Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m a former teacher, inspired to write by a colleague who had his eleventh grade students write a novel each year. I tried my hand at it and discovered my passion. I’ve written over twenty books since then in a variety of genres: sci-fi, time travel, paranormal, dystopian, coming of age, and thriller.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The Time Bender series was inspired by a book blurb I read about a girl discovering she had mermaid blood in her veins and a destiny she couldn’t have imagined. I never read the book, but the idea of being part alien took hold and an entire four book series flowed out of the simple idea.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I write in the quiet of a full log home early in the morning before breakfast. I edit and rewrite constantly and I rarely outline. I’m as surprised as any reader as to what will happen on the next page. I let my characters take over.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Dean Koontz first and then every single author I read contributes to my learning and growing.
What are you working on now?
I’m now stretching out to see if I can break into the adult contemporary category with a novel that is part thriller and part break-your-heart romance.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
AMS, Awesome Gang, Pinterest, Instagram
Do you have any advice for new authors?
I’d advise new authors to take writing courses, read all you can on the subject, and hire a really good editor.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
The best advice I’ve ever heard was try to learn from your mistakes and definitely try to learn from other people’s mistakes.
What are you reading now?
I’m currently reading The Marsh King’s Daughter for a neighborhood book club I belong to.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I’m editing my last two novels and waiting for the next bit of inspiration to set my fingers flying again.
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?
Only 4 books? I’d have to take the first four in the Outlander series.
Author Websites and Profiles
Debra Chapoton Website
Debra Chapoton Amazon Profile
Debra Chapoton Author Profile on Smashwords
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