Best of Family & Relationships
Best of Family & Relationships
"So Many Books, So Little Time!"
Exclusive Interview with
Debra Ann Pawlak
When did you start writing?
I started writing as soon as I could hold a pencil, but I didn't write professionally until the year 2000! Unfortunately, I put the pencil down for a long time, while working a full-time job and raising a family. Once the kids got older, I always sensed something was missing and eventually, I figured out it was that stupid pencil!
What makes writing your passion?
Writing is a means of communication. I like to, not only entertain my readers, but teach them a thing or two as well. I especially like history and bringing back forgotten people to a modern world. I always remind my readers that everything began somewhere. Yesterday's entrepreneurs and innovative thinkers are to thank for what we have today.
How long have you been writing?
I have been writing professionally for 25 years.
What was the feeling when you published your first book?
I have a sense of accomplishment any time I publish a book or a magazine article. It's a lot of hard work, but seeing my 'by line' makes it all worthwhile.
What’s the story behind your choice of characters?
In my latest novel, Imperfect Paradise - Book One of The Chandler Connection, my main characters are based on a dream that I had. I began the story and then stopped, but twenty-five years later, I started dreaming about them again. They said it was time to tell their story!
What annoys you the most in pursuing a writing career?
The lack of respect for what it takes. Writing a book, essay, short story, or article is a lot of hard work. The perception seems to be that words suddenly appear on paper, and you're done. Low-paying writer's jobs are also a sore spot. It's like our time is not worth anything. We should be willing to give our work away. You wouldn't ask a plumber or electrician to work for nothing.
How do you get over the “writer’s block”?
I've never had long-term writer's block. I might get stumped for a short while, but usually a short break from the project will do it. Deadlines also work wonders. When you know you have a deadline, there isn't time for writer's block.
We all know the writer’s path is never easy, what makes you keep going? What advice would you give to new authors?
I love to write. Period. Stringing words together to present a story or idea, is very satisfying to me. I particularly enjoy the research and learning new things. If you are serious about the writing life, never give up. Don't expect to get rich quick. Remember that as an author, you will get hundreds of rejections, but it only takes one 'YES"!
If you could go back in time and talk to your younger self, what would you say?
Don't put that pencil down. Keep writing.
Do you read your book reviews? How do you deal with the bad ones?
I normally do not read book reviews. Not everyone will love your work. I just do my best and once I take that leap to publication, I let it go.
What is the feeling when you get a good review?
It's always nice to hear when someone enjoys your work. Writing is a lonely kind of thing and you just don't know if anyone will like or be interested in what you have to say. I don't usually read reviews, but when I conduct a talk or meet people at book signings, it's encouraging when they have a kind word.
Have you ever incorporated something that happened to you in real life into your novels?
Yes, if it makes the character more rounded or adds to the story, I definitely do.
Which of your characters you can compare yourself with? Did you base that character on you?
I have never based on a character on myself. I am boring! LOL I create my characters based on what I value in a friend. I try to give them a sense of humor, courage, and strength. An interesting character is a flawed character and that's what make the story!
What do you think, the book cover is as important as the story?
A book cover is what readers see first. If it's not appealing, they won't pick it up. I am very proud of the Imperfect Paradise cover--it's not only eye-catching, but it gives an insight about the story and the characters.
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 connecting with my readers. I do a lot of talks and book signings. It's fun to meet people. I always welcome them.
How do you feel when people appreciate your work or recognize you in public?
It's very nice when people come together to hear a talk or just to meet me. Generally, people are very kind and supportive. It makes me feel that my work is appreciated. I enjoy it very much.
Who is your favorite author? Why?
I have so many authors I like for various reasons. The list would be very long! Non-fiction--Robert Matzen, Tom Clavin for their dedicated research. Fiction - Melanie Benjamine, Jodie Picoult, Stephen King for their imaginative approach.
What’s the dream? Whom would you like to be as big as?
My dream is to earn enough money to pay the bills, which will allow me to keep writing. Celebrity is not the dream.
Would you rewrite any of your books? Why?
Not really. I always see something I could change once my books are published, but I feel that I have given them my best and it's time to let them fly on their own.
If you could switch places with any author – who would that be?
I wouldn't exactly switch places, but if I could get inside Stephen King's head to see how his mind works, I would do it in a heartbeat! LOL
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.
Get a life!
What would you say to your readers?
Thank you for your kindness and support. It means way more than you will ever know.
Share a bit about yourself – where do you live, are you married, do you have kids?
My husband and I split our time between Michigan and Florida. I have two children who are grown and married with families of their own. Thanks to them, I also have four wonderful grandchildren who have brought more joy than I ever imagined possible.
What is your day job if you have one?
I am lucky enough to be retired at the moment. Wouldn't mind a part-time job though. Maybe at a bookstore or library.
What are your hobbies? What do you do in your free time?
I do a lot of reading. I enjoy the old black and white movies and some of the silent films. I also do some needlework.
Did you have a happy childhood?
I had an unusual childhood. My mother died just before my third birthday and my dad left when I was eight. I lived with my maternal grandparents and my aunt (mother's sister). They were wonderful and provided a good home with lots of love and support. My grandpa was the best!
Is there a particular experience that made you start writing?
Yes, I picked up a pencil.
Do you have unpublished books? What are they about?
I am currently working on Dreamin' With Dee - Book Two of The Chandler Connection. The entire Chandler Connection series is drafted, but moving forward, it needs a lot of work.
What do you think should be improved in the education of our children? What do we lack?
We need to do a better job teaching our children about history. People who have shaped the world we live in, are forgotten today and to me, that is sad. When I asked one of my kids (while they were still in school) if they knew who Winston Churchill was, they told me he was a black poet. So much for history class!
If you were allowed 3 wishes – what would they be?
My wishes are kind of broad--a safe world for our children and grandchildren, good and meaningful education for all, and opportunities to succeed.
What is your favorite music?
I love the classics--Tony Bennett, Sarah Vaughn, Frank Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald, Louis Armstrong, etc.
Share a secret with us 🙂
I keep telling my grandkids that I am 39 years old. They say they don't understand how I can be 39 and my own kids are in their forties. I tell them to go talk to their parents about it. Hey--if 39 was good enough for Jack Benny, than it's good enough for me!