I have to admit, one of my favourite things about having my own press is that I can choose who to interview. It is a whimsical venture, especially when I meet interesting like minded individuals along the way. Paula Love Clark is as real a human as you will meet, she doesn\’t mince her words and has seen so much adversity throughout her life. And, you know what? That did not make her hard, she is one of the kindest and immensely talented people I\’ve met. You might, find my title funny for this interview but if you knew Paula you would get it. Not only is she a single mom with 3 beautiful children but also an author, and artist. During the COVID mess Paula wrote two books: one self help book for parents: The Seven Traits of a Highly Successful Single Parent, and a poetry book: An Ode To Woman: An Anthology of Poems for Women currently available on Amazon here. Moreover Paula will be selling her Angel cards over the Christmas holidays, each card will contain an quote or original poem. The Angels Paula paints are so dreamy and organic – I relish them. Without further ado meet Paula!
RMMW: Have you ever been creatively blocked and how did you find your way out?
PLC: Yes for sure! Often. I have blocks on painting where I don’t feel inspired. I have blocks on writing where my hand does not want to pick up the pen! How do I find my way out? I go within or I call one of two spiritual friends. I have discovered that a block usually means I have something to deal with/work out. To move forward, I gotta figure out what that is. Meditating helps me find the answer and if my monkey mind won’t let me do that, I call one of two special people to help me unknot the dilemma and unlock my thoughts so I can then be free to create.
RMMW: Do you have artist rituals before you create?
PLC: Not really. But I need to be able to go inside my head. Whether that’s for writing, or painting. So I need to be alone to paint and preferably in a coffee shop to write – ironically, the background buzz helps me focus.
RMMW: If you had a superpower what would it be?
PLC: Tricky one! I think to fly; though to see into the future was on my list but that could be dangerous and terrifying also!
RMMW: We all must contend with an inner critic, how do you deal with yours?
PLC: I have a monkey mind and am my own worst critic. I can also struggle with Imposter Syndrome with my art especially. I am still working on the latter and have to remind myself that some people like my paintings enough to buy them! If the negative voice inside me gets too loud, I turn down the volume and sing ‘blah blah blah” over it until I hear kinder words and thoughts coming from myself.
RMMW: What is the significance of the butterflies throughout your books?
PLC: Butterflies came to me when, in 2017, I asked the Universe for a sign that I am loved and guided. From then on, there are always butterflies around me. This summer, I have seen a lot of white butterflies especially. Significantly, butterflies traditionally represent change and transformation. They are also beautiful to look at. I want my books to be beautiful on someone’s shelf and my words to inspire and hopefully create transformation and change, no matter how small.
RMMW: What do you want readers to take away from your self-help book?
PLC: The ability to realise that they can change; that their lives can improve and that there is hope for a better and more positive future. I see it as a hand holding exercise to creating a more positive thinking and believing mindset for themselves. They are steps I took myself. I am not taking the reader on any path that I have not already walked. It’s a cliché, but really, if I can do it, then so can anyone else!
RMMW: You\’ve lived a life of adversity. What has been your greatest lesson?
PLC: I have two answers/lessons.
Lesson 1 – All the answers we seek externally are already existing internally.
Lesson 2 – That what you think about comes about, so think great and positive thoughts.
RMMW: What is the inspiration of your angel art?
PLC: I was told by four different spiritual people on separate occasions in 2018, to paint angels. It was so random, that I didn’t listen at first. After the fourth time and when I found myself really broke Christmas 2018, I painted angel Christmas cards for my closest friends and family as a gift. They were painted in oils and I wrote a beautiful inscription inside about each person. I was asked to paint a few more paintings on canvases and sold those really cheaply. Then in November 2019, I felt inspired to paint them. By end of February 2020, I had painted 19 paintings and around 100 hand painted (oils) greetings cards. Before I paint, I have no idea what I am going to create. I pray first then ask the angels to inspire me. Each painting is unique.
RMMW: What is your next writing project?
PLC: Since being a teenager, I always wanted to see a book I had written turned into a film. I have visualised and dreamed about this for decades. Fast forward to present day, I am collaborating with a film director friend in Alabama, and writing a romantic comedy. But first I am learning to write a script! No mean task. Next is another poetry book. Then back to completing the three partially written novels lurking on my laptop!
RMMW: What is your favourite medium to work with?
PLC: In terms of art – oils. I love using oils to paint.
RMMW: Do you prefer being in front of the camera or behind it?
PLC: I work in film production as crew and as a makeup artist. And I love that line of work. But I also conduct interviews for Integrity Magazine here in the UK, for which I also write articles. I love presenting and feel very comfortable interviewing my guests. So both I guess, though I would like to pursue presenting more and see where that took me.
RMMW: What advice would you give to aspiring writers?
PLC: The same advice I would give to anyone questioning if they should pursue their dream – go for it. Try it. You might find it’s your purpose and that it fills your happy boots. It isn’t always about the pursuit of wealth, fame and recognition, but more so about self-achievement and fulfilling your desire to create something that came from within you. It’s such a wonderful feeling to see your writing printed and up on the bookshelf.
RMMW: Where would you like your career to be in 5-10 years time?
PLC: Since my dreams are huge, my ambitions are off the chart. I would have achieved not just Amazon #1 Best Seller (achieved for my poetry book in July), but also New York Times Best Seller. I would have at least 5 poetry books, possibly another self-help book and at least 3 novels. And at least two best selling films from scripts I have written. That’s my penultimate goal. I will also be well known for my angel art and be an internationally recognised chat show presenter, possibly with my own show. Who knows? With enough belief, anything is possible!
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