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.deborah-malone.com

www.deborahsbutterflyjourney.blogspot.com              

www.sleuthsandsuspects.blogspot.com

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


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Death in Dahlonega - paperback
Death in Dahlonega - Kindle


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