Today we’d like to introduce you to Paula Johnson-Neal.
Hi Paula, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I was raised in Toledo, Ohio. I have resided in Columbus since graduating from The Ohio State University. The majority of my professional career has been in the early childhood sector. I enjoy advocating for high quality care and education for all young children, especially those most vulnerable. I believe that sensitivity comes from my own childhood upbringing from a single-mother raising eight children in low-income housing on government assistance. In addition, I learned the stigma attached to my socio-economic status was separate from me as a child. I had childhood dreams of writing children’s books. My parents had supported this dream, by purchasing my first typewriter.
Today, I am an award-winning self-published, children’s author. My first children’s book is titled, I’m Gonna Have A Good Day! The book was published in June 2019. In May of 2021, I had received the St. Vincent Family Center Corcoran Award for the impact of my book on children’s education. Breathe, Gabby, Breathe, the sequel, will release in January 2023.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
My five year path to becoming a published author involved rejections from traditional publishers. I’ve never been that person to allow others to shut me down with a “no.” Within that five year time period, I had hired an illustrator and self-published my first children’s book. Since becoming published, it has been a very fun, busy, rewarding, and exhausting road. As a self-published author, I am the publisher, distributor, marketer, and agent. I’m constantly seeking partnerships to get my book in the hands of children across the map. I have formed partnerships with local and national agencies such as the National Black Child Development Institute, and Harper’s Books. Also, I’ve been successful in getting my children’s book in all 23 locations of my local library, indie bookstores, major retailers, schools, and childcare centers.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
In 2019, I created my own self-publishing company called, PJN Books. PJN Books vision is to become one of the most trusted producers of black children’s books. We evaluate the impact of our books by a child’s initial reaction, “That’s ME!” Our mission is to inspire children to become reader enthusiasts. We are driven to produce books that include stories, and imagery that a hold a mirror and microphone to the unseen and unspoken life experiences of the black child. PJN Books provides accessibility to all children through collaborations with foundations, agencies, and businesses with a literacy platform.
PJN Books will accomplish its’ vision and mission statements by creating a book series and animation around the current lead protagonist, Gabby. I believe this is what sets me apart from other authors.
I will never forget my first school author visit that confirmed the impact PJN Books would have on young children. During the visit, a child approached me while holding a copy of my book midway down her face. She asked, “Is this me?!” I instantly noticed she was dressed from head to toe like my lead character, Gabby. The child had not seen my children’s book prior to my visit. I answered her with “Do you believe you look like Gabby?” She excitingly nodded her head, “yes.”
Black and brown children do not see themselves represented enough in books, television, and movies. Children of color have learned to remove themselves from their imagination. It’s hard to imagine or dream in color when you don’t see yourself in color.
Lastly, black children’s books are equally important to white children. To borrow from the author of “Mirrors, Windows, and Sliding Glass Doors,” Professor Rudine Sims Bishop states “Mirrors, because the child must see self in books. Windows, because the child must see other worlds that may or may not match his/her own. Sliding glass doors, because the child can enter that world. Diversity must go both ways. Children who always find their mirrors in books develop an exaggerated sense of self-worth and a false sense of what the world is really like because the world is becoming more colorful and diverse over time.”
We’d be interested to hear your thoughts on luck and what role, if any, you feel it’s played for you?
I believe Oprah Winfrey said it best. “There’s no such thing as luck. I believe luck is preparation meeting opportunity.” I’ve always been a big picture thinker, which is why I love vision boards. I plan and work harder than the next person. Equally important, I treat family, friends, and my supporters very well. In return, they want to help me succeed.
Pricing:
- $18.99 Hardcover
- $14.95 Paperback
Contact Info:
- Email: pjn.books4@gmail.com
- Website: www.PaulaJohnsonNeal.com
- Instagram: www.Instagram.com/PaulaJohnsonNeal
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/PaulaJohnsonNeal
- Twitter: https://mobile.twitter.com/authorpreneur__
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wyph6fHEXUY
Image Credits
Paula Johnson Neal
