Exclusive Interview with

Debby Grahl

Let’s start with your Career as a writer!

When did you start writing?

I was born with an eye disease called Retinitis Pigmentosa. I lost the ability to read print in my early twenties. Even when I had vision, seeing the printed word was difficult for me. I was in my early teens when I began making up my own stories. I used to entertain my girlfriends on our way to school. Two of these friends are still my biggest fans. It wasn't until the invention of computers and screen reading software, that I was able to put my stories into print.

What makes writing your passion?

I love sharing my stories with others.

How long have you been writing?

About twelve years.

What was the feeling when you published your first book?

Euphoria!! I jumped up and down screaming. I called, emailed, or texted everyone I knew.

What’s the story behind your choice of characters?

I honestly don't know. I decide the setting for the book and the story outline and the characters appear in my head.

What annoys you the most in pursuing a writing career?

Marketing! I'm awful at it! And I don't want to take time away from my writing.

How do you get over the “writer’s block”?

LOL! I clean house. Or I sit in the hot tub with a bottle of wine.

We all know the writer’s path is never easy, what makes you keep going? What advice would you give to new authors?

If being a writer is your dream, don't give up. If you're having trouble, take online writing classes. I found these to be extremely helpful.

If you could go back in time and talk to your younger self, what would you say?

Do you read your book reviews? How do you deal with the bad ones?

It depends on the bad review. I appreciate constructive criticism. If they're just nasty, I try to ignore it.

What is the feeling when you get a good review?

Fantastic!

Have you ever incorporated something that happened to you in real life into your novels?

Which of your characters you can compare yourself with? Did you base that character on you?

What do you think, the book cover is as important as the story?

Definitely! A reader might reject a great book because of the cover.

Do you connect with your readers? Do you mind having a chat with them or you prefer to express yourself through your writing?

I love talking with my readers!

How do you feel when people appreciate your work or recognize you in public?

It's more thrilling than I can say.

Who is your favorite author? Why?

I like so many, this is a tough question to answer. I'd have to say Martha Grimes, Ngaio Marsh, Heather Graham, Agatha Christie and Rhys Bowen.

What’s the dream? Whom would you like to be as big as?

Nora Roberts

Would you rewrite any of your books? Why?

If you could switch places with any author – who would that be?

Agatha Christie. I'd love to get inside her creative mind.

What would you say to the “trolls” on the internet? We all know them – people who like to write awful reviews to books they’ve never read or didn’t like that much, just to annoy the author.

I wish they'd find something better to do with their time!

What would you say to your readers?

Thank you for sharing! Let’s talk about your Personal Life!

Share a bit about yourself – where do you live, are you married, do you have kids?

I live on Hilton Head Island with my husband David. I don't have children, but I had a number of lovable cats.

What is your day job if you have one?

What are your hobbies? What do you do in your free time?

I like to travel, go shopping and out to lunch with my girlfriends, and go for long walks on the beach.

Did you have a happy childhood?

I had a wonderful childhood!

Is there a particular experience that made you start writing?

Do you have unpublished books? What are they about?

There's a time travel and a historical, but as of now, they're in my head.

What do you think should be improved in the education of our children? What do we lack?

If you were allowed 3 wishes – what would they be?

What is your favorite music?

Blues