Joyce DeBacco is here today for a visit. Hello, Joyce. Welcome and please tell us what your writing goals are.
Because my books mirror many families today as they try to balance life, love, and family responsibilities, there’s a plethora of subject matter to explore. Yes, there’s always chaos of some sort in every family, but at its core there’s also love. My writing goal is to have readers feel that love while the characters work through their problems. It’s so rewarding when someone else sees what I see and learns what I’ve learned in writing the story. I want readers to sigh and go, “Ahh,” when they reach the end of the book.
Tell us about your latest book. Is it available in print, ebook, and Kindle formats?
My new book is a tender love story between a single mother looking for a safe environment in which to raise her son and a widower who was raised in the foster care system. After enduring more than their share of tragedies, they somehow get beyond the darkness in their pasts to a sunny place where dreams are born and hope flourishes. While only this book, Where Dreams are Born, is available in print, all are available on Amazon and other online bookstores. Links to various bookstores are on my website, joycedebacco.com.
Do you think your writing has improved since your first attempt? If so, in what way?
Oh, definitely. In fact, my first attempt is still sitting in a drawer. I made all the mistakes most novice writers make—head hopping, telling instead of showing, using passive voice instead of active, you name it. Looking back, I can’t believe how amateur it was.
How do you determine voice in your writing?
I don’t determine voice; my characters do. I just tell their story. The voice might be off when I start, but as I go along it comes through very clearly. That’s when the rewriting begins, continuing until I feel there’s nothing left to change. Of course, you’ll always find something, even after publishing.
After hours of intense writing, how do you unwind?
I don’t think a writer can ever truly unwind. There’s always something related to the story you’re currently writing or one you’re planning to write that pops into your mind unbidden. I do like to make quilts but not by hand. The only hand sewing on my quilts is the binding. Having run out of wall space and beds, I only get to make one now when someone I know graduates, gets married, or has a baby. The best I can do to unwind is to watch TV and hopefully get my mind off my work.
Any current projects?
My current project is to revive the manuscript sitting in my drawer. I started on it but got distracted by all the promotion necessary to keep my current books afloat.
Where can folks learn more about your books and events?
I have reviews, purchase links, and the first two chapters of all my books on my website, joycedebacco.com. Thank you for asking.
Continued success, Joyce. Thanks for stopping by.
6 comments:
Joyce,
There is nothing better than a book that makes you say, 'Ahh' at the end. If a book is a thriller, horror, or somewhere in between, I like the human element of struggle and survival.
Joe Prentis
Nice interview, Joyce. There's nothing like the feel-good factor, expecially when it involves two people seeking love(knowingly or unknowingly) once again.
Bobbye
Me too, Joe. That struggle creates many sources of fodder for us writers. Joyce's book promises to be a good read.
Joyce, I like the feel-good books. Good interview. I quilt, as well, but can't seem to get into it that much. It's so space & time consuming.
Thank you for stopping by, folks. I'm glad you found my interview interesting. Although I have to admit, my life is a lot duller than my characters' lives. And I rather like it that way. Too much drama in my life gives me insomnia and a headache.
Joyce
Good interview, Joyce--I especially appreciated your answer about unwinding. It seems all writers are always writing!
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