Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Breaking TWIG is my first published novel to date.
Born and raised in the Deep South, I grew up during the era of the Civil Rights Movement, integration, and Vietnam. I received a BS degree in biology and English in Texas, and later moved to Atlanta to work and pursue post graduate work. After working in the scientific field for twenty years, I turned to writing fiction and nonfiction. My nonfiction and poetry have been published in newspapers and magazines locally and nationally.
I like to tackle issues most people, especially Southerners, can identify with and like me, may have struggled to understand. I enjoy writing stories and characters steeped in the lyrical traditions and mystical surroundings of the Deep South.
A transplanted Texan, I have lived the last twenty years in Montana with my family. When not working on my next novel or article, I enjoy doing pet therapy work with my golden retriever and volunteering in animal rescue.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The name of the book is Breaking TWIG.
In college, I majored in biology and English and have always been interested in the issue of heredity verses environment in child development. Which one has the most influence on a child? At times, Becky (Twig) worries that she has inherited her mother’s “picker” ways and her gene for chicanery, but she also thinks having one person who loves and believes in you is all a person needs to keep hope alive.
Growing up, both Becky and Henry had one parent who berated and abused them, and one parent who gave them unconditional love and support. Helen had no such love or support system when she was a child. I wanted readers to think about how important the roles of love and a supportive environment—or the lack of these two influences—are in helping to shape a child’s development into an adult.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
As a scientist, you learn to lay out your experiments and make sure each step builds on the last step. This process helps me in laying out my storyline. I usually make a timeline first, especially if the story will cover several years, such as Breaking TWIG does. I do a loose outline. I know where I want to start the story, where it should end, and have several major scenes already percolating in my head. They are not set in stone. I want to give the characters time and space to develop as I get to know them better.
A lot of writers I know need music or some noise in the background when they write. I need silence, total silence. That’s the reason I like to write while everyone else is asleep. So, I usually write between midnight and 5 am.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee is my favorite book. Being a southern fiction writer, it comes as no surprise that the women writers whose works have most influenced my own are a mixed bag of Southern ladies. From Dorothy Allison’s novel, Bastard Out of Carolina, to contemporary New York Times bestselling author, Deborah Smith, to Fannie Flagg, the Alabama lass that can tickle your funny bone with her words, the list is a long one indeed.
What are you working on now?
I am working on a romance-suspense called Caddo Girl. It is set in Louisiana in early 1970’s. After it is completed, I’m writing a sequel to Breaking TWIG because so many readers have asked me to continue Becky’s story. They have actually called me to ask about what happens next for Johnny and Becky.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I use Twitter and Facebook a lot. I really appreciate sites like Awesomegang that help indie authors get the word out about their books. I also belong to two writer groups and we cross promote each other’s books. Most writers are generous people. Help others promote their books, paintings, art, and they will help you in return. Donate copies of your book to libraries, book drives, and/or charity fund raisers. Offer your expertise to help judge al writing contest or talk to a high school English class. Let the people you meet know you’re a writer. When someone gives you their business card, give them one of your own, one that includes a link to your website or book.
Also, study what is going on in the marketplace. Rules change, agents move to new agencies, and so forth. What worked last year or even last month, might not work today. Be ready to spend a lot of time researching trends and learn to filter the facts from the hype. Remember your book may be your baby, but it is also your business.
The best promotions come from readers. I answer every email I receive from readers and answer any question they might have. I’ve become friends with several of my readers, even though we have never met except via FB and email. Word-of mouth may seem old fashion in this day of flash internet, but it is still the best and most trusted form of promotion.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Don’t expect others to do all the marketing for you. Learn how to use social marketing sites like Facebook and Twitter (ask a teenager for advice). I belong to a great local writers’ group. We share our resources, pool our knowledge, and celebrate each other’s success. I urge every writer I meet to join a supportive authors’ group, but beware of toxic groups that view everyone as their competitor rather than their colleague. And when you don’t know something—ASK! And keep asking until you find someone who has the answers.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Two things:
The first is from William Shakespeare’s, Hamlet. I like this so much that I put it on page 1 in the paperback version of Breaking TWIG.
“This above all: to thine own self be true,
And it must follow, as the night the day,
Thou canst not then be false to any man.”
The second is from my late mother. She told me life is about the choices you make. When you get knocked down, choose to get up.
What are you reading now?
“Your Heart: Prevent & Reverse Heart Disease in Women, Men & Children” by Dr. Betty Kuffel (nonfiction)
“Death Al Dente” a mystery by Agatha-award winning author, Leslie Budewitz.
What’s next for you as a writer?
My husband is retiring soon, so I’m going to take the next couple of weeks off. Then I will start edits for Caddo Girl and hopefully get it out by summer. While doing that, I will begin working on ideas for the sequel of Breaking TWIG.
I plan on getting a lot of writing done this winter because I have a long “honey-do” list come summer.
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?
A first aid/ survival in the wilderness book
A picture book about dogs
The Bible
A thick journal of empty pages (with pencil) to write in.
Author Websites and Profiles
Deborah Epperson Website
Deborah Epperson Amazon Profile
Deborah Epperson’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account
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