Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am a writer based in Toronto, Canada. I’m a proud royalist with a lifelong passion for the British monarchy. An avid Diana-watcher for over 30 years, I was thrilled to cheer on the royal wedding of Prince William to Kate Middleton on the streets of London in 2011. I was also honoured to attend a Royal Garden Party at Buckingham Palace in 2015. My first novel, Diana A Spencer in Love, was published by Indigo Sea Press in 2017. Unbelievably, I have enjoyed a forty-year career with a large computer company as a global learning designer. I enjoy spending time with my two amazing adult children and grand-daughter Eva.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My second book is called Diana, A Spencer in Turmoil. It’s the second historical novel in my Diana Spencer trilogy. It continues the story of Princess Diana after ten years of marriage – when she is soaring on the world stage but facing private struggles with her marriage, bulimia and a relentless paparazzi. It’s historically accurate but does something no other Diana biography does – it tells the Princess’s story in her own voice.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Hmm, that’s a good one. My best habit is to finish writing when I’m really on a roll. I leave a chapter ALMOST finished. That way, when I pick it up the next day, I have energy and focus to complete it…and then I just keep on writing. I rarely have experienced writer’s block this way.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Colleen Mccullough – The Thorn Birds, Ayn Rand – We the Living, any fiction about royalty or life in Britain in WWII. I love a strong story with memorable characters and captivating writing.
What are you working on now?
I’m working on the final book in my Diana Spencer trilogy – Diana, A Spencer Forever which chronicles the last year of Princess Diana’s life. Her work with banning landmines, coming into her own as a divorced woman and finding love again are all explored with the same attention to historical detail as the first two books.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Wow…that’s a hard one. Being consistent with all social media is key. I tend to gravitate to Facebook but I’m always looking for new sites.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
My best advice is to create an outline for your book- Chapter by chapter. Even if it changes (my first book was supposed to be 10 chapters, but it ended up being 12), you need to have a vision and view for the flow and how the story unfolds. Then, create a writing schedule with deadlines and stick to it!
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Show, don’t tell. Make your characters and narrative come to life by showing the audience what is happening through dialogue, rich details and the 5 senses.
What are you reading now?
The Love Song of Miss Queenie Hennessy by Rachel Joyce
What’s next for you as a writer?
Finishing my trilogy, getting my books out there and deciding what to write next!
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?
Anything by Maeve Binchy or Rosamond Pilcher. Probably The Thorn Birds. Maybe my own trilogy. 🙂
Author Websites and Profiles
Deb Stratas Website
Deb Stratas Amazon Profile
Deb Stratas’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account