Interview with Author Debbie Herbert

Debbie Herbert

Alabama

Good morning, Debbie.  Welcome to Vision and Verse.  We're glad to have you with us this morning.  Tell us, what have you written?

I’ve written several books, but my debut novel was just published by Harlequin Nocturne in November 2013. It’s the first of a trilogy about a secret clan of mermaids living deep in an Alabama bayou. They are all paranormal romance novels.  I’ve also written two Young Adult paranormal romances and a Middle Grade novel with magical elements that are on submission through my agent. I love writing about magic and what may lie beneath the mundane activities of daily existence! To me, writing paranormal is way to define what it means to be human.

What is your favorite genre to write?

Romance! I’m all about the happing ending and the journey to arrive at that place.

Favorite food.

Pizza. Didn’t have to think hard at all about that question. J Cheesecake is a close runner-up.

Tea or coffee?

Iced tea for this Southern girl.

Pizza or ice cream?

Pizza. See above! I never get tired of it.

Where would you like to visit?

The beach is always a winner. I’d love to visit Yellowstone Park one day.

Favorite musical artist.  Do you listen to music when you write?  What?

I love lots of the old 70s bands: Lynard Skynard, Molly Hatchett, Led Zepplin, and ZZ Top.  Best Song? Sweet Home Alabama.

Unfortunately, I’m not one of those writers who develop sound tracks for different novels.  I wish I was, it sounds so cool and very imaginative.  But I work best in silence.

What makes you laugh?

My cats, the Big Bang Theory TV show, anything with John Candy in it.  I’m easy.

How old were you when you started writing?

I’ve scribbled on and off since I can remember.  Started off in elementary school with Dear Diary entries, progressed to angst-ridden poems and short stories as a teenager, and wrote my first full-length novel at age twenty, sure of success – as only the young can be.  I was so disappointed when that manuscript was returned to me with a rejection!  Then came children and the writing dream went underground for a long time.  About five years ago I went to my local library and heard an author speak and it rekindled the old dream. I joined a writing group, took classes, and wrote every single day. I racked up an impressive number of rejections before someone finally said ‘yes.’

Never give up your dreams no matter where you are in life. Whether it’s to write books, run a marathon or learn to play piano -- get going!

Describe your perfect evening.

Either curled up with a good book on the couch with my husband and cats for company, or dinner with a couple of girlfriends. Not a party animal.

Where do you get your inspiration?

Sometimes from dreams or meeting others with interesting stories.  Mostly, I’m wired to enjoy playing What if games i.e. What if there was such a thing as fairies? What if I literally ran into a serial killer dumping a body at sea? (Yes, shameless plug for the premise of Siren’s Secret.)

What do you do when you get a writer's block?

I do various things: try to write through it, brainstorm with friends, go for a walk, make a list of possible scenes and how my characters would react to the situations in the scenes. Sometimes you just have to sleep on it and trust your subconscious to find answers.

Who is your favorite author?

So hard to narrow it down to one!  But if I must . . . I’ll go with Amanda Quick, an historical romance writer who also writes contemporary romances as Jayne Ann Krentz and futuristic/fantasy romances as Jayne Castle.

Best book you ever read.

Diary of Anne Frank. I read it in the fourth grade and it was a revelation for me on the power of words.

Who is the one person who has influenced your personal life the most and why?

My husband because of his understanding, support, honesty, and confidence.

If you could sit down and have a conversation with ONE person, living or dead, real or fictional, who would it be and why?

Anne Frank because I want to know how a thirteen year old girl could be so wise and optimistic in such horrific circumstances.

What advice would you give someone who aspired to be a writer?

Take classes, join a critique group, experiment with different genres and forms to see what you are best at and what you enjoy the most. But the most important thing is to realize writing is like any craft, the more you practice, the better you become.

Do you have any links for us?

Twitter:  https://twitter.com/debherbertwrit

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/#!/debbie.herbert.737 regular friend account

Facebook fan page:  https://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Debbie-Herbert-Author/151793451695632 Debbie Herbert Author

Pinterest:  alabamagirl3536, http://www.pinterest.com/alabamagirl3536/boards/

Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/author/debbieherbert  

Debbie Herbert

http://www.debbieherbert.com/ 

Siren's Secret, November 2013 release date, wherever books are sold.
Southern Supernatural Romance--Where love, like magic, casts its own spell of enchantment.