frightened Little Flower Bud’’, which is not yet published.

Q. Where can readers buy / see them? (Include relevant link(s)

My books are all available at:
Amazon | Barnes and Noble | Smashwords
My Website: http://www.reneepaule.com/index.html

Q. What genre are your books? What draws you to that particular genre?

My books cover many genres such as non-fiction, self-reflection, know thyself, semi-autobiography, psychology, philosophy, self-help, motivation, inspiration, mindfullness and consciousness – to name but a few. I can’t honestly say what draws me to these genres; they are as much a part of me as my hands and feet are.

Q. What was your favorite chapter (or part) of writing this book and why?

In On the other Hand I most enjoyed writing ‘Time’ and ‘Information’ though I rather liked the ‘Preface’ and ‘Introduction’ as well. It was my first book and writing any part of it was a cathartic experience. With each chapter I reflected on and consequently wrote, I felt better about myself as a human being – I was finally doing something worthwhile with my life.

Q. What was the hardest part of writing the book? Was there anything that you deleted or altered?

I didn’t find it hard to write at all. I wanted to write a chapter on ‘Gratitude’ but I wasn’t ready to write it yet – I kept starting it but never felt comfortable. I didn’t feel I had a great enough understanding of the subject. However, I’ve now completed this chapter in my last published book, Stepping out of Time.

Q. Is there a message in your book that you hope readers will grasp?

Yes. Never give up! Also, answers really aren’t important, particularly if they have been given to you by somebody else.

Q. Do you read book reviews? How do you deal with good or bad ones?

I do read them. I don’t see any as good or bad; reviews are highly subjective and each one is valid and true to the person who wrote it. My partner loves cream and custard – I don’t care for them.

Q. What are your future project(s)? What’s it about?

As I mentioned above, I’m currently writing my sixth book. It’s still in the early stages so I don’t want to say too much at this stage. However, a large topic in it is ‘doubt’ and everything that this powerful word evokes. It will be illustrated, as are most of my other books. It is, of course, a continuation of my journey.
I may also write more children’s books – I have one or two ideas in progress at the moment. I was greatly encouraged by feedback I’ve had from several schools about The Frightened Little Flower Bud, which has inspired me to write more of them.

Q. Do you have anything specific that you want to say to your readers?

If something hurts you – perhaps from your past – try to see it for what it is; a memory. The more you understand this, the less you will suffer. This process takes time, but if you really persevere all the pain will fade.

Q. What advice would you give to aspiring writers?

Write! Don’t allow distractions to get in the way.

Q. What is your favorite motivational phrase?

I’m not sure about a favourite – I love many – but this one is highly insightful.
“What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us” – Ralph Waldo Emerson.

Q. Currently reading?

Never Let me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro. I’m loving it.

Q. Describe yourself in 5 words.

Determined. Positive. Tenacious. Resourceful. Thoughtful.

Q. Who would you recommend your book to?

To anyone who cares about the questions ‘Who am I?’ and ‘What am I doing here?’. To anyone who has reached a point in their life where they’ve begun to think about what our lives are all about.

Q. Is there anything else you would like to add that I haven’t included?

How about favourite films? Without a doubt my favourite film is ‘The Nutty Professor’ with Jerry Lewis – a film from 1963. I don’t care much for the modern version of this film.

Q. How can readers discover more about you and you work?

Website |  Blog | Smashwords
Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads
Book Links: Amazon
Many thanks to Renée Paule for taking time out of the busy schedule to take part in this interview.

Did you enjoy reading this interview? Do you have any question for author? Share your thoughts in comment-box below.
Happy reading! 🙂

–BT&R