Paula Joseph

My name is Paula Hammontree. I was born in West Virginia but grew up in Detroit, Michigan. Joseph is my mother's maiden name and my author's name. Hammontree is my father's name. My parents were loving, but I chose to live life on my terms. I was rebellious, and rebellion took me down a dark path. I learned early on that life was hard, and people harder. I don't regret my past, everyone has one, and yet, that road of destruction taught me how to walk in love toward people.

When I was five-years-old, I sat among my classmates in an auditorium listening to a visiting author; it was then that I said in my heart, 'when I grow up I want to be just like her, an author.' Despite how hard my life was, I went on to write twenty different books, screenplays, and children's books. 'Chasing The Devil's Kettle' being the first to come to life with the help of many great people I couldn't be more thankful for. God stepped into my life and loved me through anyone He could. Godly people stirred up the gifts that lie within me, gifts that were dormant until now.

I pray this is just the beginning and that more books will follow. I believe everyone has something they are good at, something that not only brings them peace but gives them joy. I went to the 'school of hard knocks,' learning life isn't easy for anyone. 'Chasing The Devil's Kettle' is not about my life but is true to life. What I find fascinating as an author is that I get to live through every character I create, it is a thrilling way to escape.

I'd like to give credit for photographs used for 'Chasing the Devil's Kettle, video' and thank the following:

Jonathon Gonzalez, Matthew T Radar, Sergey Raikin, Thomas Willmont, Eric Muhr, John Price, Mikail Duran, Annie Spratt