Debbie is giving away a copy of her book, A Cup of Christmas Cheer, to one lucky person who leaves a comment. I will announce the winner on November 26. (USA mailing addresses only, please.)
Are experiences in your novel based on someone you know, or events in your own life?
They are to a certain extent. Military is pretty strong in my family. My father served in the Navy reserves, my husband was Air Force, my son was Navy, and I have uncles who served in the Navy, nephews in the Army, and the list goes on. My great-grand father 8 times fought in the Revolutionary war with his 3 brothers. He was wounded and walked with a limp the rest of his life. But the real inspiration came from a great-great uncle who never made it home from WWII. So this story was just begging to be told.
What book are you reading now?
I’m reading a couple books right now. I’m reading So Long Insecurities by Beth Moore with my ladies small group and my pleasure reading I’m reading Melanie Dickerson’s new release The Princess Spy.
I’m having fun promoting Cup of Christmas Cheer II! And I’ve just finished up my edits on my upcoming release, Sword of Forgiveness book one in the Winds of Change Series. It’s a medieval set during the late 14th century. Now I’m starting the sequel.
If you could have dinner with one of your characters, who would it be and why? Oh that is so hard! There are several I wouldn’t mind having lunch with. I have a real fun 19th century Scottish hero who makes me laugh. I do love a Scottish accent. ;o) I love my medieval hero and heroine and wouldn’t mind having dinner with either of them. Especially if we could have dinner at their castle!
What motivates you to write, and where do you get ideas?
Ideas are everywhere I look. God is so awesome and gives me ideas that I nurture and plot and make into stories. But I say this very sincerely, the ideas do come from the Lord. I couldn’t do it without Him. My motivation is twofold. First it is my escape. I love to be able to go where ever my heart desires. It’s a wonderful way to relax and unwind. My second motivation is that I feel a sense of duty to write. God gave me this talent to spread His truths. I owe it to Him to obey and write until He tells me not to.
Do you have a life verse?
Isaiah 40:31 But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint. This is such a wonderful promise from our Lord.
Who is your greatest encourager?
My husband. He is behind me all the way! He’s actually the one that got me to start writing. He is always willing to take me places to do research. He puts up with my nose being buried in my computer in the evening. And he cheers me on with every. My wonderful friend and crit partner, Kathy Maher is another person who has talked me out of pitching my computer into the wall when I have been ready to give up. She’s been a friend, a critique partner, and a prayer partner. And also MaryLu Tyndall who has been there for me since before I even knew a writer needed an agent to get anywhere in this industry.
Tell me about one of your personality traits.
I am a very driven person. I’m super self-motivated. My husband tells me all the time if I had went to work at his company when he did, I’d be the president by now. LOL. He has such great faith in me!
Do you read reviews of your books? If so, do you pay any attention to them, or let them influence your writing?
I will have my first release in January of 2015. But I’ve decided that I won’t read my reviews. I know many writers have different opinions, but I’m writing what God is telling me to write. I heard of an author who said she didn’t read her reviews because the ones that were bad reviews only made her want to give up and quit and she was writing for the Lord. The good reviews could cause her to become proud and the glory was God’s not hers. I loved her attitude and think she has a good point. So I don’t plan on reading mine.
Where can people get a copy of your book?
People can order the book by clicking on this link. https://www.shopguideposts.org/christmascheerblog
Thank you so much for having me on your blog, Susan! Looking forward to chatting with your readers!
ReplyDeleteGod bless both of you Susan and Debbie
ReplyDeleteNeat interview
Have a terrific, God-blessed week
Chris Granville
Hey Chris! Thanks so much for coming by. Hope you get a chance to read CoCC. God bless!
ReplyDeleteGreat interview! Congrats Debbie Lynne! So proud of you. Many blessings!
ReplyDeleteThanks for coming by, Carrie. And thanks for the congrats. You know the excitement since you were in it last year! A very big congratulations to you to on your new sale. So happy for you!
DeleteAfter reading your story descriptions on Guide Posts Shop, my heart was filled with happiness. I can especially relate to 'Here We Come A-Wassailing'.
ReplyDeleteThank you
Kathy Richards
Hey Kathy, Thanks so much for coming by. Each story is written by a different author, eight in Christmas past. So many of my fellow authors have wonderful stories. I hope you get a chance to read them!
DeleteLove debbie lynn!!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Debbie and Susan for that interesting interview - enjoyed learning more about you and your writing journey, Debbie!! Love the "A Cup of Christmas Cheer" books and looking forward to reading your story and your coming releases!! Congrats!!
ReplyDeletebonnieroof60(at)yahoo(dot)com
Shared post!!
Thank you for sharing, Bonnie! and thanks so much for coming by. Guideposts books has done an outstanding job with last years and this year's A Cup of Christmas Cheer. Good luck in the drawing.
DeleteI am very happy for your success with the book. I am now reading Unbroken.WW11 about Louie Zamperini, you may be familiar. I'd like to know more about the war
ReplyDeleteMy dad was in Air force 24 years. Vietnam etc. And it always hurt me that I was not allowed to ask any questions about what daddy did. I think he must have hurt inside. I also love meeting authors of books. Dory Sanders of York. Wrote Clover, which is a little girl. And a pastor that wrote Eyes of the Ocean. Keep on writing Debbie Lynn.
Hey Heather! Thanks for coming by. I'm sorry about your father. That is sad. It seems very few men who fought in Vietnam wanted to talk about the war. I had uncles in it but Joe was too young. Good luck in the drawing! And thanks again for coming by!
DeleteDebbie Lynne, thank you for the interview. It is always encouraging to read an author's story. Congratulations on your upcoming novel! What a wonderful way to begin the new year! I am so glad you have such a wonderful support system both in the home and outside it. :)
ReplyDeleteKellysShining(at)gmail(dot)com
Hey Kelly! Thanks so much for stopping by. I don't think I could have continued on without such great support. This is a tough industry to be in. It is like riding a roller coaster. I'm super excited about my upcoming release in January, Sword of Forgiveness. It's an exciting time that has been years in the making.
DeleteCongratulations, Debbie Lynne, on your story in A Cup of Christmas Cheer, and your upcoming release in January. Loved getting to know you better. I want to have dinner in a Scottish castle, too. ;)
ReplyDeleteHey Anne! Thank you so much! It's an exciting time! I just received my Medieval cover and that makes it even more exciting! I hope we'll both be able to have that dinner in the Scottish castle!
DeleteI know GOD has blessed you with you writing ability.And know he will continue. I pray that you will have a true life success story to tell in the future.
ReplyDelete