Kristin Paul
Kristin Paul is an award-winning author and publisher based in St. Augustine, Florida. Writing under the pen name Caitlin Maloney, she published her debut novel Drowning in 2015, a powerful story inspired by her personal experience as a domestic violence survivor. She is currently working on the sequel, Deception, as well as a screenplay adaptation of Drowning, using her storytelling to raise awareness about domestic and dating violence while advocating for survivors. In addition to her writing, Kristin is the founder and publisher of Purple Ribbon Publishing, LLC, through which she supports and amplifies voices tackling important social issues.
Before embarking on her literary career, Kristin built a strong professional foundation in finance and education. She earned a Bachelor of Business Administration and a Master of Arts in Finance and worked as a stockbroker, investment executive, and college professor teaching economics and finance. This combination of financial expertise and academic experience informs her work as the author of Freeing Yourself Financially, reflecting her dedication to helping others achieve both personal and financial empowerment.
Kristin is also a committed mentor and advocate for young women and survivors of abuse, frequently speaking to colleges, sororities, women's groups, and community organizations. She served as Executive Director of the St. Joseph Neighborhood Center and has been actively involved with local initiatives such as the Betty Griffin Center. Driven by a philosophy of turning personal challenges into purpose, Kristin continues to inspire and educate through her writing, public speaking, and publishing endeavors, earning recognition for her contributions to literature and social advocacy.
• The University of Alabama Graduate School - MA
• Drowning (2015)- 2 awards
• Betty Griffin Center
• Gabby Petito Foundation
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering the industry is simple: just start writing. Don’t worry about perfection in your first draft—focus on getting your ideas down. From there, refine your work through classes, critique groups, and consistent practice. Keep learning, revising, and persisting; with dedication, even a rough draft can evolve into a meaningful and impactful piece of work.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me in both my work and personal life are empathy, awareness, and inclusivity. I strive to address difficult topics, such as healthy, unhealthy, and abusive relationships, in a way that resonates with all audiences. For example, while presenting to over 200 university students, several young men thanked me for acknowledging male experiences with abuse. Domestic violence affects people of all genders and socioeconomic backgrounds, and through my work—including insights from my book Drowning—I aim to shed light on these often-overlooked perspectives.
Locations
Purple Ribbon Publishing
Saint Augustine, FL 32080