Welcome to Readers Write to Know! I asked you, my readers, what questions they would ask their favorite authors if given the chance, and the authors visiting my blog answered them! This week, I’m happy to bring you Debra Lynn Collins. Debra is coming to us from one of my favorite states – Alabama – and her new release sounds like such a fun read! And, she’s giving away a paperback of it! So, read on to see how you can enter to win.
Tell us a little bit about yourself. My name is Debra Lynn Collins I’m an Amazon No# 1 bestselling self-published author. I was born and raised in Georgia, but moved to Gaylesville, Alabama after my 1981 marriage. I consider myself a Georgiabamian. God has blessed me with four children and eight grandchildren. Through the years, I tried my hand at many, many crafts. Everything from quilting, candle making, woodworking, cake decorating, scrapbooking, and the list goes on and on. I’m living my own happily-ever-after ending with my biggest fan and husband, Steve, while writing contemporary Christian romances. I’m also is a graduate from The Long Ridge Writers Group and an active member of ACFW (American Christina Fiction Writers)
Tell us about your current release. JUST ONE KISS. (A Runaway Bride Novella) Amber Lexington has to make one of the biggest decisions in her life, and she only has seconds to make it. It’s either jump out of a wedding chapel window or be trapped in a loveless marriage forever. Rejected and abandoned by his fiancée, Nolan Spearman needs a reprieve to get his life back on track. When his parents offer him the job of remodeling their newly acquired beach house, Nolan gladly accepts. It’s the perfect plan. That is, until his twin sister and her best friend, Amber, show up and throw a wrench into his well-laid plans. Will he be able to keep his heart from falling in love again? Especially with a woman who harbors a secret that could change everything?
With all those characters in your head screaming to get out how do you write fast enough to get it all down? That’s a good question. Sometimes, I have to take a deep breath, grabbed a note pad, and jot down the highlights. Then I can come back to them later.
What inspired you to start writing, or did you always want to write? I’ve always wanted to write. The first story I remember writing is when I was 13 years old. I’d watched a movie on TV, and I didn’t like the way it ended. So, I took my school notebook, locked myself in my room, and rewrote the entire movie with the ending that I wanted. That’s when I knew I wanted to be a writer.
What made you take the plunge and finally do it? I enrolled in a writer’s course after my children were grown, and that’s where my writing journey began.
Do you have your plotline and character development already laid out before you begin writing a book, or do they develop as you write? I am a seat-of-the-pants writer. I start out with a vision of what I want the story to be, but it develops as I write. It’s almost like watching a movie play out in my head.
Do you have a pre-determined length in mind when you first begin a book? Most of the time I do. However, sometimes, it may be longer than I’ve planned. It’s really up to my characters.
What advice do you have for aspiring writers? Write, write, write, and don’t let others discourage you. If you have a story that burns in your heart. Write it!
What is your preferred method of writing? I prefer to write on my laptop or Ipad. I love to write outdoors sitting on my deck with a tall glass of iced tea. I can also carry either one on the road with me, because you never know when you next scene my strike. 😊 I do have a desktop, but I don’t like being bound to my office.
Where’s the strangest place you’ve ever had a great writing idea? On one of the roller coasters at Six Flags over Georgia.
Find Debra online:
Website: www.debralynncollins.com
Find Debra’s latest release online:
Debra is giving away a paperback copy of Just One Kiss. See below how you can win!
22 comments
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Thank you so much for having me, Hallee.
I would love to hear how you managed to write while on a rollercoaster, lol!!
Thanks for the wonderful interview and the chance to win a copy of your book!
Thank you, Paula. As soon as I got off the rollercoaster, I grabbed my phone, and jot it all down in my notes I just never know when or where I might be when my characters gives me a new idea.
I enjoyed your interview and you new book sounds like a good read. Thank you for sharing about yourself.
Thank you, Kathy!
I liked learning more about you Debra 🙂 thanks for having her Hallee, its always fun learning about the authors behind the books.
Thank you, Kimmie!
I love that you rewrote the ending to a movie you did not like. I enjoy twin stories.
That book sounds great. 🙂
Thank you, Phyllis!
You’re a blessed woman, Debra–eight grandchildren!
Thank you, Lisa. Number nine will be here in August 🙂
I have relatives in Gaylesville!! Most of my extended family lives in Northwest Ga.
Trudy, we lived in Gaylesville for over 20 years. Gaylesville is so small, it’s possible I know some of your family 🙂 We now live in Lyerly, Georgia.
Love your books! What a blessing to have eight grandchildren!
Thank you so much, Betty!
I enjoy stories with twin. I think that I will like Amber
Thank you, Amber! The other twin may have a story in the future, you just never know 🙂
funny last answer
bn100, I’ve had ideas strike me in some very odd places, but the rollercoaster was the strangest 🙂 The sad part is I had to wait for the ride to end to jot it all down. 🙂 🙂
Thanks for the giveaway! I enjoy your Facebook page.
Thank you, Vivian!