Here is my interview with Deb Peters

Name: My Pen name is Deb Peters, but I have also been known as my given name Deborah Peters

Age: 49 soon to be 50 6/16

Where are you from:

I grew up mostly in Ohio and have lived here on and off for most my life.

A little about your self `ie your education Family life etc  :

I’m an award winning author that has had 20 years in the medical field and am a veteran mother of two grown kids. I have degrees in both the medical field and writing fields.

Fiona: Tell us your latest news?

Being interviewed by Women of Distinction Magazine’s fall edition

Fiona: When and why did you begin writing?

1996, when I had a composition class and my instructor asked me why writing wasn’t my career choice. I decided to do it as a hobby.

Fiona: When did you first consider yourself a writer?

In 2000 I started writing passionately and never looked back

Fiona: What inspired you to write your first book?

Not what really who. My son Troy was only 6 when he supported my writing

Fiona: Do you have a specific writing style?

Not really. I can write all dialog, poetry, non-fiction and fiction, for all ages

 

 

Fiona: How did you come up with the title?

I cam up with each of my book title’s in different ways. Most of the time, they just come to me. Some time’s I use what’s called a writer’s diagram. Usually the title has to do with something that happens in the book.

Fiona: Is there a message in your novel that you want readers to grasp?

I actually want the reader to enjoy reading. I enjoy the fact when it inspires them to make their lives happy.

Fiona: How much of the book is realistic?

I have lived a very full and action packed life. I’m not going to lie and say that I haven’t used my experiences to help with writing even my fiction books.

Fiona: Are experiences based on someone you know, or events in your own life?

More then likely yes. I also have a very vivid imagination.

Fiona: What books have most influenced your life most? a mentor?

People influenced my life more. Mysteries and crime have been a motivation for me to write something with intrigue and wonder; with twists and turns and right from the beginning.

My son was more a mentor for me as he grew up. I had some instructors that I would like to say made me keep writing. One especially claimed that he would have to watch out for me when it comes to writing Historical Fiction. I thought I had no chance because I got low grades in history.

Fiona: What book are you reading now?

I’m not. I’m a mentor to new authors, so am reading books by new authors at this time.

Fiona: Are there any new authors that have grasped your interest?

D. L.Barnes, Carol Boshears, June Betts

Fiona: What are your current projects?

I usually work on three at a time. However right now, I am working on more then that to come out by August.
SKUNK AGE=Children’s picture book
TOPSY TURVY=Children’s picture book
CROW’S SONG=continuing the BARREL RACING series (kids short story)
BRINGING UP BEN=continuing the BLINDING SNOW series (YA short story)
STUDENT BODY=YA thriller novel
DEEP CORTEX=Adult combination thriller series-continuing
UNDER THE SURFACE
PIED PIPER=Adult Christmas thriller series
I do have other I am working on, but wish not to disclose the titles to until I am closer to finishing them.

Fiona: Name one entity that you feel supported you outside of family members.

I have a support team of friends, to name just one would not be fair to the many who have had and are still supporting me through my writing life.

Fiona: Do you see writing as a career?

I am a disabled veteran. I have been published since 2004. I have won awards for my professionalism in the writing field. When I have treated writing as my life choice and have actually published, I would say yes. If I have inspired at least one person with my stories or non-fiction material, then yes.  Am I getting paid to write? No. Am I thinking of getting paid? It is a possibility that I might offer other authors the chance for me to be their coach/mentor. I might also decide to teach writing, because I have a degree in it, but at this time-it is just very rewarding to me when I see I have helped someone through my words on a page.

Fiona: If you had to do it all over again, would you change anything in your latest book?

I would like to add The last two years to the non-fiction book AGAINST ALL ODDS and I would like to add 50 pages to the book THE DISEASE AND ME
I would like to add some pages to the book THE END

 

 

 

Fiona: Do you recall how your interest in writing originated?
I had an English teacher in high school that wrote me a poem and I always wondered what it would be like to write. When I was confronted with composition classes in 1996, I had to write-it brought back those feelings and that is when I came up with my first 250 ideas.

 

Fiona: Is there anything you find particularly challenging in your writing?

Talking about myself when it comes to non-fiction

Fiona: Who is your favorite author and what is it that really strikes you about their work?

I’m totally on the edge of my seat with either Mary Higgins Clark and Tess Gerritsen. I didn’t imagine I could write what I dub Medical Thriller’s until I read Tess’s work. Adult crime suspense with twists became intriguing for me to try thanks to Mary’s work.

Fiona: Do you have to travel much concerning your book(s)?

I would like to do book tours, but I do not travel outside of Ohio for my books at this time.

Fiona: Who designed the covers?

My books with Authorhouse: I designed the covers from pictures I had or got from the publishers choice of pictures.

My books Adult and Young Adult on LuLu: I used a cover choice of the publishers pictures or made my own. 100 DAYS STRESS FREE I paid for the picture. Sannel Larson has been working on some book cover designs for my YA books as well.

My Children’s picture books: THE BIG’S series I drew myself. HOW HENRY FROG BECAME KING and SKUNK AGE were illustrated by Sannel Larson.

 

 

Fiona: What was the hardest part of writing your book?

When I come up with other book ideas while I’m working on the one’s I have started. Not having writer’s block is my main problem. I can’t shut it off.

Fiona: Did you learn anything from writing your book and what was it?

I’m proud of myself when I go back and read the books and think “I wrote that, wow that is good.” See, I lacked confidence in anything I did as I grew up.  I have also been called “One Smart Cookie.” I would say that each time I write a different style or smash my goals I learn something. That I am doing what makes me happy and inspiring others to try. Not to let even yourself stand in your way of making your dreams come true.

Fiona: Do you have any advice for other writers?

Write each day, even if it is one sentence. Be persistent and patient with others in the writing field. Expect to put a lot of time and energy into this field, if you want to become an author. Start with small press publishers-possibly look it up in the Literary Market Guide on-line or in libraries. Know your market and know how to write query letters and any other letters that have great hooks for the agent or publisher your sending to. If you want instant money with writing, look into freelance or other writing assignments through maybe magazines.

Fiona: Do you have anything specific that you want to say to your readers?

I’m the GO TO GAL of genres for a reason. I wish to offer reading enjoyment to as many people as possible who like different genres.

I hope you enjoy your journey wherever it may lead you. And if it leads you to my books, if you don’t see a genre you like; e-mail me your choice and I will see what I can do. I do have some genres I will never delve into, but would hope to please an maybe inspire you to enjoy reading more.

Fiona: Do you remember the first book you read?

I’m almost 50, so I don’t. I do remember a book that stands out the most.
DANA: THE YEAR BEFORE THE MAST. I hope to pick up a copy as memory of how well I liked it.

Fiona: What makes you laugh/cry?

On TV or in MOVIES: comedies make me laugh and sad romances make me cry.

Very few people have made me laugh. Might make me smile, but laugh-is hard.
These days I cry at the drop of a hat-hormones. Normally it is something sad.
A few friends make me laugh, and when I do, I laugh so hard.
I have heard laughter is the best medicine, so am trying to find more things to laugh about. When I have, it has made my day better.

Fiona: Is there one person past or present you would meet and why?

PAST: FDR; I have held him most of all presidents in my memory

NOW:

Fiona: What do you want written on your head stone and why ?

Since I plan to be cremated and no obit done, this does not fit me in reality.

Name rank and Serial number-lol 🙂

Fiona: Other than writing do you have any hobbies ?

Cross-stitch/Embroidery/Sewing, Singing, Drawing, Research for my books, Reading, Movies, and board games when it is with someone.

Fiona: What TV shows/films do you enjoy watching?

I have not had TV since August of lat year, but when I did=I watched comedies or mysteries. CSI, NCSI, MASH, FRIENDS, BODY OF PROOF, LIE TO ME
Movies: romances, action packed, comedies, very small amount of scarey
REIGN OF FIRE, GONE IN 60 SECONDS, WEDDING DATE, PRINCESS DIARIES, ED, SALT

Fiona: Favorite foods / Colors/ Music

Italian or Chinese: Lasagna or Orange Beef Stirfy
My all time favorite meal: Prime Rib with Baked potato and Steamed veggies with carrot cake

My favorite color use to be blue-I have no idea why it changed over the years. I love oranges and reds-bright colors. I’m now liking pink as long as it is a darker color like my hat.

I like all kinds of soft rock and some country, but over the years I have acquired a mood for Jazz and Rhythm and Blues. I tend to want to sing it as well as listen to it.

 

Fiona: If you were not a writer what else would you like to have done?

I was in the medical field for 20 plus years. In high school I wanted to be a singer and I did that for awhile, so wouldn’t mind doing that again. Maybe a saxophone player or illustrator. Be in a relationship for more 40 plus years. My grandparents were married 60 plus years almost 70 before one or the other passed away: I would like to have that longevity.  

Fiona: Do you have a blog/website? If so what is it?

Www.facebook.com/yourjourneyawaits

www.lulu.com/spotlight/deblynn

I have a blog I just started up

www.yourjourneyawaits.blogspot.com

I had two websites and no one ever went to them, so took them down

I am on TWITTER and LINKED-IN.

I also have some books at AUTHORHOUSE, AMAZON, BARNESANDNOBLE, and other on-line book sites.

Some of my books can be ordered in any Barnes and Noble book store all over the USA. And you can actually ask your local book store if they can order one of my books for you.