Tess Quinn

Today we have Debra St. John talking about her writing life. Let’s see what she has to say about her brainstorming process and what she’s working on right now.



What is your brainstorming process for a new book?



I do a lot of internal thinking-through before putting pen to paper (or fingers to the keyboard!). I let things percolate for a while. After that I’ll jot down notes. Finally I just start writing.



Can you explain your typical work week day?



I wish I had a typical work day when it comes to writing! (LOL) I have a full-time non-writing job, so that takes most of my day. I write at night if I have time or on the weekends. I don’t work in the summer, so I tend to get much more writing done then. I usually get up in the morning and take my laptop out to my back porch. I try to get a couple hours in while I’m still in my jammies!



Tell us about when you made the decision to write.



I’ve wanted to be a writer ever since high school. For a long time it was always hovering in the back of my mind. Then, about fifteen years ago, I decided to get serious about the whole thing. I joined a local writers’ group and tried to learn all I could about becoming a “real” writer. I’ve learned a lot so far, but each day I discover there’s still so much more to learn.



What suggestions do you have for aspiring writers?



Join a writers’ group and/or a GOOD critique group. Enter contests – this is a great way to get feedback on your writing and to possibly get your work in front of editors and agents. Attend conferences – you’ll find a slew of valuable information and make contacts with people in the business.



Tell us about what you’re working on right now and what we can expect from you in the near future.



Right now I’m working on promotion for WILD WEDDING WEEKEND, my latest release, which came out a couple of weeks ago. I also have a manuscript in the pre-galley stage with my editor at The Wild Rose Press. THIS CAN’T BE LOVE should be out later this year. In the midst of that, I’m trying to make headway on my fourth book. It’s coming along, but not as quickly as I’d hoped.



I’m sure you’ll be great, Debra! Thanks for joining us! For those of you who want to know more about Debra, you can check out her website here. Thanks for swinging by! Until next week!



Debra St. John has been reading and writing romance since high school. She always dreamed about publishing a romance novel some day. She lives in a suburb of Chicago with her husband, who is her real life hero. Her debut release, “This Time for Always” is a Champagne Rose and Rosebud bestseller at The Wild Rose Press. “Wild Wedding Weekend” is available now. “This Can’t Be Love” will be her third release from TWRP.

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