Tell us how much of
yourself you write into your characters.
We become the people we are by the experiences we have and
the people we meet, and I freely allow those things to show up in my writing. I
can’t imagine not doing so. Of course those bits of myself are rearranged and
intermixed with the various characters in new ways.
What is the quirkiest
thing you have ever done?
I am an ordinary sort of person, not given to quirkiness.
Oh, wait there was that time I… Oops! I can’t tell you about that.
When did you first
discover that you were a writer?
I remember being very frustrated as a four-year-old that I
couldn’t make my scribbling
become words no matter how hard I tried. I first discovered I had a knack for
writing stories in 8th grade. I wrote a scary story about being
unjustly confined to a mental hospital. My teacher’s encouraging words on the
top of my story sparked my dream to become an
author.
Tell us the range of
the kinds of books you enjoy reading.
In elementary school I became A Voracious
Reader, beginning with Nancy Drew mysteries and then moving on to those
by Agatha Christie and Victoria Holt. I did eventually branch out. I love
everything from classics like The Odyssey
and Dicken’s Great Expectations to
modern popular fiction by Dean Koontz, whose writing I admire for his great
characterization.
How do you keep your
sanity in our run, run, run world?
I used to be a Wonder Woman, able to multi-task and leap
tall buildings. But I couldn’t sustain that. I’ve simplified my life, learning
to say no to many of the demands I
and others have put on me. I pray. I take walks. I breathe deeply. And I read a
good book. Of course.
How do you choose
your characters’ names?
Sometimes a name will just pop into my head during the early
writing stages and feel just right. In Unclaimed
Legacy I gave the bad guy the name of an awful person who once hurt me. I
have to admit it was quite satisfying. For other names I thumb through my book
of baby names or my local telephone directory.
What is the
accomplishment that you are most proud of?
I find great satisfaction in becoming an author
after so many years of waiting to get a book contract. I never gave up on my
dream (completely) although I have to admit that my confidence took a beating.
I wrote Time and Again in 1994 and it
was finally published in January of this year!
If you were an
animal, which one would you be, and why?
I would be a chocolate lab. They’re beautiful, friendly,
trainable, trustworthy, and calm. Everyone loves them. They’re the most popular
dog in the U.S.
What is your favorite
food?
Chocolate, but that’s so obvious, so I’m going to say pecan
pie. I don’t know why we have to wait for Thanksgiving to have it.
What is the problem
with writing that was your greatest roadblock, and how did you overcome it?
I wrote Time and Again
while under the influence. Fortunately, I got sober before beginning Unclaimed
Legacy. Just kidding. What I mean is that having just graduated from
college where I studied literature, I tried to emulate the spare style of literary
greats like Hemingway and Camus. But then I realized I didn’t even like that
style, no matter how revered it is in some circles, so I stopped trying to write
LITERATURE (pronounced with a snooty accent). I found it a lot more enjoyable
to allow my characters to show their thoughts and feelings.
Tell us about the
featured book.
Unclaimed Legacy is the second book in my young adult trilogy.
(Each may be read alone, but you may wish to read Time and Again first.) I plan to have the third one ready for
publication by spring.
“I call it time-surfing,”
Abby said. “It’s like being there,
except no one can see or hear us.”
“Whatever
you call it,” John said, “that was crazy—what we just did.
Beyond realistic. I mean, I was in that guy’s
head
and
knew everything he was thinking.”
Abby’s weird computer program is working again. And it comes
in handy when they agree to help the Old Dears next door with their family
tree. Except Abby and John learn more about one of the ladies’ ancestors than
they ever wanted to know. Convicted in 1871 of murder and arson, Reuben
Buchanan is a blight on the family’s reputation. But was he really guilty? Abby
and John must get inside the mind of a murderer to find out. But while they’re
rummaging around in the Old Dears’ family history, they discover the truth of
God’s promise to bless a thousand generations … and a legacy waiting to be
reclaimed.
Please give us the
first page of the book.
Abby managed
to get her mascara on without smudging it. It was not an easy task, knowing
that if she glanced at the other reflection in the mirror she’d see Merri’s
sorrowful eyes staring back at her. At least she wouldn’t have to spend any
time on her hair. Whatever she did, it dried in a mass of brown curls.
She smoothed
on a bit of lipgloss and then, trying not to feel guilty, smiled encouragingly
at the pudgy eleven-year-old beside her. “Come on, Merri, it’s just a lunch date.
I’ll be home before you know it. And while I’m gone you’ll get to spend some
time with your mom.”
Merri sat on
the edge of the tub and morosely petted Kit Kat, her chocolate-colored cat.
“But this is just the beginning. I’ll never see you again now that you’re going
out with John.”
Abby was glad
Merri wanted her around. It was a big improvement from her first two weeks at
the old house in Miles Station. Thankfully, the troubled girl had finally begun
to accept her help and her friendship.
“I don’t know
if I’ll keep ‘going out’ with John. It depends. Besides, I’m your tutor; I
can’t go away. You’ll be seeing me all summer.”
“What do you
mean, ‘it depends’?”
“Depends on
if he turns out like the last guy I dated.”
“The one who
wasn’t interested in your personality?”
“Yeah, that
one. But as for John… well, so far so good. He’s already earned a star in that
department.”
“A star?”
Abby blushed.
“Well…see, whenever I meet a guy I’m interested in going out with, I imagine a
chart for him labeled Possible Marriage
Material. Then I give him imaginary stars for things I like about him.”
“Like being
tall and handsome?”
“He is that.
But, I’m looking for character qualities.” Abby gathered the last of her things
and zipped her toiletry case. “Like I always say, beauty is more than skin
deep.”
How can readers find
you on the Internet?
Please visit my website: www.deborahheal.com
and my author page on Facebook: www.facebook.com/DeborahHeal.
My books can be purchased on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Deborah-Heal/e/B00760M3OS/ref=sr_tc_2_0?qid=1345552656&sr=1-2-ent
Thank you, Deborah, for sharing this YA book with us.
Readers, 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.
18 comments:
Thanks for allowing me to stop by your blog today.
A very interesting story & I just loved the interview thank you.
Mary P
QLD AUSTRALIA
Thanks, Mary from down under, for leaving a comment.
I just realized I didn't follow the directions--I'm coming to you from Illinois.
The teacher that praised your writing deserves a gold star! I have heard of many people who stop doing their dream because of a teacher's criticism.
Have a blessed day--
From Kansas!
Tickmenot
We are starting a Youth section in the church library and this book would be a wonderful addition.
Thanks for entering me in the contest.
Janet Estridge
von1janet@gmail.com
Thanks so much for the interview and the chance to win Deborah's book!
Susan Wilson
Mont Alto, PA
I would like to win this book. I am from Tennessee.
I would like to win this book. I am from Tennessee.
I would love to win this book. It looks like a great read! :)
Hannah CA
Great interview. Unclaimed Legacy looks like a very good book.
Beth from Iowa
Awesome interview and I loved the part about how much of yourself you put into your book. Thanks for the contest.
Val from Las Vegas, Nevvada.
Enter me!!
Sharon Richmond
Blanch,NC.
sharonruth126@gmail.com
Yes, I agree, Tickmenot. I've remembered that comment forever, as I do another positive comment from 1st grade. The teacher called attention to how straight I was sitting in my chair and how everyone should sit that straight. How important those little comments are. I just hope I impacted my students for good.
Janet, I'm thrilled to think of my books in church libraries! Thanks.
Lena, I'm glad you had people indicate their states. It's cool to see them all. Illinois, Kansas,Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Iowa,California, Nevada, North Carolina,and even Australia. But where are you located?
I am in Texas.
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