Ask the Author: Debbie Herbert

“Ask me a question.” Debbie Herbert

Answered Questions (17)

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Herbert is the last name of one of colonels in my books. What is your personal favorite of your own books?
Debbie Herbert Hard question!

I think... SCORCHED GROUNDS because I always wanted to write a novel where the main character has synesthesia. Thanks for the question!
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I'm an American Culture and Literature student and have been fascinated by crime thrillers since my childhood. I wonder who inspired you to write and how you build up your characters?
Debbie Herbert Thanks for your question, Melisa! I've always been fascinated by true crime and even worked as a corrections officer for a few years. I was most influenced by Gothic writers such as Victoria Holt and Mary Stewart. In building characters, I try to imagine who they are by delving into the backstories that shaped their beliefs. Hope that answers your questions!
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I see you have another Normal, Alabama book coming out soon. Will it include characters from Cold Waters?
Debbie Herbert Hi, Kathryn! Although set in the same town of Normal, there will be a new cast of characters featuring an eerie hospital and the mystery of disappearing patients. Thanks for the question!
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That is so cool. We live right up the road from Normal. I mean like maybe 5 mins. Been to Montgomery lots in the past. My husband use to work tennis tournaments and we had to go to Montgomery for that. He rated the players. Thank you for answering my question. Oh and no sign at all, you would miss it if you didn’t know where you was? I had to put a question mark before this would post. No question though. 😔
Debbie Herbert If you ever see a sign - I'd love a picture! :)

Small world sometimes.
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In your book, Cold Waters, is Normal, AL a real town? The reason I ask is I live like 5 minutes from a small town that is called Normal. It’s where A&M college is located. Even a post office and small strip mall now. It’s very small and so close. I’m just very curious if you used that location or as some authors, used a fictional town???
Debbie Herbert Hi, Linda! Yes, this is the place! I even visited once for research and was surprised there wasn't even a "welcome to Normal" sign LOL. Lovely area of the state! I live near Montgomery.
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If you could travel to any fictional book world, where would you go and what would you do there?
Debbie Herbert To an undersea world as a mermaid! (of course LOL)
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What inspires you to write about mermaids and their mythology? When did you first learn about this mythology? It's fascinating to me by the way.
Debbie Herbert I see mermaids as archetypes of feminine power and beauty. I also believe this is why young girls, in particular, are fascinated by them. Besides, who doesn't dream of swimming with dolphins, being utterly alluring to men, and collecting treasure from sunken ships? :)

Thanks for the question!
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What books are on your summer reading list this year?
Debbie Herbert Lots and lots of suspense! What is on your reading list?
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What is your RITA Finalist about? I understand you used Choctaw legends?
Debbie Herbert Hi, Sue! I'm a 2017 RITA® Finalist for Paranormal Romance in the national contest sponsored by the Romance Writers of America®. Me, along with a half dozen other paranormal romance writers were selected by our peers as publishing the best paranormal romance book in 2016. The winner will be announced in July, 2017.

Bayou Shadow Hunter, was the book that finalled in the contest. It's the first book in the Bayou Magic series, published by Harlequin. This series is based on Choctaw lore, set deep in an Alabama bayou.

Thanks for asking!
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Who is your favorite fictional couple, and why?
Debbie Herbert Harriet and Gideon in RAVISHED by Amanda Quick. It's funny, sexy and heartwarming. All the feels! One of my favorite books ever.

Thanks for the question!
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Will there just be three books in the Dark Seas Series?
Debbie Herbert Yes. Siren's Call is the last book in the mermaid trilogy. However, I am writing a fourth book with a character introduced in Book Three. The next book will feature Annie, Tia Henrietta's granddaughter. It will be set in the same town of Bayou La Siryna but will feature southern hoodoo and more Native American mythology. Thanks for asking!
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What’s your advice for aspiring writers?
Debbie Herbert Join a writing organization and connect with other writers. Never give up learning about the craft and believe in yourself until you find an agent and publisher who believe in you as well.
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What’s the best thing about being a writer?
Debbie Herbert It's all on me to come up with a story and write steadily until it's finished. Once published, I love to hear from readers. It always seems a little magical to know that others have read the stories I enjoy writing.
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How do you get inspired to write?
Debbie Herbert Deadlines. :) I honestly enjoy writing and sharing my stories with others.
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How do you deal with writer’s block?
Debbie Herbert Brainstorm ideas with other writing friends and/or take a craft course. The energy from others writers always inspires me.
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What are you currently working on?
Debbie Herbert I'm almost finished with Book Three, Siren's Call, of my Dark Seas series published by Harlequin Nocturne. The trilogy deals with three shapeshifting mermaids who live in an Alabama Bayou. Book Two, Sirens Treasure, is available on preorder and will be released November 1, 2014.
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Where did you get the idea for your most recent book?
Debbie Herbert A scary dream! I was swimming in deep waters and saw a man dump something from the side of a boat. Curious, I swam over. When he saw me near, he stared at me with such evil in his eyes that I awoke. From there, the "what if" questions began. What if I were a mermaid and he was a killer getting rid of a body at sea? I knew I had a book premise at that point.
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