Sunday, June 17, 2012

DEATH IN DELONEGA - Deborah Malone - One Free Book


Welcome, Deborah. Tell us how much of yourself you write into your characters.
In my Trixie Montgomery series I wrote a lot of myself into Trixie’s character. Those who know me well said they could see me when they were reading Death in Dahlonega. Trixie’s best friend Dee Dee is a combination of two of my friends – with their blessings. Some of the things they did when they were in Dahlonega actually happened when we were there – not the murder thoughJ
                         
What is the quirkiest thing you have ever done?
Hummmm, I’ll have to think about this one. I’m not sure what constitutes as quirky – I’m sure I’ve done some but can’t think of a particular one. I do have a funny story that goes with my book. When I was doing research on Death in Dahlonega I went to Dahlonega, Georgia, to the Gold Museum where the murder takes place in the book. When I told the Ranger I wanted to do research for a murder that takes place in the museum she told me to wait a few minutes. She came back and had called her supervisor and said they did not want me to write about their security system. Ugh – I didn’t know about their security system. Anyway, I thought it was pretty funny.

When did you first discover that you were a writer?
I’ve always loved to write, but first real break was when I entered a contest for Guidepost and the editor wrote me and said I had been a finalist. That gave me the encouragement to continue working. Several years later I submitted an article to Georgia Backroads a historical magazine and it was published. I’ve been writing for them for ten years now.

Tell us the range of the kinds of books you enjoy reading.
This is a great question. I used to only read mysteries and mostly cozies. That is still my favorite genre, but when I started reviewing books for my blog I discovered that I love all genres of books. I am so happy that I have been able to experience other genres. I would ask that readers try to read something new every now and then. I think they will be happily surprised.

How do you keep your sanity in our run, run, run world?
I’d have to know your definition of sane first. LOL

How do you choose your characters’ names?
One thing I consider is what region they are from. I have used phone books in the area to see what names are listed. I’ve used the internet to look up names. In the book I’m working on now one of the characters is from England so I went to a web site and looked up English names. I came up with Georgia Knight.

What is the accomplishment that you are most proud of?
In my writing it would be having my book published.

If you were an animal, which one would you be, and why?
Oh, this is a hard one. If I was a dog or a cat I could live in the house and be fed. If I was a bird I could fly high in the sky.

What is your favorite food?
Let’s see – I like chicken, potatoes, and salads. That’s not one, but I couldn’t list just one.

What is the problem with writing that was your greatest roadblock, and how did you overcome it?
Learning all of the rules in writing was probably number one. As writers we don’t write like we talk and that is very hard. The more I write the more I understand them. Another problem was finding the time to write while taking care of my disabled daughter, Niki. But I’ve discovered if you want to write bad enough you can write through all kinds of things.

Tell us about the featured book.
Death in Dahlonega
Trixie Montgomery has gone through a rough divorce. She has moved back to her home town of Vans Valley, Georgia, where she moved in next door to her mother and great-aunt Nana. Trixie goes to work to supplement her income. She writes for Georgia by the Way a historical magazine. Her best friend Dee Dee accompanies her on a trip to Dahlonega, Georgia, where Trixie is working on an article about Gold Rush Days – an arts and crafts festival. They are watching a film on the actual gold rush days when Dee Dee excuses herself to go tinkle. While she’s gone she decides to snoop around and she stumbles upon a dead body. Not thinking she automatically pulls out the pickaxe and is found holding the bloody murder weapon. The victim, John Tatum, happens to be a man that Dee Dee had a run in with earlier that day. She rises to the top of the suspects list and when the town sheriff doesn’t seem to be looking for anyone else, Trixie decides to help her best friend. Together they must find the real killer to keep Dee Dee out of the slammer! This is a short, easy read and I hope it will be something my readers can sit down and read for pure enjoyment after a hard, stressful day. I hope Trixie, Dee Dee, and Nana’s antics will give you a laugh-out-loud moment.

Please give us the first page of the book.
Chapter One

“Dahlonega, here we come!” I cheered, triumphant at the 10 miles to go sign. My knee ached from three hours in the car, my palms slick on the wheel from the harrowing twist of road.

“Here. Have some before I eat it all.” My passenger, and oldest friend, Dee Dee, shoved the bag of trail mix under my nose.

I dug through, finding only nuts, and pushed it back. “You ate all the chocolate pieces!”

She muffled an unapologetic sounding apology, then continued singing along as Alan shifted to Clint Black.

My Jeep Cherokee bumped over a rut in the road as a semi sped downhill a trifle too fast. My grip tightened on the vibrating steering wheel as we rounded another curve on the mountain road.

I one-hand-gripped the wheel, and cooled a sweaty palm on the air vent, thinking how this trip would propel my career from probationary to full-fledged reporter. This was my big chance to prove to my editor that I, Trixie Montgomery, could write an article with substance and flair, despite the rather routine subject matter. Who says you can’t start a career after forty?

After all, “Gold Rush Days” in the North Georgia Mountains was hardly Pulitzer Prize material. Even the best had to start somewhere. Besides, what girl in her right mind could turn down an opportunity to take a little vacation and get paid at the same time?

I reached over and squeezed her hand. “Thanks for coming, Dee Dee.” I couldn’t wait for a little antiquing, sightseeing, and plenty of good country cooking. What could possibly go wrong?

How can readers find you on the Internet?
www.deborahsbutterflyjourney.blogspot.com              
www.sleuthsandsuspects.blogspot.com

Thank you, Deborah, for spending this time with us.


Readers, here are links to the book. By using one when you order, you help support this blog.
Death in Dahlonega - paperback
Death in Dahlonega - Kindle


Leave a comment for a chance to win a free copy of the book. Please tell us where you live, at least the state or territory. (Comments containing links may be subject to removal by blog owner.)

Void where prohibited; the odds of winning depend on the number of entrants. Entering the giveaway is considered a confirmation of eligibility on behalf of the enterer in accord with these rules and any pertaining local/federal/international laws.

The only notification you’ll receive is the winner post on this blog. So be sure to check back a week from Saturday to see if you won. You will have 4 weeks from the posting of the winners to claim your book.

If you’re reading this on Feedblitz, Facebook, or Amazon, please come to the blog to leave your comment if you want to be included in the drawing. Here’s a link.
Http://lenanelsondooley.blogspot.com

38 comments:

Ladette said...

Oh, Oh, I really want this book!! :) I've been seeing it all over the 'net... and as a Ga girl, born and raised... and living here again, I am just drawn to this book!

Ladette in GA

Deborah M said...

Hi Ladette,

I'm so happy you stopped by. I hope you win! If you don't though you can get an autographed copy from me. They are $9.00 and $2.00 shipping. Anyway, I'd just like to hear from you and tell me where you are from in GA. We might be living right beside each other. LOL Thanks again for stopping by.
Deborah
debbiejeanm at gmail dot com

Jo said...

This book is on my wish list. Have really been wanting to read it.

Blessings,
Jo
azladijo(at)aol(dot)com

Unknown said...

Here's another novel i would just love to read, but since i won one last week, i guess i should give someone else a chance, too. Just for the fun of it, i'll throw my name in the hat anyways. This sounds great.

Marianne from northern Alberta
mitzi underscore wanham at yahoo dot com

Linda Kish said...

I would love to win a copy of this book.

California

lkish77123 at gmail dot com

Deborah M said...

Hi Lady Jo, Marianne and Linda. Thank you for stopping by. I appreciate your support!

Tanya Eavenson said...

I'm looking forward to reading your novel, Deborah!

Deborah M said...

Thanks Tanya! Thank you for stopping by. Let me know how you like it when you finish.

Debbie

Jackie Layton said...

What a fun interview.

I love Georgia and stories set in Georgia. I lived there for ten years, but I came back to KY for to be close to family.

I'd love to win your book.

Thanks!

Jackie

scottsgal said...

Sounds like a book I'd really enjoy! I agree I'd like to be a dog at my house - totally spoiled
msboatgal at aol.com

Tracy Krauss said...

It sounds excellent.

CBM said...

Great article. My wife would love to read your book.

Blessings,
Smitty

Mary Preston said...

I had to laugh about the security system. I'm looking forward to reading DEATH IN DELONEGA.

Mary P

QLD AUSTRALIA

Lindi said...

Deborah--Hi!! Don't enter me in the drawing as I've already read the book, but wanted to say hi. Deborah came to our book club and she had an amazing presentation--and she's so nice!
Loved the book.

Amy C said...

This book sounds great. I want to read more. Looks like I will have to get a copy!
Thanks
Amy Campbell
southwest VA

Coolestmommy said...

Sounds like a darling book with a great setting. Can't wait to read it.

Thanks for sharing!!
coolestmommy2000 at gmail dot com
NE

apple blossom said...

please enter me thanks

live in ND

ABreading4fun [at] gmail [dot] com

Jennifer said...

Great interview, Deborah. Don't enter me 'cause I have an autographed copy of the book :)
Waiting for the next book...

Deborah M said...

Wow - when I checked in this morning I was surprised to see so many comments. I see many old friends and some new ones too. Thanks to all who stopped by I always appreciate the support. As a writer it means a lot!
Debbie

Katie said...

Please enter me. I'm from NC.

Sharon Richmond said...

Enter me!!
Sharon Richmond
Blanch, NC.

Deborah M said...

Hi Katie and Sharon. Thank you for stopping by. I see both of you are from NC. Dahlonega is in the North Georgia Mountains. I love visiting the mountains and as a child I was in awe at the Smokey Mountains!
Debbie

Karen G. said...

Nice interview. This book is going on my wish list. Would love to win and read it.

Karen in Troy, NY

Abigail Mitchell said...

Enter me.
Thanks and God Bless!
Abigail
Blanch, N.C.

Mark said...

Enter me please. Ohio here

Deborah M said...

Hi Ms. Ruby, Abigail and Mark. Mark my mother grew up in Cinn. Ohio and I have many cousins that live there. One of them is coming through Georgia tomorrow and stopping by to see us. Can't wait to see him. Thanks to all of you for leaving a comment.
Debbie M

Lourdes said...

Please enter me.

Lourdes Huntington NY

Evlin said...

I would love to win a copy of this book. Hope the library will have it if I don't win. Thank you for the chance.

Kevlin in NY
prettyinpurplerose(at)aol(dot)com

Deborah M said...

Hi Lourdes,
Thank you for stopping by all the way from NY!

Hi Kevlin - the library will not have it (no library number:(
but if you would like an autographed copy I'll be glad to send one - they are $9.00. You can email me at the address below. Thanks again for stopping by and saying "HI"
Debbie Malone
debbiejeanm at gmail dot com

Merry said...

North Georgia is a beautiful place... I lived there long enough to have a baby and move on! I love mysteries with fun characters, please add me.
Merry in TX

Deborah M said...

Hi Merry,

Thank you so much for stopping by all the way from Texas and leaving a comment. I wonder what part of N. Georgia you lived in?
Debbie Malone

misskallie2000 said...

Hi Deborah, I was born in Georgia and I am still here after 69 yrs. I love mystery, romance and suspense mixed into a great story and I would love to Win "DEATH IN DELONEGA. Have had on my wish list from the first review. Thanks for stopping by to chat and share with us.

Brenda from Georgia

misskallie2000 at yahoo dot com

Liz R said...

Sounds really good!

Liz R in AL

Anonymous said...

Book sounds really good. Please enter my name. Thanks.

Kaz in NY
kazloves2read(at)gmail(dot)com

Diana Gardner said...

Please enter me in the drawing. Portsmouth, VA

Kristie said...

The characters sound very real which is refreshing. Sounds like they could be some of my friends. Excellent story. I'm from Ohio. kristiedonelson(at)gmail(dot)com Thank you.

Deborah M said...

Thank you so much ladies for stopping by this Saturday. It is so much fun to see comments for all over the United States. I see Kristie is from Ohio - where my mother's family is from. Thanks again for your support!
Debbie Malone

Anonymous said...

Would love a chance to win your book. Sounds interesting.

KayG from New York
msbookwormlady@aol.com