An Interview with Debbie De Louise

Hey, guys. I had the opportunity to interview Debbie De Louise, author of Between A Rock And A Hard Place.

 

Tell us about your book.

 

Between a Rock and a Hard Place is the second book in my Cobble Cove cozy mystery series. It takes place in upstate, New York in the fictional town of Cobble Cove and features three crimes that need to be solved: robbery, kidnapping, and murder. There are also some scenes taking place in New York City near the holidays.

 

When did you realize that you were a writer?

 

That’s a difficult question because I’ve been writing practically my whole life. However, it’s rather recent that I’ve begun to think of myself as an author. I think that’s because I am now publishing on a regular basis, and I’ve started to have fans request my books and spread the word about them to others.

 

Do you have any books coming out in 2017?

 

I hope so. I’m reviewing the third Cobble Cove mystery, tentatively titled Written in Stone, and hope to submit it to my publisher by next month. I am also reprinting the first in the series, A Stone’s Throw, that may come out around the same time. I have a novella, When Jack Trumps Ace, that’s a romantic comedy being released in February along with a short historical romance, The Seashell and the Stone, that will be part of a Valentine-themed anthology and also available by itself as a Kindle Short. In addition, I am currently querying agents with my psychological thriller, Sea Scope.

 

If readers are looking to connect with you, what’s the best way to do it?

 

I have two blogs and a newsletter and an author page on Facebook. I’m also on Twitter and Goodreads. My social media links are:

 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/debbie.delouise.author/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Deblibrarian

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/2750133.Debbie_De_Louise

Amazon Author Page: http://www.amazon.com/Debbie-De-Louise/e/B0144ZGXPW/

Website/Blog/Newsletter Sign-Up: https://debbiedelouise.wordpress.com

 

What are you working on right now?

 

Lol, how much room do you have for my answer? I actually have many projects going on. My focus, though, is the third Cobble Cove mystery I mentioned above, Written in Stone. I also hope to get A Stone’s Throw, the first book, reprinted soon. Other than that, I am working on short stories, querying agents, blogging, and hope to start another standalone book soon, as well.

 

Tell us about your submission process.

 

I can usually write my first draft in six to eight weeks, and it takes about that length of time to revise and edit the manuscript so that it’s presentable to an agent, editor, or publisher. I also try to have it beta read by fellow authors for feedback and conduct research to make it as realistic as possible.

 

What author would you say inspires you the most? Who is your current favorite author?

 

I like reading a variety of authors, but I especially enjoy Nora Roberts and would love to write both standalones and series books as she does. I like how she combines mystery with romance and sometimes paranormal elements.

 

Who was your first favorite author as a child?

 

I devoured all of Phyllis Whitney’s gothic romances when I was a preteen up through my teen years. I then read authors of similar styles – Victoria Holt, Mary Stewart, etc.

 

What advice would you give yourself if you could go back to when you were a new writer?

 

Because I was working full-time and then had my daughter, I stopped writing for a period of time and wish that I hadn’t done that. Writers need to keep writing to develop their skills and grow and maintain an audience.

 

What would you consider the best thing you’ve ever done for your writing career?

 

I think I’ve learned most from being active on social media and networking with other authors. I also think creating and writing a blog was extremely helpful.

 

Finally, what would you consider the most fulfilling moment you’ve experienced as a writer?

 

There were several moments. When I first saw my book in print, when I read my first glowing review, and when I won an award for an article I wrote and entered in the Cat Writer’s Association contest.

I want to thank Debbie so much for her interview. If you’d like to be interviewed by Paper Beats World, send me an email at nicolecluttrell86@Gmail.com