Featured Interview With Deb Graham
Tell us a little about yourself. Where were you raised? Where do you live now?
I was born in New York state, and have lived in Georgia, Illinois, New Mexico, Hawaii, Idaho, Utah, and I’ve lived north of Seattle for 27 years. I’ve visited 36 countries, and all fifty US states. I love to travel! If a passport or suitcase is involved, count me in!
I’m a self-published author of eleven non-fiction books, including two cruise travel guide books laced with stories about her innocent husband (so he says), a book on how to write one’s personal story, how to complain, and several cookbooks, science, and craft books for her six beloved grandchildren. My background in stand-up comedy spills into my writings.
Leery of writing fiction for many years, I’ve just finished my first novel, a cozy mystery set on (where else?) a cruise ship. I’t been delightful to learn how much I enjoy fiction. I already have a sequel in process! It seems that many cozy mystery flyleafs tell that the author lives with a spouse and assorted cats. I love my husband, but sadly, have no cats.
My superpowers include: being able to spell-check and grammar-check with my brain (thanks to abusive English teachers over the years); heading up the making of 1006 quilts for Project Linus; a quick mind that enables me to improvise on a dime; and my talent as a skilled bargain hunter, including being able to find name brand items with store tags still on them in second hand stores with laser focus.
At what age did you realize your fascination with books? When did you start writing?
I have written my entire life, as far back as I can recall, including a 3 act play in second grade that the class performed. I write copious letters, and I’ve kept a daily journal for four decades. I write!
I read quickly, often devouring a book in an afternoon. There are so many good ones out there!
Who are your favorite authors to read? What is your favorite genre to read. Who Inspires you in your writings?
I’m prone to nightmares–and creative enough to conjure up my own nightmare scripts, thank you–so I have to be very careful what I allow into my head. I enjoy cozy mysteries, with warm characters, stories that make me feel good, along with rich historical tomes. A book that impacted me intensely was “Sarah’s Key.” Anything by Dorothy Gilman or Earlene Fowler is also guaranteed to suck me in. There goes the afternoon…
Tell us a little about your latest book?
“Peril In Paradise is a wonderful book, I must say! Had I not written it, it’s just the kind of book I’d love to read. It takes place on a cruise to Hawaii, with rich descriptions of places and people that’ll make you want to book a cruise yourself. Go ahead–it’s accurate enough to plan a trip by.
Jerria and Will are unassuming real estate agents in Oregon. Dismayed by their son’s premature departure to college, Jerria agrees a cruise would cheer her up. Will loves her desperately, and does all he can to make the trip memorable. He buys her a necklace at the Honolulu Swap Meet, and that’s when the trouble begins. A simple cruise shouldn’t put Jerria’s very life in danger. You decide for yourself if Pele is myth or real. You’ll be caught up in this warm story. You’d better block out time to read it, because you won’t be able to put it down.
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