Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m the author of 24 published books with six more in varying stages of completion. Nine are audiobooks, with one more in the works. I live in western Washington where it rains nine months of the year and drips off the trees the rest of the time; ideal for writing. I’ve written my whole life. My first production was a one-act play in second grade that the teacher liked so well, she had the class act it out. SPruprising, my Cruise Addict’s Wife series took off right away. My background in stand up comedy influences all of my books. Why would anyone read a book that makes them feel worse?!
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
“The Ghost in the Bakery” was a fun one to write. It takes place in a small town in Oregon, where Kate buys an old building for cheap, not knowing it comes with a couple of resident ghosts. It’s just the kind of story I love to read, with warm characters and no flinch-worthy scenes. I’m creative enough to compose my own nightmares: these are not-scary ghosts.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
A year ago summer, in southern Idaho, I crashed into my adult son, the one shaped like a fire hydrant, at the bottom of a 600-foot-long slip-n-slide down a slope during a family reunion. Along with tearing six ribs loose from their moorings, the impact shattered my baby finger. So now I type with it politely canted away from the keyboard as if I was about to pick up a teacup. Also, I’ve written in a daily journal since I was 18, which was some time ago.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I love a good cozy (there are so many poorly-written ones out there) and anything to do with WWII. “Sarah’s Key” was so good, I had to take breaks reading it.
What are you working on now?
“One Daughter at a Time” will be out in January. It’s a coming-of-age story about Julie, who leaned too heavily on her husband. Once he died, can she raised the five daughters alone, teaching them all they need to know? The story shows the hazards of five little girls and a mother who’s growing up along with them.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Shotgun approach. Some sites work better than others, and some months I have more to spend on promoting them that others. My first book, Tips from the Crusie Addict’s wife, never needs promoting; it’s frequently a best-seller with no help from me.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Write, and write some more. The more books you have out there, the more you’ll sell. And the world needs to hear your words, your story, your way of telling it.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Write at least 160 words per day. Often, I write many more than that, but the idea of writing even a snippet every day keeps the current book in my mind so my subconscious can work out knots while I’m going through my day.
What are you reading now?
“The Nazi Officer’s Wife.”
What’s next for you as a writer?
More books! I have many more in me, and I will get them out
If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
The Book of Mormon, a good thesaurus, and my journal. I need to write, after all.
Author Websites and Profiles
Deb Graham Amazon Profile
Deb Graham’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile