The Creative Journey of a Southern Storyteller

Episode #62

Guest Speaker ~ Paul Attaway

I believe people in the business world are under appreciated for being creative, for solving a problem. If you can paint, sculpt, sing, and play an instrument, we typically see those people as being creative. But if you go out to your shop, and you say, ‘Hey, we’ve gotta solve this problem. We only have this much money to spend on it. I need some ideas,’ and they come back with really creative solutions to a problem. They’re creative. It’s just not necessarily how we perceive creative people. I think that is unfortunate. I’ve met a lot of very creative people who had no real formal education. However, if you gave them an assignment and you put them out there with the metalworking equipment they could do some extraordinary things. – Paul Attaway

Have you set down a book, and claimed, “Eh, I could’ve done that.”?

For Paul Attaway, the bestselling author of Blood in the Low Country, shifting gears from a 30-year career as a small business entrepreneur to that of storyteller took him out of his comfort zone. He was used to writing business-type content and memorandums, and could accurately estimate how long it would take to handle a task on his desk.

“Being an entrepreneur set me up to not be afraid to try things,” said Paul.

When Paul chose to pursue a career in writing thrillers, it was important to him to learn the craft of storytelling and word-smithing. He read books and articles, talked to published authors and friends. He did not want to simply write a book. He wanted us, the readers, to turn the pages and hold our attention right up to the end.

I admit, Paul’s response to my right/left brain comment caught me off guard. He brought forth a valid point that is often overlooked in the workplace. This opened a new dialog on the perception of who is and is not creative.

Listening to Paul talk about his process of researching techniques, building tension between characters, and navigating the publishing world, it’s clear to me he is meticulous by nature. If (when) he publishes a book on how-to write and publish a book, I will be one of the first people in line to buy a copy.

Paul and I both agreed the publishing industry is continuously changing and the decision is best made by the individual author on the route that is best for them. He shares his experiences of learning how to write a query letter, getting an agent, and what he learned while researching smaller publishers.

Paul said something that echoed in my mind for hours after our conversation. He said, “Fear can handicap us from doing a lot of things.” He is right.

In this Pen to Paper Press Podcast episode, you will hear:
.:. What was the advice Paul received from a film editor in Hollywood to help get past the blank page?
.:. Who told him to either write a book or drop the idea?
.:. Are creative individuals better at problem solving at the workplace?
.:. When did he know the conclusions of his books?
.:. What publishing route did he take and why?
.:. Is it easier for an entrepreneur to promote their books?
.:. Will Paul record the audio version of his book?

Pour a mug of sweet tea for yourself and enjoy our educational conversation about what Paul learned on his creative writing journey.