Her novel Picking up the Pieces won the religious fiction section of the 2011 International Book Awards.
Her novel Best Forgotten was winner of the 2011 CALEB Award in the fiction category and also overall winner for the year.
The following is an October 2014 interview with Paula.
AT THE END OF
THE INTERVIEW
Be in to win any novel
by Paula Vince
Two copies to be won
Contest open to entrants worldwide.
Contest runs from
10-24 October NZDT
My ancestors were among the first settlers to South Australia, and I’ve lived here all my life. My home is in the beautiful Adelaide Hills, which has four distinct seasons, with a scorching hot summer, freezing cold winter, and gorgeous spring and autumn. I live with my husband, our three children and our nephew, who boards with us. For years, I’ve been a homeschooling mother, and now that my two elder children are in their upper teens and studying externally, there is just my ten-year-old son left.
How did you become a novelist, and did you always want to write?
I’ve loved writing stories since I was a tiny girl. When the teacher used to set story writing work for us, my heart would soar. Although my family never kept any of those earliest stories, I remember getting instant ideas and writing without stopping once to think. My biggest worry used to be that we’d run out of time before I finished telling the story.
Yes, I’ve always had a passion for reading, so I wanted to write stories like my favourite authors. Since I never enjoyed Maths and Science, it was an easy decision.
What do you think is significant about Christian fiction?
I love it that we can take wisdom on board through the experience of our favourite characters, without even realising that we’re learning anything. I love having my emotions stirred by characters I come to love, whether my own or those of other authors. And what I love about Christian fiction specifically is that we can get engrossed in a story knowing that we’re going to come across people with our own mindsets, without having to be subjected to gratuitous violence, one night stands and excessive coarse language. Finally, I love that we are following in Jesus’ own footsteps, as He always knew stories were one of the most powerful vehicles for reaching people’s hearts.
How do you hope your readers react to the stories you write?
I would love to think that the characters become so real to them they can’t help feeling and expressing emotion. We often become so good at hiding our true feelings, I believe it’s a relief when we realise that others have shared our inner processing. Sometimes it’s hard to trust the people around us, so coming to care deeply for the plights of fictional characters is a step toward having our hearts softened, and developing our empathy muscles.
I love nothing more than hearing readers tell me that my stories made them feel emotion, and that they loved my characters. Sometimes people tell me they’re embarrassed to admit that they laughed and cried, but I love to hear it.
Once, the report got back to me that a man had picked one of my novels off his wife’s reading pile, started to get into it and realised that my main character, who had a similar family background to his own, was behaving the same reactive way he always had himself. He told his wife what an unexpectedly moving experience it was. I was so pleased when this true story got back to me through word of mouth.
How has being a novelist impacted your relationship with Christ?
I’m never sure from one day to the next what new ideas will occur to me. Sometimes I feel drained, and then I take those sudden flashes as gifts from Him. They often occur as ‘A-ha’ moments. I realise the way the story is going to progress, when I didn’t have a clue half an hour earlier.
I have to add that writing novels has helped me understand more about the heart of Jesus. Developing a deep understanding for the way my characters tick is just the start of it. I’ve experienced despondent moments, when friends who I think would love my novels decide not to read them. I was grumbling about that to myself one day, when it struck me that Jesus knows exactly how that feels! He paid the ultimate sacrifice, and there have always been millions of people He loved enough to die for who haven’t been interested, and turned their backs. His situation is far more extreme than anything we could ever know along those lines.
Other than writing great novels, what other goals do you have for your life?
I’m interested to find out how my children are going to shape their lives. My eldest is now 19 years old and my middle child is 16. My youngest, as I said before, is 10. I would love more than anything to see them all loving God, getting families of their own and doing satisfying work which enables them to use their passions and talents.
And I don’t know if this will ever happen, but I’d love to travel overseas. I went to the UK when I was 20, but that was quite some time ago now, and I’d like to repeat the experience.
I love reading novels, for the same reason I hope people will love reading mine. I enjoy bushwalks, hikes and especially camping holidays. The caravan park lifestyle with family is the best. I also don’t mind cooking, if I’m in the mood.
What can you tell us about your latest novels?
They are contemporary drama/romances, with occasional elements of mystery or suspense to keep the pages turning. I set them around my familiar environment, the Adelaide Hills of South Australia. They fit very nicely in the New Adult genre, as most of my main characters are in their early to mid twenties, dealing with the type of working lifestyle and relationships typical to that age group, who have often just left University. However, they also tend to appeal to a broader age group, as older adults and younger teens have all enjoyed them too.
What stories can your fans expect from you in the days ahead?
I’m beginning to work on another contemporary, New Adult novel set around Adelaide. I am also planning to compile a non-fiction book, encouraging all sorts of writers to stick to their passion and not give up.
What would you like to say to your fans in New Zealand, and others worldwide?
I honestly believe that authors would be nowhere without the loyal readers who buy our books and support us. I started out as a reader, enjoying other people’s craft and wanting to give back in kind, so I hope you enjoy my offerings.
To New Zealand fans, and those even further away, I’d love to visit your country some day.
Do you have any parting words?
Thank you, Ellie, for offering me the opportunity to share on Soul Inspirationz. I appreciate your support, and your role of connecting authors with the readers who will potentially enjoy our books. It’s been a pleasure sharing.
by Paula Vince
- Even Before Publishing
- Contemporary
- April 2011
- ISBN: 9781921633256
[Kindle | Amazon | The Book Depository]
A young accident victim wakes up in hospital and can't remember who he is. Why does he have nothing in common with his family? Why does he despise the person he was supposed to be? Why has his best friend disappeared without a trace? Is somebody after him? His family can offer no solutions. His girlfriend is strangely aloof and he cannot shake off a feeling that the answers will prove more unpleasant than his amnesia. Somehow he must find out as it seems time is running out.
Paula Vince has woven elements of secrecy and suspense with her trademark warmth and compassion. Best Forgotten is an inspirational masterpiece you won't forget.
by Paula Vince, Meredith Resce, Amanda Deed, Rose Dee
- Even Before Publishing
- Historical/Contemporary
- November 2012
- ISBN: 9781922074430
[Kindle | Amazon | The Book Depository]
How can one decision cause so much pain? Can it also bring hope?
Mattie was in love with Billy, but she was too young to wed. When Billy was conscripted to fight in Vietnam, they made a decision that impacted their lives and their future. But so much pain resulted that Mattie never really healed. Every turn Mattie made affected her daughter and her granddaughter in ways she didn't even realise. But forty-six years later, is it time for things to be set right?
Navy is a young woman who has never known her family. But what could be a wonderful opportunity is met with jealousy and apprehension from her cousin, Brooke and her aunt Connie, especially with handsome Aidan around. Each must look past their struggles and find forgiveness and trust, and perhaps even love.
This absorbing family drama, set in South Australia's beautiful McLaren Vale wine region, is written by four of Australia's outstanding Christian fiction authors who have brought you best-selling and award-winning novels.
by Paula Vince
- Even Before Publishing
- Contemporary
- April 2014
- ISBN: 9781922074881
[Kindle | Amazon | The Book Depository]
Limited Time Special: Paperback $2.19 at Amazon
She has given herself a chance to fix her personal history. But will old mistakes bring up new emotions?
Imogen Browne longs to make up for past mistakes before she can move on. She quietly resolves to help the Dorazio family, whose lives she accidentally upset. Her biggest challenge is Asher, the one person who may never forgive her. And he is facing a crisis of his own. Imogen must tread very carefully, as trying to fix things may well make them shatter.
A sensitive story about misplaced loyalty, celebrating life and falling in love. Can family secrets concealed with the best intentions bear the light of day?
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Be in to win any novel by Paula Vince Two copies to be won Contest open to entrants worldwide. Contest runs from 10-24 October NZDT How to Enter: Please comment about the interview, or leave a message for Paula Vince in the blog comments below, then enter the Rafflecopter draw. Only entries made using the Rafflecopter contest will be eligible for drawing. Winning entries drawn will have their entry options validated before being accepted - if incomplete another entry will be drawn. |