Can you share a little about your recent book?
My recent book. ALASKAN HOLIDAY is about a young woman named Josie, who sets off to Alaska before starting her new much-anticipated career as a sous chef in Seattle. What she doesn’t anticipate is all that the little town of Ponder has to offer her, and the difficult decisions she must make in the future.
Why do you write? Do you have a theme, message, or goal for your books?
God gave me the gift of being a storyteller. I was born to write. If I had given up, I would have lost a piece of my soul. Each book has a theme that is relevant to the plot, which I hope readers are able to connect and relate to.
How long have you been writing?
Forty years! I rented my first typewriter in 1978, and I remember it like it was yesterday.
And how long did it take you to get your first major book contract? Or are you published non-traditionally? How did that come about?
It took me five years to get published. During those five years, I got rejected more times than I can count.
How long does it take you to write a book?
Well to say it simply, as long as it takes. Each book is different.
What’s your writing work schedule like?
My writing schedule consists of setting page goals for myself every day. I do my very best to maintain this schedule and meet my deadlines.
Do you have an interesting writing quirk? If so, what is it?
I hum when I write dialogue. Several years back, I was writing in my shared office space with Wayne and he asked me, “What are you writing?” I replied, “Dialogue. Why?” He said, “Well you ‘re humming.” I was totally unaware that I hummed while I wrote! It was something I realized that day that I did in fact hum during the dialogue-writing process.
What has been your greatest joy(s) in your writing career?
There have been so many over the years. I will say, there is one moment where I knew I had hit the “big time.” I was watching TV one night and my phone began to buzz constantly. Jeopardy was on and the question was, “Kitty doesn’t like the knitting so much in the Debbie Macomber book “A Good” this, but loves the threads” My book, A GOOD YARN, was a Jeopardy question! Definitely a highlight for me.
What has been your darkest moment(s)?
This is a difficult question to answer. As with anything in life, success comes with failure, good comes with the bad. However, I make a point to focus on the good. I don’t read negative posts or emails. There are too many critics and I would rather hang out with the cheerleaders.
Which of your books is your favorite?
This is like asking me to pick out a favorite child. I just can’t do it.
Who is your favorite author to read?
Favorite is such a strong word. I read so many genres and authors that it is hard to name just one. I really enjoy Cathy Lamb, Sheila Roberts, and Linda Leal Miller, just to name a few.
What advice can you give aspiring writers that you wished you had gotten, or that you wished you would have listened too?
Just keep writing.
How many times in your career have you experienced rejection? How did they shape you?
More than most people realize, almost to the point of giving up.
Do you have a favorite character or scene in one of your books?
I enjoy writing humor. The scenes I create that give glimpses into this humor are my favorites. I have some of those “I crack myself up” moments.
Where do you get your ideas?
From life, situations and from people around me. From society, the news, and from music.
What are common mistakes you see aspiring writers make?
Giving up too soon. Being impatient with the process.
Where/How do you recommend writers try to break into the market?
By writing the best book they possibly can.
BIO
Debbie Macomber is a #1 New York Times bestselling author and one of today’s most popular writers with more than 200 million copies of her books in print worldwide. In her novels, Macomber brings to life compelling relationships that embrace family and enduring friendships, uplifting her readers with stories of connection and hope. In 2018, Macomber’s all-new hardcover publications include Cottage by the Sea (July) and Alaskan Holiday (October). Macomber is also releasing a new cookbook titled Debbie Macomber’s Table: Sharing the Joy of Cooking with Family and Friends (April). Debbie’s books are available wherever books are sold.
Website: www.debbiemacomber.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DebbieMacomberWorld/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/debbiemacomber
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