Ask the Author: Debbi Mack
Answered Questions (13)
Debbi Mack
Hi Simon, It's been a while since I've answered a question here, so ... it's taken me a while to get back to you. Sorry about that.
I haven't read any of Fingers' books lately. I don't know what he's up to now.
But that's an interesting question. I wonder if he's still writing.
I haven't read any of Fingers' books lately. I don't know what he's up to now.
But that's an interesting question. I wonder if he's still writing.
Debbi Mack
I tried to write a story, but realized I couldn't move my hands. So, I got up and fell to floor, because I had no feet.
Debbi Mack
There are so many fascinating book worlds to choose from, it's tough to answer that question.
But if I had to choose one, I'd want to visit the world of Honey West and solve crimes with her.
Tough women private eyes were a rarity back in her day and I'd like to join forces with her in showing the "big boys" that dames can be tough PIs, too. :)
But if I had to choose one, I'd want to visit the world of Honey West and solve crimes with her.
Tough women private eyes were a rarity back in her day and I'd like to join forces with her in showing the "big boys" that dames can be tough PIs, too. :)
Debbi Mack
Most likely the mystery of how I managed to write six friggin' books and three screenplays, even though I have dystonia and can barely type! :)
Debbi Mack
Interpreting the word "couple" in the broadest sense, I'd say my favorite fictional couple is Huck Finn and Jim, because they had a bond that transcended the racial barriers of that time and they learned so much during their adventure.
It would be either Huck and Jim or Holden Caulfield and his sister Phoebe. The latter sticks with me, primarily because Holden was so protective of Phoebe. And I've always loved his description of her as "roller skate skinny". :)
It would be either Huck and Jim or Holden Caulfield and his sister Phoebe. The latter sticks with me, primarily because Holden was so protective of Phoebe. And I've always loved his description of her as "roller skate skinny". :)
Debbi Mack
The idea for the book I plan to publish soon came to me after watching a TV special about Yosemite Park and how it's located over a supervolcano. I was also inspired by another TV special about a scientist who challenged Einstein's theory that the speed of light is a constant. I ended up reading the scientist's book, in which there was a footnote that suggested a possible storyline for a thriller. Somehow, I mashed the two concepts together and ended up with a thriller within a thriller (or a meta-thriller, I guess).
I tried to do this without getting really technical or using lots of jargon. I find books like that tend to bore me. I'm much more interested in the characters and how they choose to handle obstacles and adversity. Hopefully, I managed to do that with this novel.
I tried to do this without getting really technical or using lots of jargon. I find books like that tend to bore me. I'm much more interested in the characters and how they choose to handle obstacles and adversity. Hopefully, I managed to do that with this novel.
Debbi Mack
I'm inspired to write nearly all the time. On those few occasions when I'm not inspired, I hunt inspiration down with a club, to paraphrase Jack London. :)
Seriously, inspiration isn't something you can wait for. I think you either want to write or you don't.
Seriously, inspiration isn't something you can wait for. I think you either want to write or you don't.
Debbi Mack
I've just finished my next novel -- a thriller, which I need to make my final changes to before I send it to my editor. I'm posting chapters from it on Wattpad: https://www.wattpad.com/myworks/68637...
I'm also revising a feature film screenplay prior to submitting it to some contests.
And I'm compiling a boxed set and an anthology of books and short stories contributed by the guests on my podcast, The Crime Cafe. Click here to listen to or watch the episodes: http://www.debbimack.com/project/crim....
I'm also revising a feature film screenplay prior to submitting it to some contests.
And I'm compiling a boxed set and an anthology of books and short stories contributed by the guests on my podcast, The Crime Cafe. Click here to listen to or watch the episodes: http://www.debbimack.com/project/crim....
Debbi Mack
Doing work that I love for one thing.
The other thing I like most about writing is that I learn a lot by doing research beforehand.
They say you should write what you know, but I think there's something to do be said for writing about what you want to know.
The other thing I like most about writing is that I learn a lot by doing research beforehand.
They say you should write what you know, but I think there's something to do be said for writing about what you want to know.
Debbi Mack
I see my Sam McRae series as being part of the hardboiled mystery genre. I enjoy writing in that genre, because you can touch on social issues from the perspective of an outsider who acts according to his or her own set of rules. I think hardboiled mystery is particularly well-suited for exploring the values of the individual within an imperfect society.
I also write in the young adult genre, which I like because the protagonists are struggling to come to grips with, not only society's expectations, but their own maturity. More than other genres, a teen's perspective on the world is unique. Teenagers have a kind of subculture, which is a fruitful source of stories.
I also write in the young adult genre, which I like because the protagonists are struggling to come to grips with, not only society's expectations, but their own maturity. More than other genres, a teen's perspective on the world is unique. Teenagers have a kind of subculture, which is a fruitful source of stories.
Debbi Mack
First, read as much as you can, especially books in the genre you wish to write in. However, read outside your genre, too. Reading a diversity of books adds more to your writer's toolkit, so to speak.
Take a writing course and attend writers' conferences, in order to make contacts in the writing profession.
After you've learned more about plot construction and storytelling techniques, set aside time on a regular basis and just write. Don't worry if it isn't perfect. Simply write the kind of story you'd like to read, and don't edit yourself until you've either finished or you reach a point where you must edit in order to best serve the plot.
These are just a few suggestions.
Take a writing course and attend writers' conferences, in order to make contacts in the writing profession.
After you've learned more about plot construction and storytelling techniques, set aside time on a regular basis and just write. Don't worry if it isn't perfect. Simply write the kind of story you'd like to read, and don't edit yourself until you've either finished or you reach a point where you must edit in order to best serve the plot.
These are just a few suggestions.
Debbi Mack
I don't believe in writer's block. There is only the unwillingness to write. Any time I don't feel like writing, I just sit down and start. That's the only way to overcome what's essentially procrastination.
Debbi Mack
No, all the cases Sam McRae takes are completely made up. Sometimes my characters are inspired by real people, but all the cases are the product of my overactive imagination. :)
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