Candy Paull could easily be dubbed the "local girl who made good."

A friend and neighbor to many in the Highline area, Paull pursues her dreams -- a classic example of someone who took a courageous leap of faith.

An Evergreen High School graduate who grew up in Shorewood, today Paull is a successful Nashville-based author of inspirational books and Christian songwriter.

But, she observed, while back in the Highline area during a book signing tour last month, it's always good to come home.

Paull was promoting her latest book, The Art of Abundance, the latest installment in "The Artful Living Series," which includes The Art of Simplicity and The Art of Encouragement.

She has also written another series: 101 Ways to Enjoy God, 101 Ways to Give Your Soul a Lift, 101 Ways to Simplify Your Life, 101 Ways to Make a Difference Today, 101 Ways to Make Christmas Special, 101 Ways To Relax and Reduce Stress, and 101 Ways to be a Good Friend.

Other titles by Paull, who writes something for everyone, include Christmas Abundance, Checklist for Life for Women: Timeless Wisdom and Foolproof Strategies for Making the Most of Life's Challenges and Opportunities and Everyday Prayers for Everyday Cares.

She has also collaborated with famous artist/illustrator Thomas Kinkade on Grandmother's Memories to Her Grandchild and Grandfather's Memories to His Grandchild.

Her songs have been recorded by notable vocalists including Reba McEntire and Andy Williams.

Paull has always had a flair for drama and music. In 1970, she sang in "The Commitment," a contemporary group at Burien's Glendale Evangelical Lutheran Church. She was also involved at Normandy Park's John Knox Presbyterian, spending six years at each church.

Faith has always been a major part of Paull's life. A former camp counselor, music buyer and freelance lyricist, she worked at Gospel Book and Supply in Kent from 1979 to 1985.

She was also affiliated locally with Women's Aglow and Christian book publishing until she took her leap of faith to Nashville in 1993. Paull knew what she wanted and pursued it.

"Moving was saying 'yes' to my dream, but also opening the door to my dreams," she said.

Yet after so many of her dreams have come true, ask Paull if she is famous and she will answer with a resounding "No." Ask her devoted readers, however, and you will get an emphatic "Yes."

Paull simply says, "You have to believe in divine timing."