Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I was born in Columbus, Ohio and have lived in the Greater Columbus area all of my life. I now reside in Central Ohio with my husband, Mark, and our son, Christopher, also a traditionally published author. I am an Amazon Best Selling Author of four books and the recipient of the FaithWriter’s Gold Seal of Approval and Books & Authors Award of Excellence recipient, Books & Authors Best Non Fiction Book – 2007, AllBooks Reviews Editor’s Choice 2010 and Books & Authors Best Native American Fiction 2011. My books include:
“Cedar Woman”,my solo novel, which made its debut in December of 2010 and recounts the story of a daughter of the Lakota Sioux who opens the first Native American restaurant in Central Ohio and won Books & Authors Best Native American Fiction 2011;
four time award winner “Son of My Soul – The Adoption of Christopher” released during November, National Adoption Month in 2007 and a Best Seller on Amazon within the first week of its release and soon to be available in audio;
“A Very Special Child,” an award winning Best Seller on Amazon America and in English at Amazon Japan, and
“Jesus Gandhi Oma Mae Adams”, My first novel, co-authored with Linda Lee Greene, an Amazon Best Seller as well. All are available through Amazon in Kindle or paperback, http://www.DebraShiveleyWelch.com/ and your major book stores.
Currently I am working on Woman Who Sees in Both Worlds – Ista Numpa, a sequel to “Cedar Woman” and part of the “Cedar Woman Saga”, “Christopher’s Family Table”, a companion cook book to “Son of My Soul – The Adoption of Christopher”, which I am co-authoring with my son, “My Cousin My Son” – A Story of Motherhood and Kinship, a sequel to “Son of My Soul”, “Heads Are Gonna Roll”, an ambitious tale weaving English history, reincarnation and murder, and “Swinging Bridge”, an anthology of essays, short stories and poetry.
“Christopher Meets Buddy”, a children’s book about the proper care of a pet bird, will be available soon. I can be reached at DebraSWelch@aol.com
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
“Cedar Woman” is a project I have wanted to work on for several years. Written with the help of my adopted sister, Julie Spotted Eagle Horse Martineau, it is a book which I have thoroughly enjoyed writing.
I asked my sister to act as a consultant. I did so because I didn’t want to write about the sacred things which are not supposed to be written about and I wanted to write about those which I could with utmost authenticity. I also wanted to make sure that I represented the Lakota people with the deepest respect and honor.
Within Cedar Woman you will find many words of the Lakota Sioux. Pronunciation and meaning is included the first time each word is used. There are three dialects in the Lakota language and no standardized spelling. I have chosen the spelling and pronunciation of these words in keeping with the dialect of my sister, Julie Spotted Eagle Horse Martineau, who is of the Lakota Plains Native Americans.
Powwow is described in detail, as well as the various forms of regalia, etiquette, music, and as with any ethnic festival – the food!
My son and I have attended the Muddy River Powwow for many years, and in doing so, have come to know and love our adopted family; they have brought us much joy. This book was written to honor them.
I hope you enjoy Cedar Woman.
Toksa Ake Wakan Tanka Nici Un – Walk With God
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I talk to my characters. I had to “kill off” one of my characters, and I kept apologizing: “I’m so sorry, honey, I have to do it for the plot!” Oh well. I really do get into them so much that I think of them as friends who I haven’t seen for a long time, even after the book is published.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
James A Michener, Taylor Caldwell, Nora Lofts, Colleen McCullough, Barbara Taylor Bradford, Stephen King, Dean Koontz and many more.
What are you working on now?
I just finished “Christopher Meets Buddy”. I have seen so many families with pet birds that were not cared for properly: cage too small, one size perches, incomplete diet) and felt that a book on the proper care of pet birds was needed. So, I decided to write one geared toward the 7-10 year-old-market on how to properly care for these marvelous creatures that we are blessed to have a part of our lives. I have a brilliant illustrator, and the book should be out soon.
My memoir, “Son of My Soul – The Adoption of Christopher” will soon be available in audio format. I’m working on the editing now.
In addition, I have begun work on “Swinging Bridge,” which is a collection of essays, shorts stories and poetry. The cover should be available soon. My illustrator tells me that he is almost finished.
I am also in the note taking, character developing stage for “Woman Who Sees in Both Worlds – Ista Numpa” and will begin writing it soon.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
www.DebraShiveleyWelch.com
Do you have any advice for new authors?
The best advise I can give is to edit rigorously, and if you hire an editor, interview them first. Have them edit 10 pages of your manuscript before you hire them. Show the edits to friends whom you know are good at grammar and punctuation, to help you evaluate how well the editor did his or her job. If the editor refuses, pass them by.
This is important! As an editor myself, I’ve had so many clients say, “But, I spent $1,500 dollars on the editing and he ruined my book! It’s full of mistakes and he cut all kinds of things out!” So beware, be careful and shop.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
“To thine own self be true, and it must follow, as the night the day, thou canst not then be false to any man.”
William Shakespeare
What are you reading now?
A memoir by Karen Magill: “On The Right Side: My Story of Survival and Success”. Karen has MS and has struggled to remain an active and important part of the literary community.
What’s next for you as a writer?
More work! I write poetry continually, the short story as the idea hits me, and my books that I am currently working on. I’m also getting ready to co-author a thriller with a friend of mine, but you’ll have to keep up with my web sites and blog http://debrashiveleywelchloveandwriting.blogspot.com/ to find out more!
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?
“The Source” by James A. Michener, “A Woman of Substance” by Barbara Taylor Bradford and “The Stand” by Stephen King.
Author Websites and Profiles
Debra Shiveley Welch Website
Debra Shiveley Welch Amazon Profile
Debra Shiveley Welch’s Social Media Links