Interview With Author Deborah Stone
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I read English Literature at Durham University and live in London in the United Kingdom with my husband, two sons and gorgeous golden retriever, Stanley.
Her new novel, Semi-Detached, was published on April 3 and is available in Kindle and paperback.
My last novel, Me and My Shadow, is a thrilling psychological suspense novel. https://deborahstonebooks.com. It has been awarded a Chill with a Book Premier award, which is only awarded to those books which achieve outstanding ratings from all reviewers. https://deborahstonebooks.com
My first novel, What’s Left Unsaid, won The Chill With A Book Runner Up Prize for Best Book of 2018 and has been highly acclaimed. https://deborahstonebooks.com
My non-fiction book, The Essential Family Guide to Caring for Older People, is an important manual for any family looking after older relatives. The book was shortlisted as a finalist in The Wishing Shelf Book Awards 2022, which the winners to be announced in April. https://deborahstonebooks.com
Deborah Stone is a leading expert in the field of elder care. Through her website, www.maturethinking.co.uk she provides information and advice for families caring for older people, as well as advising companies on the effective development of products and services for older people. Deborah regularly appears on BBC, ITV, Sky and Channel 5 as a care expert, as well as contributing to lifestyle magazines and national newspapers with advice for those making decisions about care for relatives.
Find all Deborah’s books here: https://deborahstonebooks.com/
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is called Semi-Detached. and I was inspired to write it by imaging what goes on behind closed doors in ordinary neighbourhoods.
Bill and Amanda are living in a semi-detached house, stuck in a depressing rut of boredom and disappointment, when Terry and Fiona – glamorous, successful and very much in love – move in next door. Despite their different outlooks on life, the couples befriend each other and life appears to improve for both pairs. But all is not what it seems, and their increasingly interconnected relationships are fated for tragedy.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I like to write with my dog next to me. My dog George, sat with me through the writing of all of my first three books before he passed away in 2021. Stanley, my new, naughty puppy, is training very well as my new assistant.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I read very widely and find it so difficult to pick out specific authors. My favourite contemporary writers are Kate Atkinson, A S Byatt, Mordecai Richler, William Boyd, Sebastian Faulks and Ian McEwan.
What are you working on now?
I have a whole host of ideas whizzing around, but haven’t settled on one yet.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Social media – Instagram, Facebook etc.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Persevere. If you have a book in you, get on and write it. If no one will publish it, go for it yourself.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Life is long and you can achieve many things.
What are you reading now?
Case Study by Graeme Macrae Burnet. It’s brilliant.
What’s next for you as a writer?
Another book…
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?
Pride and Prejudice by jane Austen
Vanity Fair by William Makepeace Thackeray
Literally anything by Dickens
Solomin Gursky Was Here by Mordecai Richler
Author Websites and Profiles
Deborah Stone’s Social Media Links