Welcome, Author Deborah M Piccurelli!

It's a joy to host Deborah on my blog today! She's such a wonderful promoter of other authors and I'm tickled to be able to give back a bit to her! Check out her book for sure and read her interview questions!  Don't forget to comment and leave an email addy for a chance to win an e-book version of her book!


BACK COVER BLURB

The day new Christian, Derek Spencer, shows up on Charlie Parkes’s doorstep to make up for what he’d done, is the very day he falls in love with her. But Charlie’s sister mistakes him for a home improvement contractor, and he decides to play along until he finds a way to tell her who he really is.

Charlie is attracted to Derek, but knows the attention he pays her is only flattery. How could such a great-looking guy fall for someone with a face like hers? Nevertheless, the two form a relationship that brings a joy to Charlie that’s way beyond her wildest dreams.

But what will happen when Derek’s true identity is revealed?


Now, tell us, Deborah, a bit about yourself:
How long have you known that you were a writer?  Did you receive a clear “call?” Or have you just loved writing all your life?
I can’t say I’ve had a clear call. I guess because I’ve loved reading all my life, it’s led me to write. I had begun writing books as a young girl of about ten or eleven, but never finished them. That desire returned very strongly sometime after having children.


What is the genre you write in?  Would you explain what it is?
I write mostly cause and issue-related inspirational romantic suspense, but my most recent release happens to be an inspirational sweet romance that I wrote years ago, long before I discovered my brand.


How do you spend your writing days?  Do you set goals to reach a certain number of words per day?  Can you give us a general idea of how long it takes you to write a novel?
I don’t have any special writing days, time, etc. It’s just when I get to do it. Thankfully, I can get to it at some point each day, no matter how little time that may be. I don’t have a set amount of words per day. I would love to be that organized and have that much time, but I don’t, so it’s just however much that turns out to be. I know that’s terrible for a writer, but that’s just how my life is.  :o)

As for how long it takes me to write a novel, I can’t even give a definite period of time for that, because of all of the same reasons I’ve given above.


What is the spiritual message in your latest book?  What can readers expect to get from reading it? 
Love Comes Calling contains a lot about redemption and forgiveness.


You recently had another book published.  Would you take this time to describe it to us?  How and where can readers buy your books?
Here is the back cover blurb:

The day new Christian, Derek Spencer, shows up on Charlie Parkes’s doorstep to make up for what he’d done, is the very day he falls in love with her. But Charlie’s sister mistakes him for a home improvement contractor, and he decides to play along until he finds a way to tell her who he really is.

Charlie is attracted to Derek, but knows the attention he pays her is only flattery. How could such a great-looking guy fall for someone with a face like hers? Nevertheless, the two form a relationship that brings a joy to Charlie that’s way beyond her wildest dreams.

But what will happen when Derek’s true identity is revealed?
You can get the Kindle edition at http://tinyurl.com/pxyyym4 


Where do you get ideas?  Character names?  Do you find your characters similar to you in any way?
Since, as I mentioned above, I mostly write about cause and issue-related subjects, I find a lot of subjects in newspapers, magazines, TV news shows, etc. For character names, sometimes I’ve had some names tucked away in the back of my mind and use them when I feel they fit one of my characters. Some I just make up as I go.

I guess some of my character could have some similar traits to mine, because I’m the creator of that character, but as a rule, I don’t usually put myself into them.


Do you ever feel like giving up?  Most people don’t understand the stress, the work, and the joy of being a writer.  How tenuous becoming a writer is. Do you care to share how it feels, what discouraging/encouraging times you’ve gone through?  Who’s inspired you the most?
I guess I’ve briefly thought of giving up from time-to-time, but I don’t think I could live without doing some kind of writing.

What discourages me is that I get bunches of these terrific unique ideas that I wish I could work on and get finished all at once, because by the time I get to them, many other authors have come up with them in some form or another. Then I feel that the story I had in mind wouldn’t have as much of an impact. But then I try to look at it as a good thing, because someone had to be the first to have a breakthrough with publishers regarding that subject.

I guess the author who inspired me to get started on Christian fiction the most is Grace Livingston Hill. I believe her stories were way ahead of her time. She wrote about things that are going on today!


Would you explain how you “chose” (or was chosen by) a publisher? Now, that you’re published, can you sit back and relax from the success you’ve experienced?
I was actually chosen by this publisher (Prism Book Group), because I entered my novella in a contest they held. I can’t recall how many pages they requested to enter, but three winners got to send their full manuscripts. I don’t know what happened to the other two winners, but the editor I sent mine to made a few suggestions for changes, I accommodated her, and then she offered me a contract. I was so excited to have both won a contest, and then to have an offer on my book!

No, even though I’ve been published three times, I cannot sit back and relax. There are many reasons why an author should not do this, but I’ll name a few. First, if you don’t keep writing and keeping your name out there, readers will forget you, and publishers would not easily consider you. Next, if you rely on your income from writing, unless you’re Margaret Mitchell or Harper Lee, one book would not sell forever. Lastly, if you are called to write, you simply would not be able to just quit. Writing is something that is so a part of you, it would create a disturbance in your spirit.


Give me five likes and five dislikes of yours.  
Likes:
1. Books
2. Writing
3. Ice Cream
4. Lasagna (homemade)
5. Sappy romance movies

Dislikes:
1. Lamb chops
2. Driving in the rain or snow
3. Hot, muggy summer weather
4. Pepper
5. Foul-tasting nutritional supplements


Lol. Many of these are the same as mine! Do you have hobbies, special interests?
Reading, walking in the park, Movies; I used to crochet, but haven’t had time to do it anymore over the years, but I still like it.


Love walking too. Great exercise plus the addition of relaxing and enjoying the scenery. :) Where would you like to travel if you could?  Etc.
This will probably never happen, but I’d like to see Hawaii and Alaska. Maybe Israel.


Would you give us your blog or webpage so everyone can check it out?   Anything else you’d like to share?  Promotional information?
Website: www.deborahmpiccurelli.com
Twitter: @DebPiccurelli
Facebook: www.facebook.com/deborah.piccurelli

I will be having a Facebook launch party very soon. If you haven’t already, friend me on Facebook so you can receive an invitation.

Thank you for hosting me on your blog, Carole! I really liked your questions and it’s been fun!

MY AUTHOR BIO


After years of reading books and watching movies with an element of romance, Deborah M. Piccurelli’s desire to write romance novels came naturally. She is active in her church and is an advocate for sanctity of life. Deborah is the author of two novels, a novella and several cause-related newspaper articles. She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers, and the New Jersey Society of Christian Writers. As one of the winners in a contest by The Christian Authors Show, details of Deborah’s writing journey can be found in the 2013-2014 edition of the book, 50 Great Writers You Should Be Reading. Deborah lives in New Jersey with her husband and their two sons.



Don't forget, readers, to leave a comment and your email addy for the opportunity to win an e-book version of her book! 

Blessings to all.