Today we’d like to introduce you to Paula Banks

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?

Becoming an author has always been a dream of mine. From a young age, I found myself deeply passionate about writing and reading—two activities I could happily spend hours doing. I would often get lost in the pages of my favorite books, especially The Baby-Sitters Club series by Ann M. Martin. It was during those moments that I knew I didn’t just want to write stories; I wanted to create my own book series, inspiring young readers the same way those books inspired me.

However, life has its own pace, and as it does for many, my writing dreams were unintentionally pushed aside. College, marriage, children, and a career took precedence, and for 23 years, I put my aspirations on hold. Then one day, my husband asked me, “Are you going to start writing, or else you’ll regret it?” Those words hit me hard because deep down, I knew he was right. I was 46 years old, and time wasn’t slowing down.

I realized that while fear had been holding me back, it was time to step out on faith and pursue my dream. I trusted God and decided to move forward, even though I was scared. And I’m so grateful I did. Today, I’m a four-time award-winning author with three published books, proof that it’s never too late to follow your dreams.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?

A smooth road wouldn’t be the way I’d describe my journey. It definitely had its challenges—not with the writing, because that’s something I’ve always enjoyed and am passionate about—but with everything that came after the story was written. I suddenly had to figure out how to turn the words on my computer into a book that kids could actually read.

I didn’t know anything about publishing. I had to learn it all on my own—everything from finding an illustrator to formatting the book and navigating the ongoing process of marketing the finished product. There were definitely moments of frustration along the way, but giving up was never an option for me.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?

I’m a children’s book author passionate about creating stories that inspire and empower young readers. My work centers around the Peyton’s Journey series, which follows a brave and creative African American girl, Peyton, as she navigates challenges with confidence. Representation is incredibly important to me, and I want young readers, especially those who don’t always see themselves in books, to see a strong, relatable character like Peyton and feel inspired.

I specialize in writing stories that celebrate diversity and imagination while also incorporating elements of hip hop, which is a big part of who I am. My books are not only fun but culturally relevant, connecting with kids who love music and creativity.

How do you define success?

I don’t define success by money or material things. For me, success is finally living my dream by writing stories that children can connect with and see themselves in. Success to me is holding my finished books in my hands, even if I never sold a single copy. It’s about fulfilling the dream I had all those years ago. Simply put, success is living my passion and purpose. I feel blessed beyond measure and endlessly grateful for this journey.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://paulaybanks.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/?hl=en

Image Credits

Angelique Winfield