Well, would you look at that! I managed to get a post in on time! I love that I am able to spend a month at a time with my family, especially when help is needed. That is easily my favorite part of being an author and building a life where this is possible. I'm so grateful. 

While it does throw off my routine a little bit, it has been a much needed rest that has brought a lot of clarity to the direction I want to go next. Which means I have to put a few projects on hold and pick up some projects that have been on the back burner. 

I do want to make the distinction that it is just on hold, not off the table completely. 

However, the thing I have realized the most while on this trip is that certain projects have time constraints that others don't. As well as remember that there are things that are important, but also some are more urgent. 

For example, I have long felt that I wanted to write a book about my great-grandfather (where I get the surname Ferri from in my pen name, Paula Jean Ferri), as well as my grandmother. However, she is 88 years old. If I am going to gather information from her, I need to do that now.

The same idea with one of my clients. He was a Vietnam vet who recorded his story. I was able to meet him and pick up a physical manuscript shortly before he passed away. I am now working with his wife, but this is also a time-sensitive project. 

Eulalie's story will always be there. It is started and very high up on my list. However, timing is key with the first two. 

I have also made a pivot on the business I am working on. The publishing house, again, is still a work in progress, but given that publishing houses are much more common these days, I had an idea. There is a gap needing to be filled. This will be the first focus, because timing. 

Anywho, I have a family member who is very anxious to play marbles, so I am going to enjoy my family. Hope you have a marvelous week!

Books, Books, Books!

Apparently this year is for every other week updates instead of weekly. I have been considering moving over to Substack instead of just a regular blog, but I would be posting more in depth articles, sometimes straight from my personal journal.

I'm not certain, but it is an idea I am toying with. After all, I am a writer and working on building a career out of this. 

Speaking of my career... the publishing house is currently on hold. I will still take care of my current clients, but I have an idea that has completely taken over my mind and heart at this point. I'm still researching if this is an idea worth pursuing before jumping in headfirst (as I am prone to do!). So this will remain under wraps for now.

But it is, of course, book related. As all of my hobbies tend to become.

It's hard not to. Since books contain literally anything and everything you could ever want, and some things you don't.

Want to learn a new hobby? Buy a book.

New places/people/language/culture? Buy a book.

Want a pleasant distraction? Buy a book.

Any time period, anywhere in the world, anything under the sun... all can be found in some way, shape, or form within a book.

So, of course, with my love of books that is going to spill into everything else that I do.

Also, as a side note, I have managed to read an absurd amount of books while I've been traveling on vacation. I'm so grateful for the chance to slow down and fill my cup in addition to all of the learning along side my research. It's fantastic.

As Time Goes By

Time is a funny thing. I find it interesting how my life is suddenly in a place where I'm attending reunions for things I have done DECADES ago. Even talking with a friend of mine yesterday, I mentioned that my husband and I have been married for four years and she responded with, "No way, you two were just married." 

To which I emphatically agreed.

So to think it has been decades since I have done certain things in my life that feel like it was just a few years ago simply blows my mind. 

This weekend, I returned to one of my old college campuses (I transferred and attended 2 different schools). So much feels the same and so much feels so different.

There is a new library on campus. (I am DROOLING over this place!) As I walked the stacks, I couldn't help but be amazed at some of the amazing books that were here. Unfortunately, I didn't spend much time in the library. Now that I have a few decades on my younger self, I can't help but think I wasted my time.

Which is not true at all. College provided me with so much growth and expansion getting to know new people, discover new things about myself, learn how to make friends and socialize, and be more physically active than I had ever been before.

Fun fact, I lost the "freshman 15" my first semester, then lost another set my second semester.

This place was so good to me. I needed it and I loved it. But I can't help but wish I had done more. 

The cool part is that in 20 years... there is a chance that I'll be saying the same thing about my time now. Things I wish I had done before I had children and raised a family. Things that I wish I had done while I had more energy. Things that I simply want to do now.

I have no regrets about my past. Not at all. Even if it may sound like I do. It was exactly what I needed at the time. But the things that I wish I had done are actually things I want to do NOW. And that is something that I do have control over. 

It may not always be at THIS library. I would love that, my soul just wants to be there. But the concept is the same. Whether it is my local library, my personal library, or even a local bookstore. I want to be surrounded by books, either reading or writing in my journal, or even in front of my laptop. 

This is a time of focus I may not ever have again, especially when my husband and I start having children.

And I intend to enjoy every precious moment.

Whoops

It's been a few weeks since I've been on here. The holiday has completely thrown me off on one end, and I have been buried in work on the other. It doesn't seem like it has been a very exciting few weeks when I look back, but then I realize that there has been a lot of laughter with family and friends, and while it feels small, there has been progress on my business plan and various projects.

One of the highlights was spending time with some friends from another state that comes to visit during the 4th of July. This year, their daughter is three years old. She LOVED Paula.

Every time I would tic, she would whip her head around at me with the biggest smile on her face and laugh. She even asked me to do it again. When I told her I can't do it again... she tried to coach me on how to do it. "Say AR."

Children and animals are always my favorite when it comes to having Tourette syndrome and I just love how joyful it makes them. 

Keep Going.

What a week! It ahs been a bit of a rollercoaster and I'm grateful to still be standing. There have been good days and bad days with my health, which leads to me overdoing it trying to get things done and catch up, but then crashing the next day or two.

Luckily, there has been progress made in most areas, so it was possibly worth it? At least my house is a bit cleaner, that was absolutely necessary. 

It's hard feeling like you have all day to be productive with no job in the way, but at the same time, feel like there isn't enough time to get it all done. So I just have to take things one day at a time. Which, really is all any of us can do. And again, all things considered, I am making huge amounts of progress. 

But the results aren't tangible yet. 

That makes it hard. I think the only tangible progress this week was selling a book and getting it in the mail. 

Luckily, I have a bit of practice with nontangible results. I have been on and off a weight loss journey enough times to know not all victories are visible on the scale or even visible in the mirror. That doesn't mean there isn't progress. It can be waking up before your alarm feeling well-rested, standing up without groaning, etc. 

The same principle applies to anything else we want to do in life. Progress starts small and slow, but consistency is the key. Keep going and the results will come.

Publishing House Progress

I have had the most amazing morning so far today. I am finally making some SERIOUS progress in how to move forward with my publishing house. 

I had a meeting yesterday with someone who is helping me to build and create this business. And while I have been meeting with her since January, this is the first time that I got overwhelmed and asked myself, "What have I gotten myself into? Do I really want to do this?"

Luckily for me, the second question is irrelevant. Whether I want to or not, this is something that I feel deep in my bones that I need to do. If you are spiritual at all, to me it feels like a calling from a higher power. So want to or not, this is going to happen.

Which, again, luckily for me, knowing this and believing in a higher power, the first question is also irrelevant.

My scripture study this morning had me reading the story of David and Goliath. This publishing house is my Goliath. It is huge and terrifying, possibly mean, and feels impossible. Spoiler alert, David wins. I have access to an unbelievable amount of power and this is going to happen. Not because I want it to, I'm not sure I do. Not because of my skills, I don't have enough. 

But it is going to happen. Lucky me, I get to be along for the ride and watch miracles happen first hand.

Which THEN led me to even more really great thoughts, which I might have to share at a later date. I kind of want to spread this out and since I spent SO much time on it this morning, I need to get going on some actual projects.

SO... To Be Continued!

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. 

What Do YOU Want?

Hey there friend. I've noticed that as of late, I have mostly been using this blog almost like a journal than actual information or anything that would be useful to you as a reader. Which isn't really good for much. I have my own journal to actually record things and work things out. 

I want this to be something that I am able to not only keep you informed, but something that you find interesting as well. So I'm thinking I'll be including more BTS content, as well as inside information as to the characters, research I'm doing, etc.

I feel like it would be a step in the right direction, but I don't KNOW that it is what you want.

So I'll be shifting more that direction, but if there is anything that you would like more information on, please either comment or send an email to paula@paulajeanferri.com and let me know what kind of stuff you would like to be reading about here.

Slow Down to Speed Up

This week has been really insightful for me. I've been dealing with some health issues for a while and at the beginning of the month, finally started looking at solutions. This week things feel like they are finally clicking into place. I won't go into too much detail, but know that while this week was not my "best" week in regards to productivity, I have learned a ton and am really excited about things going forward in this area.

Fortunately, I'm also one to take what I'm given and make it a positive. So while I have been resting, I have also been reading and studying. I have learned some incredible things about the French Revolution this week. Which means I'm making progress on what I want my next book to look like as it takes shape. I have also had several meetings with people who are helping me along this journey to become a full time author.

The only down side was today I received an email that I was hoping to have a different outcome for. I had applied to be a speaker for the TAA and speak about the history of Tourette syndrome, but was passed over this year. Next year, however, I will have more professional speaking gigs under my belt and I will try again. 

So while I wasn't thrilled with the news, I am now looking at another opportunity that would have taken place the same week. Hopefully, that will work out for me and I'm excited about that opportunity as well.

But I do love that as I have slowed down and done more planning and organizing this week, things look like they will continue to speed up and improve. Having the health tools will also make a huge difference and I am so grateful!

Two Weeks Worth of Growth

Hey there friends. I missed a week. Last weekend got busy and it didn't stop all week. But I made it! I'm here! I'm still alive and kicking. 

More than that, I'm doing.

It's been a thrilling week for me watching how quickly things are starting to progress. While I am still technically "unemployed" from a traditional job, I have been making waves as an author. It is amazing the difference that happens when suddenly you don't have the safety net of a steady paycheck.

I am currently scheduled for 2.5 presentations (the half not being confirmed, but there are also 2 of those), as well as at least 2 book signings in book stores. I currently have a plan to send emails to bookstores all across the state of Wyoming with a one sheet explaining my book and why it matters so they buy some and put it in their store.

Once I finish with Wyoming as a local author, I will expand and send to stores across the state of Utah, Montana, Nevada, Colorado, Idaho, etc., slowly expanding my radius as I go.

On my one sheet, I mention that I am available for events in person or digitally, which will hopefully further fill my schedule. 

I also started working on turning Madamn into an audiobook!

Even bigger, I am currently working to expand my clientele for my publishing house, working with a few potential clients. 

The amount of growth that I have had over the past week has been phenomenal and I can't wait to share things with you as we actually have more things to announce and new books coming out.

Don't worry, even with all of these additional projects, I am making sure I am still setting aside time for researching my next book and getting an outline together. My next novel will not be out until 2027 at this rate. However, I am considering another foray into nonfiction and finishing a book I had an idea for several years ago that took a backseat to Madamn. 

So there might still be a book from Paula Jean Ferri this year. unless I can convince my husband to finish his children's book this year. 

Regardless, there are certainly big, big things in store and I can't wait to show you what's next!

Why I Do What I Do

In case you haven't been following along every week, as a recap, I am currently unemployed and trying to make a go of being an author full time. I am currently writing this in between customers at a local craft fair.

I always love doing these events because they are simply fun. I love the people I meet and getting to share about my book. The income helps, too.

My absolute favorite part is when I occasionally get reminders of why I do this. Why I write, why I speak, why I shamelessly promote myself and my books...

Last night at the craft fair, it was pretty slow. I was selling a few quill pens, but no books. Until near the end of the show. A young woman came up to my book because she saw books and loves to read. But as I mentioned what I write about and that I have Tourette syndrome, she shared that she also has TS. In fact, she had never met another woman with it.

We talked for quite a while about books, about tics, about getting a diagnosis, not to mention a few squirrels because we are both easily distracted. We shared a few hugs and after she bought a few of my books, she started to tear up and told me I had changed her life. Which of course made me tear up. 

She didn't even read any of my books yet, but she already says I have impacted her entire life knowing she wasn't alone.

And that makes it all worth it. 

New Tic Alert!

Story time! It's not often I get to do these anymore, even though this is originally why I started the blog. I wanted to record and remember fun stories about my Tourette syndrome. But apparently, Paula and I have found a groove and lately I don't seem to notice them as much.

But new tics are certainly memorable. 

My husband and I have been binge watching the original Addams Family TV show from the 60's, which has been so much fun. And one of the most fun parts of my Tourette syndrome is the fact that I have echolalia and tend to repeat sounds that I hear. Especially if they are frequent. 

Like certain characters on the Addams Family, namely, Cousin Itt.

Which has also sparked something new. Paula has often had control over my mouth and the noises coming out of it, but in order to imitate this particular sound, she has suddenly taken control of my tongue. Which is a really weird feeling. 

Anyway, today is short and sweet, but I wanted to at least record this new phenomenon and share the hilarity of it. 

Writing and Cleaning and Speaking

What a week! There has been a lot going on this week. Some of it book related, some of it not. Almost all of it so, so good. The hard part is I'm not actually able to talk about many of these opportunities yet, since they aren't confirmed or finalized, but life is shaping up for an awesome 2026!

One thing I CAN share, my husband and I rearranged our living room and I'm LOVING the new set up. Now if we could just do the same thing to every room in our home. That might take a while though. 

I CAN also share that I get to be a keynote speaker at this year's RomCon in Ogden, UT at the end of March! The theme is Time and Place, so I get to speak about the Regency era and events that were going on in other parts of the world! Title of the presentation forthcoming. I'm working on that alongside working on my new novel!

Currently, I am mostly in the research phase of this new project. I'm beginning to get a rough outline in my head as I read and study, so all things considered, it's coming along nicely!

Slightly unrelated, this week has been the first week where I have been consistent with my working out, even if it is every other day, it's consistent and I'm quite happy with myself and how much it has changed my energy levels and excitement about all of the projects.

But with other large things in the pipeline with the potential to go really well, I will hopefully have more news for you soon!

The First Week of 2026

Hello my friends! We have just concluded the first week of 2026. I'm feeling really good about how this year is shaping up already! My trip home was incredibly successful and really helped me as I journaled through some things this morning. It's nice to have evidence that my books can and will sell. I've been getting so many sweet text messages, dm's on socials, and general reviews that are just wonderful.

I'm now home and unpacking and cleaning things out as I bring in new books for research. I should be looking for a new part time job, but I just can't seem to make myself do it. I'm HOPING that means that the awesome sales streak I just had will continue; not just continue, but increase and I won't need one.

I am convinced that 2026 is the year I get to step into being a full time author. Which means that I will need to get another book or two out this year. I have other options, like my Reader's Escape and various merch I have created to help supplement my income, but it is actually completely doable. I'm also at a point where I think that the Paris Escape might need to be actually scheduled and and spaces sold. I'm thinking 2027 for Paris. 

This has been an unusual beginning of the new year for me. I feel like I have been mostly resting, relaxing, plotting, and planning. It might actually be my favorite new year yet. The rest has been needed and the timing for everything just seems to be working together so well. I am so excited to see the results and to see where I am at as I ring in 2027. 

I know that every time I journal, I get a bit of a thrill writing "2026" in the date and the momentum I feel continues to build. I finished the year with 250 copies of Madamn sold and am currently sitting at 266. With four other books already available and more to come, this is really just the start of something big. I'm so glad you are along for the ride!

Off to a Great Start for 2026!

I made it back to Friday! Now that the holidays are over and my schedule is slowly returning to normal, I'm getting back to more consistency in my habits. Which I very much need! I am getting very excited about the coming year and look forward to some big things that are happening. 

I have been asked to speak at this year's RomCon in Ogden, UT at the end of March and am working on possibly a few other speaking engagements to promote Madamn. I managed to sell 250 books by the end of 2025, and sold 4 more New Year's Day. I am hoping this trend continues!

For 2026, I want to make a few changes in my life. I want to relax more than stress about what is going on in my business, and focusing on doing the parts that I love. luckily for me, there are a lot of things I love about my chosen career and I am looking forward to doing more speaking and writing. I even actually enjoy the social media promotion and doing reels, and doing live events. 

Meaning I am headed into a year that is just going to make me so happy. 

You know what else makes me happy? Every time that I have deposited money into the bank, I receive more. Which allows me to do more of the things I love. More promotion, more writing, etc. My hometown has been so very supportive, as well as a few others. I am thrilled to be starting the year off so well and I look forward to the many opportunities it holds.