Paul Hart shares advice for career transitions and talks about the magic of writing for kids
I let the books write themselves. Whatever I feel at that moment in time, I write.
Paul Hart
This month we are featuring Paul Hart. Our interview delves into the fascinating journey of a man whose career has taken him from the high-stakes world of a Nashville bounty hunter to the enchanting realm of children’s literature. With eight years of experience in the thrilling bounty-hunting industry, Hart has now embraced a new passion as a children’s book author. As he embarks on this creative transition, we have the opportunity to gain insights from his unique perspective, seek his advice for readers considering a drastic career change, and discover the values he hopes to instil in the children who experience his stories.
His newest book, Shirley the Perky Turkey, recently launched through Tellwell publishing and reached #18 on the Children’s Animal Stories Kindle chart on Amazon.com.
You’ve had a versatile career with 8 years as a Nashville bounty hunter, and now you are making the transition into children’s book author. Do you have any advice for readers who might be thinking about a drastic career change?
At the risk of sounding cliché, my advice would be to go for it. Sometimes, our life interests change with the passing years. In my case, I wrote poetry and a children’s book when I was a teenager, long before the bounty hunting opportunity popped up in my life. Now that chapter is closed. I’m revisiting an old friend: children’s literature.
Your last book, The Nashville Bounty Hunters, was a memoir, and your current book, Shirley the Perky Turkey, is a story for children. What challenges did this creative shift pose for you as an author?
I have such a passion for all the different styles and designs of the craft of writing. Believe it or not, it wasn’t that challenging to transition. Firstly, it’s been ten years between publications of the two books. Secondly—and this may sound strange—but I let the books write themselves. Whatever I feel at that moment in time, I write.
What inspired you to write children’s books?
What has inspired me to revisit children’s books is that I see a path we are headed down and I don’t like it. Some literature that is being put in the school libraries is completely and utterly disgusting. In my own small way, I would like to combat this by being an author that offers good, wholesome stories with a positive message.
Who is your favourite children’s book author and why?
That is a tough question. I would have to say Aesop. His stories have stood the test of time and always contained a life lesson. Some of our favourite stories we’ve read as a kid were actually first created by Aesop: “The Lion and the Mouse,” “The Tortoise and the Hare,” and many others.
What was your favourite part of the children’s book creation process?
The very end. After the dust settles and the book is created, that’s when the magic happens. I’ll show you what I mean. Attached is a photo recently taken of my friend’s great-niece reading Shirley The Perky Turkey with her father. That’s my absolute favourite part.
Do you have anything else you’d like to share?
Whether you are a reader or a writer, you’re helping keep the craft of writing alive. If by chance you pick up a copy of Shirley The Perky Turkey, I hope it brings you joy.
For more information on Paul Hart and his books visit www.PaulHartbooks.com
