Debby, describe yourself for our visitors.
I grew up in a military family, so I moved every couple of years throughout my childhood. As an only child, I had to find ways to keep from feeling lonely when we went to a new place. Books became my refuge. After I graduated from high school, I went to college at the University of Southern Mississippi, where I majored in Community Recreation and double minored in English and Psychology.
I’ve been activities director in nursing homes, program center director at a YWCA, public relations specialist at a large daily newspaper, sales rep for an international food company, managing editor of a nationally distributed health magazine, and product information for a TV retailer. In addition to writing books and articles on writing, I teach the "Breaking into Print" course for the Long Ridge Writers Group. I have a husband of almost 29 years, 2 grown daughters, a son-in-law, and a baby granddaughter.
How do you find time to connect with God?
With book contracts and lessons to edit, it’s difficult, so I have to make time. Most mornings, I read a devotion from my church, then I stay in prayer throughout the day.
Do you have a favorite bible verse and or quote you wish to share?
Create in me a pure heart, O God,
and renew a steadfast spirit within me.
Psalm 51:10
Who are your favorite authors? Favorite books?
I have so many favorite authors, it’s impossible to list them all, but here are a few: Trish Perry (Too Good to be True), Sandra Bricker (Love Finds You in Snowball, Arkansas), Kristin Billerbeck (What a Girl Wants), Camy Tang (Sushi for One), and Francine Rivers (Redeeming Love)
Tell us about your journey to publication.
I’m not one of those people who always wanted to be a writer. I was more athletic, so I envisioned myself working in sports. However, I had a professor who encouraged me to do something in publishing because he said I had a knack. I put that in the back of my mind, until after I had my first child. Since I’d never been around babies, I had to do quite a bit of research on every aspect of child rearing. A neighbor encouraged me to write about my experiences to share with my daughter later. I wound up sending one piece I wrote to a regional parenting publication, and a month later, they bought it! I wrote 90+ articles that eventually sold, then I progressed to writing books because I’ve always loved stories.
Tell us about your current book.
The book that recently came out, Love Finds You in Treasure Island, Florida is filled with all kinds of overlapping, intergenerational relationships. The hero’s father is always hunting for a treasure, and with the help of his unlikely best buddy, he finds it in a place no one would ever think to look.
How did you come up with ideas for this book?
I always start with a character interview for the main people in the story. Then I create the plot around conflicts between them.
What influence you to write this book?
Not only do I love Florida, Treasure Island is the perfect setting for the people in my story.
Did you have a favorite character(s)? Who and why?
My favorite character in the Treasure Island book is Harold, the hero’s grouchy father. Although he struggles with the frustration from a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s, he’s still a smart and witty man.
What’s next for you?
I’ve submitted more proposals for the Love Finds You series. I also have three Heartsong Presents books set in West Virginia, with the first one coming out this fall.
Where can visitors find you online?
Website: http://debbymayne.com
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