Kansas City Welcomes a Literary Sensation: Rev. Paula Lafferty’s ‘La Vie de Guinevere’
In the vibrant heart of Kansas City, a remarkable story is unfolding that bridges the worlds of faith and fantasy. Paula Lafferty, who serves as the associate pastor at Peace Church in the Crossroads Arts District, is about to embark on an exciting new chapter — the release of her debut novel, “La Vie de Guinevere”, set to hit the shelves on October 29.
A Journey of Passion and Perseverance
Born and raised in nearby Kansas City, Kansas, and now residing in Overland Park, Lafferty has always had a knack for creativity. She holds a bachelor’s degree in film production and a master’s degree in divinity. In 2011, she founded Peace Church with senior pastor Holly McKissick, all while keeping her passion for story writing alive. “I’d tried my hand at many books before,” she reflects. “I have a bit of a graveyard of notebooks filled with unfinished stories.”
However, everything changed in March 2022. “I just had this moment when I realized, ‘I can’t not write for even a second longer,’ and then a story came back to me,” she shares. What followed was that magical nine-month journey that led to the creation of her novel.
A Self-Publishing Success
Now, you might be wondering how a self-published author has managed to create such buzz. Well, Lafferty’s approach is far from ordinary. Though typically self-publishing can lead to modest sales, Lafferty found herself in a unique position with significant foreign publishing agreements already in place, including deals in countries like Poland, Bulgaria, Spain, Germany, Brazil, Romania, and even England!
The magic started when Lafferty documented her writing journey through short videos on social media. “I never imagined anyone would be interested,” she recalled. But after posting a video showcasing her process, things took off overnight! “By the time I woke up, it had over 100,000 views. By noon, it hit a million!” And the numbers just kept rising, eventually hitting 13 million on TikTok!
Turning Buzz into Dollars
With this unexpected wave of interest, Lafferty decided to set up a Kickstarter campaign to support her self-publishing efforts, aiming to raise $10,000. What happened next was nothing short of extraordinary — the campaign raised over $65,000!
This financial support has allowed Lafferty to invest in quality printing and team up with Spin Literary, a prestigious consultancy that has worked with big names like Stephen King and Hillary Rodham Clinton. “Paula is not just an author but a story in herself,” says Jennifer Smith, the founder of Spin Literary. Smith aids authors primarily in nonfiction, but Lafferty’s project stood out so much, she knew it deserved a special launch.
The Book: A Tale with a Twist
So, what’s “La Vie de Guinevere” all about? The novel spins a familiar tale of the legendary Camelot and its iconic characters but gives it a fresh twist. Our modern-day heroine, Vera, works as a hotel staff member in Glastonbury, England, until she finds herself mysteriously transported to the seventh century where she discovers her true identity as Queen Guinevere.
As the book’s release approaches, early reviews have been glowing. “The writing and content have captured readers’ hearts,” Smith notes, adding that Lafferty’s talent shines through, confirming that she’s more than just a social media star.
Balancing Ministry and Writing
Despite her rising literary fame, Lafferty continues her ministry at Peace Church. She mentions that many church members have been incredibly supportive of her writing journey. In fact, the congregation has even allowed her to take a two-month sabbatical to coincide with the book’s launch. “It’s a wild ride I’ve stumbled into, and it feels almost predestined,” she muses.
Join the Celebration!
As we count down to the release date, the local community is invited to join in the excitement. A launch party will be held on October 29, from 6-8 p.m., at The Homesteader in the River Market. While the event requires invitations or tickets, it promises to be a celebration of creativity, community, and the power of storytelling.
Ultimately, “La Vie de Guinevere” is not just a thrilling ride through Camelot; it’s a story about embracing one’s journey and turning dreams into reality. For anyone looking for a compelling read or inspiration from a local author, Lafferty’s book seems destined to hit all the right notes. Price: $19.99, available for preorder through local booksellers, Amazon, and Barnes & Noble. Don’t miss the chance to be part of this incredible story!
