Debbie Raleigh has been an avid reader since she was a child. Although her first love has always been romance she began her writing career as a playwright. It was not until she traveled to England that she returned to her love for romance and began writing her first regency, LORD CARLTON'S COURTSHIP. Since then she has sold eight more regencies to Zebra Regency as well as three anthologies. Debbie lives in Missouri with her husband and two sons. When she is not writing she devotes her time attending her sons endless sporting events. She also enjoys speaking at local schools about the joy of both reading and writing.

Debbie Raleigh writes Regency romances full of historical color, memorable characters and her own special brand of a sense of humor. It's always relaxing to curl up with one of Debbie's books and travel into far off times when Lords and Rakes twirled young ladies on the dance floor or stole a kiss on the terrace. A very talented author, Debbie's next offering to her fans is the RED ROSE FOR THREE RAKES trilogy that will come out in January. Regency lovers can also look forward to an anthology by Debbie in VALENTINE ROGUES being released in January 2001.

THE WEDDING WISH
Zebra Books
April 2002
Buy Now

BOOKS BY DEBBIE RALEIGH
(ZEBRA REGENCY)

A Heart to Heart with Debbie Raleigh

Jacqui: When did you first start writing? What made you want to become a writer?

Debbie: I started writing ten years ago when I was staying home with my young sons. I had always loved reading, but it wasn't until I had some time that I decided to give writing a shot.

Jacqui: Did you always know you wanted to write romance novels?

Debbie: Absolutely. I love romance and more importantly I love happy endings. I truly believe that a person should write what she likes to read.

Jacqui: How many books have you published till date?

Debbie: I have three books that have hit the shelves. LORD CARLTON'S COURTSHIP (Zebra Jan. 2000) SPRING KITTENS ANTHOLOGY (Zebra March 2000) and LORD MUMFORD'S MINX (Zebra Aug. 2000).

Jacqui: What satisfies you about your writing?

Debbie: It gives me an opportunity to create two people and take them on a wonderful journey through the most exciting time of their live. I can not imagine anything more exciting than the beauty of falling in love and overcoming obstacles.

Jacqui: What and/or who inspires you?

Debbie: Certainly my husband. He is without a doubt the most romantic person I have ever known. And I believe that my children have taught me to see the world in a new manner. I am much more connected to my community and what is going on in the world. Most of all my parents inspired me. They always taught me to chase my dream no matter how distant it might seem.

Jacqui: Do you have a preference for one period of time over another? Why?

Debbie: Yes. I have always preferred Regency. Part of the reason is just the fun of the period. The glamorous times, the exciting people. The other reason is the way that Regencies are written. I love the fast pace, the humor and particular style that comes in a Regency. I always try to put a bit of humor in my stories.

Jacqui: What do you find comes to you first - the characters or the situation/plot for a new story? Once the basics are in place, what do you do next?

Debbie: I always start with the characters. I want to know who these people are, what they want in their lives and what they need to overcome to realize their goals. After that I come up with a plot that will force them to change and grow so that they become the person they wanted to be. I have also always written the dialogue of my books first. It helps me to ensure that the characters are carrying the book rather than being lost in the plot.

Jacqui: Of all the books you have written, which story or character is your favorite? Why?

Debbie: I will always cherish my first book. It was the first regency I had ever attempted and I wrote it just for myself.

Jacqui: Have you created any secondary characters that you'd like to feature as the main character in a book yet to be written?

Debbie: Actually my favorite is a secondary character is from Lord Mumford's Minx. Biddles was a rather sly character with a sharp sense of humor. He tried several times to take over the story. I hope one day to give him a story of his own.

Jacqui: How important is research in your writing?

Debbie: Extremely important. Regency readers are very knowledgeable about the era. I have discovered myself laying awake at night worrying over the smallest details and knowing that they had to be right.

Jacqui: Do you have your own list of favorite authors?

Debbie: Jane Austen, Georgette Heyer, Victoria Holt, Judith Landsdowne.

Jacqui: What can your fans look forward to in the next twelve months from you?

Debbie: I have a RED ROSE FOR THREE RAKES trilogy that will come out in January, 2001. I also have an anthology in VALENTINE ROGUES that will be available in January as well as an anthology in CHRISTMAS KITTENS that will be available in December of 2001.

Jacqui: What did it feel like to sell your first book?

Debbie: Absolute shock. I had been submitting for almost eight years before I actually sold so I became accustomed to rejections. When I actually received the call I was almost afraid that they might call the next day and say that it had all been a mistake. It was a true relief when I finally saw my book.

Jacqui: Who has influenced you the most in terms of developing your personal writing?

Debbie: I began writing plays so it would probably be Shaw or Noel Coward. I love their snappy dialogue and ability to poke fun at themselves. I love a book that can capture the same swift humor.

Jacqui: What is your writing schedule? Could you briefly tell your fans about a typical day in your life?

Debbie: Since I still work part time and have two very active kids I write whenever I have a spare moment. There isn't anywhere I go that I don't take along my notebook. Even at football games I write during half time. I get a lot of teasing from the other parents. During the day I usually lock myself in my study and try to ignore the phone. I am still trying to develop a schedule, but it is usually thrown out the window before the afternoon is through.

Jacqui: What would a perfect romantic evening or weekend constitute of for you?

Debbie: Right now I am on the run so much a perfect weekend would be an evening home with nothing that had to be done. It would be even more romantic if someone had been kind enough to come in and clean my house.

Jacqui: What type of author are you? Do you plot and plan the story before you actually sit down to write it, or are you more of a "fly-by-the-seat-of-my-pants" writer?

Debbie: Since selling my first manuscript I have had to change from a fly by the seat of my pants to a plotter. I am fortunate enough to sell on outlines now, so the plot has to be in place before I begin. I still tend to only have a vague idea of where I'm going and to let the characters have their way.

Jacqui: Is there anything in particular, like music, etc. that helps you get into the mood to write?

Debbie: I really have learned to block out any outside influences. I can write with the TV on or kids crawling on my lap or even cooking dinner (although the cooking doesn't always come out so well). Sometimes when I have the house to myself I find my thoughts drift far worse than when I have chaos about me.

Jacqui: Almost every author at some point or another suffers from writer's block. Have you ever had that problem? How do you deal with it?

Debbie: Not so far, although there are times when I have woken in the middle of the night worrying over a deadline.

Jacqui: What is the best advice you have ever received in regard to your writing/career?

Debbie: Don't give up. It sounds trite, but it is the truth. To many times we hear about the overnight successes or those who have sent in their first manuscript and it became a NY Times best seller. More often than not it takes years of work. I would hate for someone to give up just because they didn't become published the first time they tried.

Jacqui: What advice would you give to aspiring writers?

Debbie: Don't give up...ever.

Jacqui: What is it about the genre and sub-genre you write that inspired you to choose it over all others?

Debbie: Because it is what I love to read. If anyone chooses romance simply because they think they would be easy to sell then they will never make it. You have to truly enjoy it.

Jacqui: Have you seen an evolution in your writing? How or when did it come about?

Debbie: I hope so. I believe that my characters have become more complex with problems that are not easily overcome. Each story teaches me something new about writing.

Jacqui: Have you dreamed of writing a particular type of story or even a story in a different genre that you haven't done as yet?

Debbie: Yes, I would love to try a straight mystery and have also started on a fantasy novel with my oldest son. There is nothing more enjoyable than working with him on creating an entire new world.

Jacqui: What is your most favorite part of being a writer? The least favorite?

Debbie: My favorite is the actual writing. The least favorite is the promotion. I love to meet readers, but the actual work involved in press releases, and making bookmarks, etc... is something that I am having to teach myself as I go along.

Jacqui: How do you handle life's interruptions?

Debbie: I am trying to find a means of giving myself priorities. It isn't easy when you have to tell someone no, but I have discovered that it is better in the long run to give time to my family and my writing. Of course, there are always situations that demand I put everything on hold. It's during those times that I have discovered I can go on very little sleep when necessary.

Jacqui: When is your birthday?

Debbie: April 14.

Jacqui: What quality do you most admire in a person?

Debbie: Trustworthy. I have been fortunate enough to surround myself with people who are always there when I need them and who can be depended upon to follow through on their promises. It has truly been a blessing.

Jacqui: If you weren't a writer, what would you be?

Debbie: I would still be at a local college working in Student Development. I love working with students and find that I often miss their fresh approach to live.

Jacqui: What is the most romantic city or place for you?

Debbie: London. I have been there twice and have high hopes of returning soon.

Jacqui: How can fans get in touch with you?

Debbie: They can write to me at djral@marktwain.net

Jacqui: Debbie, I'm a big fan of your books and I sincerely look forward to more wonderful Regencies from you in the future. Best of luck in the future!

Debbie: Thanks so much for this opportunity.