Debby Mayne’s interview

» Posted on Jun 9, 2009 in Blog | Comments Off on Debby Mayne’s interview


This week I’m hosting Debby Mayne with her book, Love Finds You in Treasure Island, Florida, Mary Connealy with her book, Montana Rose, and Steve Bonenberger with his book, Through the Gates of Fire. If you want to enter the drawing for the book, please leave a comment on one of the post during the week with your email address. I will not enter you without an email address (my way to contact you if you win). If you don’t want to leave an email address, another way you can enter is to email me at margaretdaley@gmail.com. The drawings end Sunday (June 14th) evening.

Debby Mayne’s interview:

1. What made you start writing?

I’m not one of those people who always wanted to be a writer because it required sitting still—something I didn’t do very well when I was younger. After I gave birth to my first daughter, I spent quite a bit of time researching childcare, and I jotted notes that I taped all over my house. A friend suggested using that information and writing an article for other clueless new moms, so I did. Not expecting anything to come of it, I mailed it to a regional parenting magazine. A month later, I got a call from the editor saying she wanted to buy it! I wound up writing approximately 100 articles for parenting magazines. As my children grew up and I became more comfortable with the craft, I decided to try writing what I love to read—romance novels.

When I was in college, one of my English professors told me I was a good writer, and he encouraged me to consider a career where I could use this skill. I think it was always in the back of my mind because I didn’t hesitate to move forward once the publishing gate was open.

2. How long have you been writing?

I’ve been writing for almost 27 years.

When did you sell your first book?

My first book sold in 1999, and it was released in 2000.

3. How do you handle rejections?

I allow myself to feel bad for a day or two. Then I do a self-lecture to snap out of it, and I work on something new.

4. Why do you write?

I enjoy coming up with fun and interesting stories and sharing them with others. My whole process is enjoyable because I make new friends (my characters), I learn new things (research), and I can solve problems (conflict) without ever having to leave home.

5. What would you be doing with your free time if you weren’t writing?

My favorite pastime has always been reading. My idea of heaven on earth is to have a stack of unread books, a comfortable chair, and a good lamp.

6. What are you working on right now?

I’m working on Special Mission, my second Heartsong Presents set in West Virginia.

7. Do you put yourself into your books/characters?

I think most authors have at least a small part of themselves in their characters. Even when the people in my stories look different and have different experiences from mine, everything they do reflects how I see their lives and what I believe their reactions should or would be.

8. Tell us about the book you have out right now.

Love Finds You in Treasure Island, Florida is a triple romance with a web of other relationships. The longer format enabled me to deal with issues that I care about, such as the processes and challenges of aging, single parenting, multigenerational relationships, and the need for family. The setting, Treasure Island, is a beautiful beach town set on a barrier island about a half hour south of where I live.

9. Do you have any advice for other writers?

Continue to learn, no matter how many books you sell. Then share your knowledge with others to give back. If writing is truly your passion, never give up, no matter what.

10. How important is faith in your books?

Since my faith is strong and growing, it will be reflected in everything I write.

11. What themes do you like to write about?

I grew up with a military dad, and he had to travel without the family quite a bit when I was younger. Although I wasn’t an abandoned child, I probably experienced some of the same feelings that often come through in my stories. I also like a strong community where people know everything about each other. This enables me to show people’s quirks and foibles in how they relate to each other.

12. What is your favorite book you’ve written and why?

At the risk of sounding cliché, it’s always the book I’m currently writing. Of all my books that are actually available, my favorite is Love Finds You in Treasure Island, Florida because I was able to explore all the different relationships.

13. What is your writing schedule like?

I’m a morning person, so after I pour my first cup of coffee, I sit down at the computer and read what I wrote the day before. After tweaking it a bit and getting back into the story, I work on my daily pages (a set number based on my deadline for that particular book). I do this each day, all the way through the book, then I put it aside for a while before I go back and look at it with fresh eyes. With each revision, I generally add layers and texture to the characters and settings to give the readers more of a sense of being there. Each book will go through three or four rounds of revisions before I send it to my editor.