My mother had Rheumatoid Arthritis, but Dad never missed a church service taking us kids to church. I have had my ups and downs with my faith, but I’ve never given up on God. I’ve come to the conclusion there are some things we will not have the answers to while on this earth. And that is alright – in Pro. 3:5 we are told to “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.” That is the verse Trixie holds on to in “Death in Dahlonega.”
I love how you use your life experiences in your writing. Tell us three things about you that would surprise your readers.
I went back to college in my early 40’s and graduated at the age of 45 in 1999.
I’ve had Fibromyalgia since 1992.
I’m a novice photographer and love macro shots of nature. I’ve had a showing of my photographs at our local hospital.
Were you an avid reader as a child? What did you read?
Yes, yes and yes. I’ve been saying lately that I came out of the womb reading 🙂 Mysteries have always been my favorites and I loved Nancy Drew and Trixie Beldon.
What is your favorite genre to read now?
Gee – would you believe mysteries? LOL However, since I’ve been reviewing books for my blog I have read just about every genre there is and I feel I’ve opened a whole new world of reading for me. I would encourage others to read outside their safety zone – favorite genre – and discover a whole new world.
I have learned to read outside of my zone, as well. Although I love romances, I enjoy mysteries and thrillers and would like to try my hand at writing one soon. As a child or teenager, did you ever dream of being an author?
Yes – When I was a teenager I started a mystery. I think I made it to page 3 or 4.
I have a lot of those “starters” too!! When did you first begin writing, and why do you write still?
I started writing when I went back to college and took a creative writing course. I knew then I wanted to publish something. In 2001 I published my first article in a historical magazine “Georgia Backroads” and I’ve been writing for them since then. I still write because I still have goals in my writing I haven’t reached yet. Also, I love it and it helps me keep my sanity in a stressful world.
Oh, you are so right about the therapy that writing brings to your life! How long did you write before you sold your first book?
I wrote consistently for four years.
How many books do you have published?
I have one book published, my debut cozy “Death in Dahlonega” published by Lamp Post Publishing. I’ve just sent off my manuscript for the second in the Trixie Montgomery series “Murder in Marietta.” I’m working on my third in the series, “Terror on Tybee Island.”
Well, you are a busy girl! Tell us about your latest book.
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 the 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 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.
I love that you want your readers to experience joy when they are reading your books. What inspired you to write this particular book?
I’ve always loved to read so I think it was natural that I’d transition into writing. Mysteries have been my genre of choice since I was a young girl and loved to read Nancy Drew. Cozy mysteries are one of my favorites and Ann George has been a big influence on my writing. As for writing Christian Fiction – Margaret Daley’s books were a big influence. I’d written several articles on Dahlonega and I loved the setting. It was an easy choice for me.
Do you put yourself into your main character, or do you find yourself borrowing from family or friends as your characters develop?
My goodness yes – but that’s all I’m going to say. 🙂
I’m right there with ya! Is there any scene in your book that came from a real-life happening?
Yes, there are several, but one of them would be when my girlfriend and I took a trip to Dahlonega Gold Rush Days. We really did eat trail mix and we really did sing to Alan Jackson.
Are you a plotter, a pantster, or somewhere in between, and can you elaborate on your answer?
I’m definitely a panster. I have a general outline on how I want the manuscript to progress, but that’s it. Then I might do a general outline for each chapter, but none of it is done in detail. Now after I’ve written a chapter I will go in Microsoft One Note and detail the chapter so I can keep up with my characters, timeline, setting, etc.
I do exactly the same thing. I definitely keep up with what’s in a chapter. It makes the synopsis so much easier!
Now that we have covered the details of your life and your books, tell us where our readers can find you on the internet.
www.deborahsbutterflyjourney.blogspot.com
www.sleuthsandsuspects.blogspot.com
Let’s show Deborah lots of love by leaving some great comments for her. Don’t forget to leave your email address for a chance to win a copy of Death in Dahlonega!
What a great interview Sherri and such an interesting author. Wait, that’s me! Kidding aside thank you so much for having me as a guest on you blog and I hope your readers enjoy it. (Sorry if this comes through twice)
Debbie
Haha! Thank you for being here today!
I LOVE mysteries! I “cut my teeth” on Nancy Drew and Trixie Beldon, too!
Your book sounds great. I can’t wait to read it!
Hallee
Hi Hallee,
Thanks for stopping by. I hope you have a chance to read “Death in Dahlonega.”
Debbie
I would love to read this one. Ahhh, Trixie Beldon was one of my favorites as a child!! 🙂
Thanks for a chance to win.
Hi Ladette,
Thanks for coming by and leaving a comment. If I close my eyes I can go back and picture me reading a Trixie Beldon book. I loved the hardback books with large writing. Thanks again for coming by.
Debbie
Hey Deborah, another great interview! I didn’t know you went to college in your 40’s. So cool! Can’t wait to read the second book…
Hi Jennifer,
Thank you for being such a faithful follower! Yes, I went back to school and graduated with a BS in Human Services at the age of 45. I guess you’re never to old to learn. Well, that was over 10 years ago:) Hope things are going well with your writing.
Debbie
I’m not typically a fan of mysteries, but this story has me interested. I look forward to reading Deborah’s book.
Hi Ginger,
Wow I feel special that you are interested in “Death in Dahlonega.” I don’t know if you are familar with cozies, but they are usually very light reading with a good dose of humor. I think you would enjoy the antics of Trixie, Dee Dee and Nana (Trixie’s great-aunt).
I love you blog. I signed up as a follower.
Debbie
I so want to read that book!
BTW, Deb, I love your new author pic.
Hi Pat,
Good to see you again. Thanks for being such a faithful follower. Thank you for the compliment on my pic. I thought I needed to bring it up to date since the other one was several years old. I’ve seen a lot of author’s pics that don’t look anything like they do in person:) Just keep on leaving comments and maybe you’ll eventually win a copy of “Death in Dahlonega.”
Debbie
What a cool interview–I loved all the personal touches! Would you believe that I still have some of my old Nancy Drew mysteries which I saved for our grandkids?! Your book sounds wonderful and thanks for sharing so much of yourself with us!
Sandra305@aol.com
Hi Sandra,
Thanks for stopping by and leaving a comment. I did put more of myself in this interview than I have in the past. I was suprised when I read it:) But that’s okay I think for anyone wanting to be a published author they can see that the ones that are published are just like them – human:) Wow – I’d love to have some of my Nancy Drew books. I can think of several right now I read – the one about the missing mail comes to mind. Thanks again and I’d glad I got to meet you.
Debbie
Sandra, I sent you an email that you were the winner of Deborah’s book. Please send me your address so she can get your book out to you. igottawrite at bellsouth dot net. Thanks!
Great Interview. Love the surprising things about you! Wow!! Your book sounds good and interesting because I’ve driven through that down. Tough to spell but fun to drive through!! Grin! Thanks for the interview and a chance to read your book!
Hi Nora,
Great to see you here. Thanks for visiting. The building on the front cover of my book is a pic of the actual old courthouse located in the town square. It is now the Gold Museum. Yes, it took me quite a while to learn to spell it correct. Now it is second nature:) Thanks again for stopping by!
Debbie
Okay, now that’s just funny. I was reading about plotters, pantsers, etc a few minutes ago, and here it is again! 🙂 Lovely interview – thank you for sharing with us. Deborah, your book sounds exciting!
Hi Amanda,
Thanks for stopping by. Yes, it interesting about authors and if they are plotter or pansters. I heard of authors who almost write their whole book before they get started. I don’t think that would work for me. I like being surprised by my characters:)
Debbie
Always love reading stuff set in and around Dahlonega.
Hi April,
If I’m not mistaken you have a part in the Dahlonega Book Festival. I plan on being there this Nov. “Death in Dahlonega” is also being sold in the General Store if you have the inclination to buy a copy or you can get it on Amazon.com. Thanks for stopping by.
Debbie
Deb’s book is incredible. I wish I could give it SIX stars!
Awwww, thanks Zack! And thank you for stopping by!!!!!
Debbie
I really enjoyed reading the book. I look forward to reading the next one in the series.
Thanks for stopping by Curtis and for your kind words. I working on the second book and should have it ready to turn in shortly. I’m just about through with the third one, too. Hope you like them as much!
Debbie
I finally understand what a “cozy mystery” is. It was a lot of fun to read, I enjoyed it on my kindle.
Thanks for stopping by Deannna. I hope you enjoy reading cozies now. Can’t wait to meet you – it won’t be long.
Debbie
I yes what a wondefrul review…would love to read Deborab Malone’s new book…’Death in Dahlonege’…..babyruthmac16@yahoo.com
Thanks for stopping by Linda and your kind words about the review. I’m glad you enjoyed it.
Debbie
It’s so nice to get to know you through your blog posts, Deborah. Death in Dahlonega is still on my wish list. pdyer3@cfl.rr.com