So now that I have published a book, I feel like I am trying to merge two identities, and things might get a little confusing. So I want to have this post explain a little bit about what is going on for any new travelers to the squeaky world of Jess and Paula.

My name is Jessica Smith. I publish under a pen name of Paula Jean Ferri. The two names are interchangeable in my mind though. While I was born as Jessica, around the age of 17, I developed a new lifelong friend, who I affectionately call Paula. Her name is a little more searchable than mine is. Besides, I probably wouldn't have had anything to write about without her, so she became the author.

Feel free to wander the blog and discover a little more about Paula's antics. I am also on Medium writing as often as I can between my three outlets (books, blog and Medium). I would LOVE to hear more about you and any questions you may have. Please send an email to Paulajeanferri@gmail.com.

Last, but CERTAINLY not least... I can't thank you enough for visiting!! I LOVE that you are here and hope to see more of you! Be sure to keep up to date on my website:

paulajeanferri.com

Structure & Consistency

 Where does the time go? How are we already halfway through JUNE? One thing I think I take for granted is that my Tourette syndrome brain leans towards also having other neurospicy traits. I know that I do better with structure, but sometimes, I just don't wanna. 

I get tired and allow myself the time to rest, because it is important and because I can. However, once I stop and rest... it can be hard to get going again. Or something will pop up and because *one thing* was interrupted, the whole day is completely shot trying to keep up with this extra, unscheduled thing. 

However, I have made some good progress on my business plan this week and have done some work for my clients that are starting the editing process and did some research into what it would look like to have an intern. Small progress this week, but a step in the right direction is still a step forward. 

This coming week, I'm hoping to have progress on my own novel. I do have a prologue and I'm super excited about it, but I need another scene for my writer's group and I need to get the story fully outlined so I have an idea of what is happening and where it is going. 

So now that I have started, the trick is to keep going. Being consistent. 

I have noticed throughout my life and from professional studies that doing just a little bit every day is actually more effective than doing things in herculean tasks. 

Which quite frankly, I find comforting. Doing the huge, difficult things are so much easier when you "eat an elephant one bite at a time" rather than trying to swallow it whole. With that being said, I'm going to go work on some of those things now!

There Is Always Something

 I have been noticing a pattern with my 2026 so far. There is always something. Always some kind of chaos or emergency that needs my attention. Now that we are closing in on the halfway point, I'm realizing I have not accomplished what I was hoping to by this point of the year. 

Tech issues, personal issues, health issues... There is always something. Always some kind of excuse. 

But I keep going anyways. I may not be "10x-ing" my business. and that is ok. I now have a prologue for my next book. I have several clients in various stages of completion for their books. I am closer to having a solid business plan, and I am closer to getting assistance with funding this business.

Even better, I am closer with my family, my health is improving, and I am learning so much as I go. 

Do I have it all figured out? Nope. Absolutely not. Not even close. 

Yet things still progress.

Really, isn't that the important part? That I'm moving forward despite all of the chaos that has become my life as of late? I think so. Because there really is always something. Life moves forward. We don't get to pick and choose when things happen, only what we do in response to it. 

If I wait until things were finally sailing smoothly, I would never have a published book. I would never have a publishing house. I would never have clients.

But I have all of the above and I am pretty darn proud of that.

Emotional Rollercoasters

 This week has been an emotional roller coaster. It has had ups and downs and very little writing. Ironically, writing is what always makes me feel better. That, and crying. Which I did this morning. Nothing happened this morning, I just needed one. 

But the great thing about all the emotional chaos that comes with life is that it is fuel. It fuels my career as a writer, for one. I'm never short on ideas. Secondly, it fuels me on the good days. I know how much I have to be grateful for. 

tbh, I don't really know what else to say that I can talk about publicly on here. I have journaled about a lot (OHHHHHH how I have journaled!) trying to sort through the messiness of emotions, but it really is a beautiful process. 

So anyways, Imma try to actually work on my novel now. K thanks bye.

Projects and Hyper-fixations

Hey friends, so it has obviously been a crazy month for me and I apologize for the silence. But good news, I'm writing again!

I've been spending so much time building an official business plan, working with clients, marketing and promoting and selling Madamn, that I haven't been doing much writing. So, I joined a writer's circle to keep me accountable and on track with my own stories.

I was also dealing with a lot of family stuff and health recovery, so there has obviously been a lot going on. Now that things are mellowing out, I'm happy to be back doing what I love and feeling good doing it.

Also, totally random and NOT related to my writing, but I guess somewhat related to my Tourette syndrome... I have a new hyper-fixation going on in the midst of all this work.

I am currently obsessed with Banana Ball. I love it so much, both as a fan, as well as from a business perspective. To get an idea of Banana Ball, check out the Savannah Bananas. Their videos are so much fun and I'm currently trying to figure out if there is a way to combine this somehow with my own career. Or at least inspire it. 

Either way, you should absolutely look them up, because it is just awesome.

Have I Shared This Before?

Hey there my friend. I know I said I wanted to start having this blog be more research based, but also... life gets hectic. I have not been able to do much research due to certain events that have unfolded. However, there are some exciting news and updates I need to share with you. Maybe I have already shared this update, but honestly, the past couple of weeks have been kind of chaotic, so I don't remember.

I am pretty sure I have expanded into becoming a publishing house (yay!), and possibly shared that I have a client already. However, that number has already doubled and I have 2 clients I am publishing for, while also researching for my own next novel. Meaning when you toss in life, things have been kind of hectic. 

As I am reading through both of these books and looking at the next steps that will need to be taken, I can't help but get excited for these authors. The feeling of holding a finished physical copy of your book for the first time is almost surreal and one of the best feelings!

I can't share too much yet, since we are still in the early stages, but I will tell you to be sure to follow along on social media and be checking back here for more updates!

Hectic Hurdles

I can't believe it has been almost 3 weeks since I have actually posted a blog update! I know, I wanted this to have more BTS of research and writing, but the past few weeks have had a lot of health issues persisting, family matters, in addition to continuing to write and research and build my business. 

Tomorrow, March 27th and Saturday, March 28th, I will be in Ogden, Utah as a keynote speaker for RomCon and I am thrilled. However, I do still have a lot of packing and preparation to do. So today's post is going to be fairly short. I just needed to say that I haven't forgotten you, but life has been nothing short of hectic for me. 

OH! But good and exciting news! I have started my publishing house and have clients that I am working with! Specifically, one who is ready to move forward. Several others if we count the others that are not in a position to publish yet and are still working on their documents. I get to meet this author in person this weekend and I am thrilled. 

So there are the big updates. I will get back into consistent blogging soon with more official information, etc.