Wednesday Author Interview: Deborah Brown

My Rating: 5 of 5 Stars

Today, I’d like to welcome cozy mystery author Deborah Brown to Bookin’ It. Deborah’s Paradise Mysteries are so much fun, and I especially love them because they are set in south Florida, and make me feel right at home as soon as I open the covers! Thank you for being here, Deborah. I appreciate your taking the time to talk to us today.

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1. Deborah, can you tell us a bit about how you became a writer. When did you decide that’s what you wanted to be, and what steps did you take to prepare for a writing career? 

I didn’t necessarily think one day I wanted to be an author, even though I’d been writing since high school. Five years ago, after spending the summer voraciously reading I realized I wanted to try again. 

2. Lucky for us! Were you inspired by any particular authors, past or present, and what is it about their work that impresses you, or moves you? 

I like Janet Evanovich. She’s got a quick way of getting into the heart of the material while weaving an interesting story. Even the sentences are slimmed down. Fragmented. Like her characters. James Patterson for his short chapters and Carl Hiaasen for his eccentric characters. 

3. Great choices. What genres do you read most often for pleasure…those books you gravitate toward the minute you walk into a bookstore? 

Bookstores––the small independent ones are my favorite. I hit the new releases and bestsellers. I usually never pass up the book aisle at any store I am in. I enjoy erotic romance, historical and mysteries. 

4. I love picturing my favorite authors as they write. I’m wondering if you  have a dedicated workspace, and are you consistent with the amount of time you spend writing each day? 

I have an office, big desk, uncomfortable chair and you’ll never find me there––no water view. I’m either on the deck or the couch looking out the sliding doors. 

5. Sounds lovely! When you are working, do you use visual aids, like Inspiration Boards/Photos or maps of your book’s setting? What reference books or other material do consult most frequently as you write? 

I tend to look things up on the Internet as I go along. YouTube is another treasure trove of information. Specifically, when needing to explain something complex in an expert manner with little personal knowledge where you must maintain the continuance of a learned and trained professional. 

6. I never thought about YouTube before. You can bet I’ll be checking out that as a resource, too, now. When you have an idea for a new book, do you sit down and start typing, or do you start with an outline, and figure out all the major plot points first? In other words, is your working style structured and organized, or more organic and free flowing? 

I prefer to start writing and allow the writing to take me where it wants to go. This way I’m along for the ride and I’m discovering, just as the audience would be as they were reading or watching something I’d written. Part of the not knowing where the characters are going or what they’re going to say is exciting. 

7. Definitely an organic writer, then. I can picture your characters telling you what they are up to. Can you tell us about the books have you published, and where we can buy them? 

I have published the Paradise series, Crazy in Paradise, Deception in Paradise, Trouble in Paradise, and currently Murder in Paradise. They are available at all major retailers. 

8. Thanks, Deborah. I’ll provide links below. Great covers, by the way. So much fun! Are you currently working on a new book? When do you expect it to be available? 

I currently have Greed in Paradise scheduled for release June 26, 2014. 

9. That’s coming up pretty soon. Mark your calendars, everyone! Do you prefer reading eBooks, or print? Why? 

I prefer reading books. There’s something about the textural contact that makes holding a book and flipping through the pages a different experiential component of reading. Although, since Christmas I never leave home without my Kindle. 

10. Sort of best of both worlds, then. I’m that way, too. What do you consider to be the best thing about being a writer? The worst? 

The best thing about being a writer is writing. The worst part is time and scheduling everything that needs to get done and still have time to immerse myself in the writing process.

Well, I can certainly agree with your there. Scheduling and time management is always a chore.

Thank you so much for sharing with us today, Deborah! You’ve been a great interviewee, and I’m so pleased that you took time out of your busy schedule to answer my questions today.

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The Paradise series, are Florida Keys mysteries, “great as stand-alone reads, but they’re like chips…you won’t be able to devour just one!”

I’ve been writing, in one way or another for as long as I can remember; poetry, sappy short stories (my best friend made me swear that I’d never show anyone until I changed the names), and a romance novel shoved under my bed.

I wanted to create books with a wide-range of unforgettable characters, with heat and romance, and lots of guns. It wouldn’t be complete without a slice of humor and charm.

I live with my family and demon children aka rescue cats in South Florida.

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Check out Deborah Brown’s Paradise Mystery Series:

Crazy in Paradise

Deception in Paradise

Trouble in Paradise

Murder in Paradise

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