You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. Matthew 5:14-16

Wednesday, November 7, 2012

Meet My Guest Author, Deborah Malone

Leave a comment and get a chance to win a copy of Murder in Marietta --                         drawing will be at 9 p.m. November 14

(Please, leave an email address, or, if you're not comfortable doing that, when I make the announcement and you are the winner, contact me at my email address listed on this site.)
 

What fun to “cyber meet” Deborah Malone (Debbie) after reading her first novel Death in Dahlonega while my sister and I were on one of our jaunts that happened to be in Dahlonega, GA.  And now, she’s written Murder in Marietta, where my sister lives. Can’t wait to purchase the book for my sister (and a copy for me too!).

Deborah Malone’s first novel Death in Dahlonega was a finalist in the American Christian Fiction Writer’s Category Five writing contest! Deborah was also nominated for the 2012 Georgia Author of the Year in First Novel category.

She has worked as a freelance writer and photographer for the historic magazine “Georgia Backroads.” She has had many articles and photographs published, and her writing is featured in “Tales of the Rails,” edited by Olin Jackson. She is a member of the Georgia Writer’s Association. As a current member of the American Christian Fiction Writers she has established a blog where she reviews Christian Fiction.

 

Question 1
What was the inspiration or motivation behind the book?
Thank you so much for having me Susan.
Since this is a series, I’ll tell you a little why I wrote cozies.  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 Marietta and I loved the settings. It was an easy choice for me.
 
Question 2
What is the most important thing you hope your readers will get from your books and why?
     There aren’t any deep messages in Murder in Marietta, but there is a theme of forgiveness and faith. For the most part, I hope I make someone laugh and take them away from the stresses of real life for just a while. I want them to have some laugh out loud moments.
 
Question 3
As you researched for your book, did you learn anything that particularly touched your heart?
When I was writing the article about Marietta, the one the book is based on, I discovered the owner of the Kennesaw House (now the Marietta Museum of History) had written a diary. I was able to get a copy and it was amazing. She and her family (husband and three girls) lived there during the Civil War. This family was from the north and they were right smack dab in the south so of course their outlook on war was different than those who lived around them. I was touched and awed to be reading about the life of someone who had lived over 100 years ago.
 
Question 4
If you could have dinner with one of your characters, who would it be and why?
Oh my goodness this is a hard one because there are three main characters. I think I’d like to meet Nana. She is a little spitfire who is not about to sit in a rocking chair and grow old. She has a wisdom about her that comes with age. However, I’m not sure I’d want to be around when she gets involved with some of her antics. J
 
Question 5
What is your favorite bible verse and why?
I have several, but one of my favorite is Proverbs 3:5. Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.
 
Question 6
Upcoming events? 
I’m really excited about a couple of things coming up. On November 10  and 11 Dahlonega, GA, will be holding a book festival. I was invited to be one of the regional authors. Then my book signing/book launch for Murder in Marietta will be held November 17, 2012. Can you say, too much fun?
 
You can reach Debbie at several web sites:
 
You can buy Debbie’s books at:

12 comments:

  1. I read "Death in Dahlongea" and loved it so am looking forward to raading "Murder in Marietta". It is always great to read a book with a touch of laughter in it. Thank you for the opportunity!

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

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    1. Thanks for stopping by, Jo. I'm looking forward to reading Debbie's new book.

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    2. Hi Jo,
      Good to see you here at Susan's blog.
      Debbie Malone

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  2. Both of these sound fascinating. I believe readers love reading about places they're familiar with (or at least places they're close enough to visit). When I do, I find myself wandering the streets mentioned in the book trying to mentally create the characters. Love the alliterative titles. Is "Arrested in Alpharetta" next?

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    1. Thanks for stopping by, Sam. How about "Suicide in Savannah"?

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    2. Hi Sam,
      Thanks for stopping by Susan's blog. Love the titles you and Susan suggested, but my next book is "Terror on Tybee Island." I'm already thinking about the fourth one and I think it will be "Chilled in Chattanooga."
      Debbie Malone

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  3. I love reading mysteries too! I think forgiveness and faith are two very important things to have in your life! makeighleekyleigh at yahoo.com

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    1. Megan, you're right about forgiveness and faith.

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  4. Mysteries are like the 'comfort food' of books to me. Would love to read one! Thanks for sharing. :) jessica.hope@yahoo.com

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    1. Jessica, I read mysteries from my teens until my thirties when I found historical fiction. I read all of the Nancy Drew books. Everyone needs to read a good mystery every now and then.

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  5. i luv the interview! TY! for providing these insights into Deborah's writing and this newest book - fascinated by having that diary opportunity - wow!
    thx for the giveaway generosity :) faithhopecherrytea at[gmail.]com

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  6. I want to thank everyone for stopping by and leaving your comments. It is always encouraging to writers to know there are readers out there interested in your writing.
    Deborah Malone

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