Interview with Debra Shiveley Welch

I think it I was born in me. My paternal grandfather, father, mother and uncles were all poets. In fact, Grandpa was a professional poet. I've been writing since age nine and discovered that my father began at about that age as well.

What genre do you write and why?

I write in all genres because it’s fun and my interests are eclectic. My first book, A Very Special Child, was a children’s book about adoption, my second, Jesus Gandhi Oma Mae Adams, a murder mystery, my third, Son of My Soul - The Adoption of Christopher, a memoir and my current, Cedar Woman, a romance. I also write a lot of poetry, articles, essays and short stories.

Tell us a bit about your latest book?

My latest book, Son of My Soul – The Adoption of Christopher, is a memoir which begins with the prophesy of my birth in 1942 to when my son is age 16 in 2007.

My publisher, Saga Books, asked me to write it. She kept saying that she wanted me to write a series of letters to my son, Chris. For some reason, it just didn’t work for me, so instead, I wrote it as a memoir. This way, my son will always have something to reference; he’ll know about my life, and will share a part of me that no one else has.

In addition, Saga then asked that Chris write his memoir. Just Chris was published in 2008 when Chris was 16. His first book, Christopher Bullfrog Catcher, was published in 2006 when he was 13.

What are your upcoming projects?

I am now working on Cedar Woman, my first romance, which is about a woman of the Lakota Sioux who opens the first Native American restaurant in Westerville , Ohio . I’m now working on the outline for Heads Are Gonna’ Roll, which combines reincarnation, murder and revenge, and a cook book, which I am writing with my son.

Anything else you'd like to add?

To me, the most important aspect of writing is that spelling, punctuation and grammar are correct. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve picked up what looks like a good book, only to put it down because of errors in these three areas. Your writing, represents you, and a book full of errors is a big turn off.

We all make mistakes - no one is perfect. So I have a proofing partner who is excellent in one area, while I help her in another.

Dialog is important. One of my complaints in this area, is when an author can’t get passed the, “he said,” she said” direction. Mix it up a little with “he queried,” or “she smiled” to direct your reader through your dialog without repetition.

If anyone would like to contact me, my email address is DebraSWelch@aol.com. My website is http://www.DebraShiveleyWelch.net.

Finally, thank you for this opportunity. I appreciate it very much.