Interview with author Debra Smith

I'd like to welcome author Debra Smith to Romance Book Junkies. I got a chance to interview Debra so I wanted to share that interview with you today. Also check out her book "Transforming Love" we reviewed it and if you scroll down to the next post you can read Ava's review of the book.

I know you get asked this question over and over but can you tell us a little about yourself? Maybe something juicy. ;)

I grew up in Colorado and spent my summers hiking in Wyoming on my grandparent’s ranch. I have a deep love for animals and travel. I often dreamed of being a world famous Zoologist who worked for National Geographic. Alas that didn’t happen. That’s why I love reading and writing books. They take me everywhere. I always put a small part of myself in my characters and live through them. I am married and have three little kids.

When did you first start writing? Are you a full time author or do you do it on the side?

I started reading PNR after Twilight (the movie) came out. I had no idea there was even this kind of genre in the world. I quickly moved onto more steamy reads like J.R. Ward’s Black Dagger Brotherhood and Christine Feehan. It wasn’t till this year in April that I actually started writing. My first full length novel was rejected by everyone but I didn’t give up. I, like a lot of authors, had to develop a thick skin and looked into improving my skills. As luck would have it I met another author on twitter and she helped me find a group that really inspired me. I would like to say I am a full time author and mother. I don’t have a day job per say, but anyone with kids know how busy they can be. ;-)

Do you have an author that has really inspired you?

My all-time favorite Author is G.A. Aiken/Shelly Laurenston. She’s amazing, the way she draws me into her character’s world makes me want to live there. She’s funny and her stories are seductive, keeping you enthralled through every page.

How long does it normally take you to write an average book or your last book?

It depends on my muse. I can write a full-length novel in about a month if my muse is in the mood. Sometimes it takes me longer. I really try to write at least 1000 words a day minimum.

What do you think makes a story great?

I like flawed characters that have room to grow as a people, rich world-building, and  twists on the old plot line.

Can you describe your book "Transforming Love" in one sentence?

Transforming Love’s is a quick, sensual ride, full of hope, and people you want to see be together.

Tell us a little about “Transforming Love”.

The story is really about finding yourself. Jenny is thrown into the confusing world of shifters and right into the arms of the ultimate Alpha, Gryph. She’s young, stubborn, and a daddy’s girl. She has to find a way to save herself without sacrificing her freedom.

Have you done lots of research for your books or do the stories just come to you?

I love research. I look up info on animal behavior and try to reflect that in my story. Some of the aspects, usually the world and magic parts, just come to me. I try to stay in the rules of the story I have created.

What are you currently working on?

I am working on two full length novels. Both are the second books of my separate series. Escaping Love is book two in the Koning Clan Series hopefully to be released in January. I am also working on the second book in my PNR Post-Apocalyptic Series with Pink Petal Books. The first titled the End’s Beginning comes out Dec 6th. I just finished edits with my first full length novel Keeper of the Key to be released Nov 15th with Pink Petal Books as well. So I stay busy.

Can you tell us about some of your prior achievements?

I haven’t really had any great achievements. I am proud and grateful to be published in such a short time from starting writing. I know some authors that it didn’t happen for ten years after their first submission. I hope one day to win a RITA but I have a long way to go.

Is there anything that I didn't cover that you would like to talk about or say to your potential readers?

I just wanted to say thank you being so kind and taking a chance on the unknown author. It has been a pleasure and please feel free to contact me on my website. www.debramichellesmith.com

Just for fun:

Hardback or Paperback?  Both as long as they story rock I will read it in any form.
Dog ears or Bookmarks?  I have to say I don’t use either. I just memorize my last page.
YA novels or Adult novels? I prefer Adult but I do enjoy some YA.
Library or Bookstore? Both I do a lot of shopping on Amazon.
Reading glasses or No glasses?  No glasses even though I always thought glasses were awesome.
Snack while reading or No snacks? Sometimes snacks but I usually get so involved with the book I don’t think about eating.
Beach or Mountain?  Both anywhere is a great place to read.
Vampire or Werewolf? That is really hard. I think it would be a Werewolf even though I love Vampires too.
Hot or Flirty? I like books that build from flirty to hot. ;-)
Movie 1st or Book 1st?  Sometimes the movie, I haven’t heard of the books yet so it introduces me then I go to the books. They are usually better.
Contemporary or Historical? Again both as long as they are good I really am up for a great read.
Page-Turner or Tear Jerker? I like page turners more but if there is tear-jerking scenes then that’s even better.

Jenny never expected her thirst for freedom to lead to her capture. Family secrets prevent her from running from the only man tempting enough to make her submit to her body's desires.

Gryph is dark, sexy, and determined to win Jenny in the Slag, a contest revered by his kind. As the leader of his Clan he's used to getting his way, until her. Can he give Jenny her freedom while winning her heart?

I love romance of all kinds. I've been writing all my life and decided to follow my passion. Thanks to a loving husband and the chaos caused by my three wonderful children I find inspiration in all things. I grew up In Colorado but currently live in North Dakota.