DEBBIE MACOMBER with E.C. MURRAY

With more than 160 million books in print, Debbie Macomber is the most successful author on the Kitsap Peninsula, Washington state. With
her delightful sense of humor, her impeccable work ethic, and her fun wit, readers relish her more than ninety books. 

What do you enjoy most about writing?

I love the plotting process. I plot out all the way through, every scene in every book before I write. Plotting is energizing and fun. In the series that I’ve set in Alaska, North Dakota, and Cedar Cove (which is based on Port Orchard), I’ve plotted every scene through the entire series. I find the extra prep time makes the writing time much easier and the books come out better. I’m also less likely to make mistakes.

Readers grow to know and love the heartwarming people in your books. How do you create such empathetic characters?

It’s who I am. Again, I want to create characters who are relevant and provocative, who engage the reader. Noone is all good or all
bad. I create characters based on people I know, on certain traits, like sassy or quirky, so the reader can say, “Oh, I know a person like that.”

How do you make your reader feel like you’re talking directly to them, like you’re their friend?

My readers are a natural extension of who I am.  I want to connect with people, and that comes through in my writing. I try to write stories that
are relevant and provocative. For example, in The Inn at Rose Harbor, the reader is led to ask themselves, “What would I do if I were a young widow?’

Will you tell me about the new series that begins with The Inn at Rose Harbor? How will it relate to past Cedar Cove books?

The series will have a new set of characters, but the old characters from past Cedar Cove series will make cameo appearances. Also, both the readers and I can keep track of the layout of the town – the streets, the businesses, which satisfies the readers who love Cedar Cove and at the same time, is easier for me to write.  

Do you have a disciplined writing routine?

I get up at 4:00 am, I swim—with friends—at 6:00 am, and I’m at the office by 7:00 am. I read my mail and my guest book entries. By about 9:15 am I answer my e-mails and write my blog. Then, I start out on my pages. I have a goal of how many pages I will write each day. Usually, I finish at the office, but sometimes, I take it home. Yes, it’s very disciplined.

You’ve worked extremely hard. I looked at your upcoming schedule, different cities, different states every day. How do you do it?  Does anyone else accompany you on these trips?

I’ve always gone alone in the past, but for this book tour, my first with Random House, they’re sending someone with me. If you love what you do, like I love writing, you love even the busy travel schedule. The hard part, of course, is balancing the family and writing time.

What tips do you have for aspiring writers?

You need to be willing to learn and to study. Read other people’s books.  Face new issues in life. So much of ourselves is in our books. You must put your heart on the page. I believe something spiritual happens on the page, so that when you cry about what you’re writing, your reader will
cry. When you laugh, your reader will laugh. You will reach your readers.

Recognize that you want this –always learn, study, and grow. You need to believe in yourself. I got rejected over and over, but I threw my heart into it. Yes, there were lots of discouraging times. You need to work through the negatives and work through your dreams. The industry is changing, but now is a great time to be a write. Celebrate your small successes. If this is your dream, then write-even an
article in the church newsletter.

Thank you, Debbie, for your advice, inspiration and encouragement. Congratulations on your enormous success.