Author Interview ~ Debbie Macomber

Debbie is best known for her ability to create compelling characters and bring their stories to life in her books. Drawing on her own experiences and those of her family and friends, she demonstrates an almost uncanny ability to see into the souls of women and to express their emotions, values and concerns. In every book her sense of humor enlivens her writing. Her work has appeared on every major bestseller list, including those of the New York Times, USA TODAY and Publishers Weekly. She is a multiple award winner, and more than 60 million copies of her books have been sold worldwide.

Plug time. What new book or project do you have coming out?

Where Angels Go is my current release, the latest in the Shirley, Goodness and Mercy series. It’s an original title, a hardcover. Also out is a paperback reissue called Christmas Wishes, which consists of two titles--Christmas Letters, last year’s Christmas-themed hardcover, and an earlier story I “refreshed” for this volume.

How did you come up with this story? Was there a specific 'what if' moment?

Where Angels Go came about as a result of several different factors. For one thing, these three angels are among my most requested characters—and their stories have always been associated with Christmas. So when I had to decide on a new Christmas story, this was a natural.

As well, there are personal reasons, such as the fact that one of the three story “threads,” Harry and Rosalie’s, reflects (to some extent) my own experience with aging parents. Harry is like my father in many ways, especially in his concern and protectiveness toward my mother…and in his belief that, shortly before his death, he saw an angel. He described this to me in vivid, unforgettable detail.

As for the other two stories in Where Angels Go, Beth and Peter’s is a classic reconciliation romance—a second-chance story; the World of Warcraft online game that brings them together again was suggested by my husband. And the little boy and his dog—that was motivated by my own grandsons and the dogs they love.

I do believe there’s at least a spark of the personal in the genesis of every story, certainly in every story of mine….

You have over 60 million books sold. Tell us about your publishing journey. How long had you been writing before you got a contract? How did you find out and what went through your mind?

I could write an entire book on my publishing journey—and in a way, I did. The book is Knit Together, Discover God’s Pattern for Your Life. My writing journey is a large part of its subject matter. In it, I share the struggles and triumphs, the successes and disappointments of my career. I talk about persistence and faith as two of the qualities that lead to success.

I wrote this book primarily to encourage others to follow their dreams and to find their own creativity.

I started writing in 1978 with a rented typewriter that I set on the kitchen table and moved at mealtimes. I sold my first book in 1982—25 years ago! My first thought when I got “the call” was absolute jubilation, followed by stunned disbelief.

I’ve sold many books since then, and each contract is special, but your first sale only happens once. Still, there have been many wonderful events along the way, like various awards I’ve been given, my first book on the Times list and so on. And I should mention something that has had great meaning for me from the very beginning, and that’s the letters and messages I’ve received from readers over the years. Touching readers’ hearts and lives—that’s why I do this.

Do you ever struggle with writer's block? If so, how do you overcome it?

I’ve never had writer’s block; I don’t believe in it. In my view, writer’s block is the subconscious trying to tell us there’s something wrong with the story. If I step back, reread what I’ve written, mull it over for a while, I can generally figure out what’s not working and, even more importantly, how I might be able to fix it.

For instance, I might start the book or chapter or scene in a different place. Or I’ll change the point of view, write from a different perspective. I’ll ask myself questions, like whether enough happens in the particular chapter or scene—is there a significant conflict and is it properly resolved? Are the characters true to themselves? Are they clear enough to me and have I fully worked out who and what they are, what motivates them? Am I revealing too much or too little? Questions like that.

What is the most difficult part of writing for you?

I’ve always been a storyteller; that’s my God-given gift. My struggle was to learn how to be a writer.

How did you overcome it?

Determination: I knew I had stories to tell, insights to share, readers to reach. Practice: I began by learning from my favorite novels. I studied them to see how those authors created the story effects I responded to as a reader; I studied structure, characterization, pacing and so on. I’ve attended seminars and read books on writing. But above all, it’s something I’ve learned by doing. I’m still learning. As my editor likes to say, writing is not a perfectible craft. You can always learn and improve.

Where do you write? Do you have a dedicated office or a corner or nook in a room?

I have an office outside my home and a staff of three. They deal with administrative work, mail and e-mail, requests—the myriad things that come my way. They run interference for me, so to speak, and give me the time and space to write.

Do you have a word or page goal you set for each day?

When I’m on deadline I have a certain number of pages I plan to write that day, and I don’t go home until they’re finished.

What does a typical day look like for you?

I’m still recuperating from rotator cuff surgery, so days right now aren’t typical. When my recuperation is complete, I’ll get back to this routine. My alarm rings around 4 a.m. I read my Bible, write in my journals and then head to the swimming pool. After that, I drive to the office. Once I’ve read my mail and done my blog, I go upstairs to my writing room. It’s usually about ten by that time. Then I start on my pages.

Take us through your process of writing a novel briefly—from conception to revision.

The process is different for every author, and can even vary from book to book. But here’s a general description of my method.

I’ve worked with the same editor, Paula Eykelhof, for nearly 23 years, which is rare in this business. When I have a story concept, I discuss it with her. We talk about the characters and plot ideas, and each idea leads to the next. Then I write the synopsis. Once she’s approved it, I write the book. Paula reads the manuscript and gives me revision notes.

It’s important to add that although my detailed synopsis is an invaluable guide in the creation of the novel, nothing there—or in the first draft—is written in stone (if you’ll forgive the cliché). Anything can change, and those changes are dictated by the story itself.

I rewrite the book at the revision stage, read it again before Paula edits the manuscript, and then it goes to production. We continue to refine the book through every stage of the process.

What are some of your favorite books (not written by you)?

This is probably the most difficult question of all, because I read just about everything with equal passion. I adore Jane Austen and, as far as contemporary Regencies go, Mary Balogh. I love family dramas like those of Maeve Binchy and Rosamunde Pilcher. I think E. L. Doctorow is brilliant. Linda Nichols is a wonderful up-and-coming storyteller, and there are so many others. Where do I stop? Books are my passion; it’s that simple.

What’s the best writing advice you’ve heard?

In a workshop, I once heard Sandra Brown say that the heroine should be trying to start a fire and the hero should be standing close by with a bucket of water. In other words, the conflict has to be an integral part of the story and it should build from the very beginning. It also has to be integral to your characters' personalities and situations (for instance, why is she starting that fire and why does he want to put it out?).

Although this comment probably relates more specifically to romance fiction, it's actually relevant to any kind of story. Just change the terms "heroine" and "hero" to "protagonist" and "antagonist" if you want.
And remember that conflict is at the core of every story ever written.

What do you wish you’d known early in your career that might have saved you some time and/or frustration in writing? In publishing?

Read Debbie's answer in our next newsletter. To sign up: enter your email address to the left.

How much marketing do you do? What have you found that particularly works well for you?

From the early days of my career, I’ve done quite a bit of marketing and promotion. For one thing, I wanted feedback from my readers and have found it invaluable. I was probably one of the first authors to start compiling a reader list, and what was once a list of written names and addresses has become primarily (but not exclusively) an e-mail list.

I mail out a newsletter once a year and include a bookmark and calendar sticker so my fans will know the exact dates my books will be on the shelves that year. I also include something special for the knitters on my list, usually a pattern.

Do you have any parting words of advice?

I find a way to say this in every speech: never give up on your dream. God placed it in your heart for a reason. Listen to His leading. Be flexible enough to adjust to changing circumstances and to learn from your failures and disappointments. Celebrate the small successes along the way. And above all, forge ahead.