Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’ve written and published six books in the Casey Holland mystery series. I’ve also released a two-book mystery series focused on white-collar crime, plus two novellas featuring security guard, Evan Dunstan. Those books are currently unavailable after my publisher closed shop, but I hope to re-release them again. I’m currently working on a full-length urban fantasy, with the working title When Darkness Draws Nearer. I live near Vancouver BC and primarily set my books in Vancouver and the surrounding lower mainland. I used a handful of European settings in my first book, The Opposite of Dark, as I visited those places during my travelling days.
I’ve worked a lot of different jobs in retail, security, and office administration. Several of those experiences, along with volunteer work in a juvenile detention center have been incorporated into my novels and short stories.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is The Blade Man, which is number six in the Casey Holland series. The inspiration came from a series of attacks on bus drivers in Vancouver, where I live. Research soon revealed that this is a problem in cities throughout North America and elsewhere. The ramifications can be quite severe on drivers.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I know that some authors like to play music while writing and others prefer silence. I like silence, but I also keep the TV on, sometimes with the sound up. I’m a news junkie and am also tuning in to find out what’s going on in the world.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
In childhood, Nancy Drew inspired my love of reading and fascination with mysteries. In my teens and twenties, it was Agatha Christie, Dorothy L. Sayer, the Sherlock Holmes mysteries, thengreat American authors like Raymond Chandler, Dashiell Hammett. Later it was Sue Grafton, Tony Hillerman, and many others.
What are you working on now?
I’m working on two projects right now. One is my first urban fantasy, which is nearly twice as long as my mysteries, but great fun. I’m also completing my seventh Casey Holland mystery, only this one is a novella and is on the humorous side, called Man in a Gold Satin Thong.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
For me, promoting my books works best through my blog and newsletter, although I do promote on Twitter and Facebook as well. I’m always looking for new opportunities, and still figuring out how to make the best use of Instagram.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
My advice for new authors is to keep reading, keep learning, and try to network with others either through social media, your local library, or community centers. Writing and publishing is not as solitary as you might think.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Read, read, read. Not just in your genre, but everything.
What are you reading now?
I’m reading W is for Wasted, which is one of Sue Grafton’s last novels before she passed away. I’ve loved this series from the beginning and have postponed reading her last three novels because I really don’t want the series to end.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I’ll be looking for beta readers for both my fantasy and the novella. While they read the book(s) I’ll be outlining the next fantasy and possibly starting a new paranormal mystery series, which combines the two genres I love most.
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?
To Kill a Mockingbird
the complete collection of Sherlock Holmes stories
All The Light You Cannot See
Sue Grafton’s last novel, X.
Author Websites and Profiles
Debra Purdy Kong Website
Debra Purdy Kong Amazon Profile
Debra Purdy Kong’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account