http://www.lulu.com/shop/debbie-j-embrey/the-hearts-treasures/paperback/product-22003971.html
I want to thank Debbie Embrey, Author and Poet for this interview….
This is so exciting to talk to her… She is the Author of one poetry book “The Hearts Treasure” and she is working with me on a children’s book called “Sweet Serenity.”
Talking to Debbie, I had found a genuine, down to earth Lady, that is so refreshing to meet. We sat in her beautiful living room looking out her bay window at her beautiful lake.. It was so peaceful and calm. She served us coffee and the best chocolate chip cookies I ever tasted.
Debbie, thank you for agreeing to meet me and letting me interview you, what a joy it is and what a gracious hostess you are.
Deborah, thank you for wanting to interview me, I am so exciting about meeting you.
Debbie, the pleasure is all mine. On with the questions. Tell me abut yourself..
Deborah, I am originally from the state of Georgia, at the age of fifteen I had to quit school and married. However, I have three awesome children, a step daughter, and several grandchildren. So I have no complaints… There was something missing in my life, so I insisted going back to school, but at the time it wasn’t a very good idea. So instead I went for my GED and I graduated in 1989. Upon doing so, that empty place in my heart was filled.
Debbie, wow I had no idea, I am so proud of you. Tell us your latest news.?
Deborah , well in January of this year 2015, my first poetry book “The Hearts Treasures” was published, which it can be found on lulu.com.
http://www.lulu.com/shop/debbie-j-embrey/the-hearts-treasures/paperback/product-22003971.html
“The Hearts Treasures” is my pride and joy, it is full of love poems. .. some about love it self, and some about heartbreak love. I feel like we have all experienced all about love, so I think everyone can relate to it..
Debbie, Yes I agree to the poems are so wonderful full of love. I have my copy.. Debbie when and why did you start writing?
Deborah, I began the very day my youngest child was born. Actually I was so exhausted that day because the doctors insisted I could go home…. and yes that same day we had just moved into our new home, and I broke my leg, all in the same day of my daughters new life. I look back now laughing now, but at the same time I sat down to write in my new journal the events that had already occurred that day. Instantly, thereafter, I wrote my first poem, and well over 2000 poems later within the first three months of my child Tabitha’s life.
Debbie, wow what a story, you should write a novel. When did you first consider yourself a writer?
Deborah, it wasn’t till a few days later. After several poems and journals were complete, one day I just started writing ‘Story Ideas’ out of the blue, and wham! I felt like a true writer. I had followed and read many of Stephen King’s novels at that time, and thus, was interested in learning more about him. So I ended up buying a book, checking out books from the library, you name it. One of the tips I followed faithfully was to keep a notepad by my bed at night in case I awakened with new ideas. Sure enough, I’ve had several, and many of my best poems and story ideas were written in the middle of the night… at 2 a.m. in the morning.. or just whenever.
Debbie, I know what you mean, what inspired you to write your first book?
Deborah, It was a gift for which I will eternally be grateful. I’ve had inspiration all around me. … friends, family, friends on the internet (mostly Facebook), and I’m thankful to them all for not letting me give up even when I felt like I should.
Debbie, that is wonderful, Do you have a specific writing style?
Deborah, As far as poetry, for years only rhyme, but since then I have explored and practiced several genres of poetry. As far as stories, I write them as they come to me… children’s, mystery, just whatever.
Wow Debbie, How did you come up with the title?
Actually Deborah, I was first leaning towards “Treasures of the Heart”, but discovered it had been used so many times. A friend of mine, in fact, she’s the illustrator that did my front and back cover, Susan Joyner-Stumpf, asked me some questions, and we worked together on the final quest of the title.
Debbie, Is there a message in your poetry?
Yes Deborah, In my poems, I speak straight from the heart. All my poems, to me, relay a message. It may 100 different poems with 100 messages, but they all come from deep inside. That, I’ve discovered, counts for so many things.
Debbie, What books have most influenced your life most?
Deborah thats easy, The Bible above all of them, but I’ve read several books over the years. In fact there was a time you’d look at me and wouldn’t just think, but know that I always had a book or an ink pen in my hand. I’m sure once I get my new glasses, it will be the same again.
Debbie, If you had to choose, which writer would you consider a mentor?
Oh wow Debbie! I can’t even stop at one! That would be hard for me to decide. I’ve been inspired by so many authors and poets over the years, that frankly, I’m amazed. Sometimes I could read something someone wrote, and bam! Another poem within minutes! I could be reading someone else’s poetry, a novel or novelette, literally anything, and be inspired.
If I was to narrow it down to one, I would say Deborah Brooks Langford. She’s encouraging, inspiring, willing to listen, and she gives great advice. I have only known her a couple years now, more so about her the past six months or thereabout. Still, I would have to say she would definitely be my mentor.
Debbie, that is so very nice of you, it has been my pleasure, What book are you reading now?
Deb, I’ve just completed a poetry book by Deborah called “Fire and Roses.” I am currently reading “Visions of Poetry” by Alexander Roman.
Debbie, “Fire and Roses?” awesome and I know Alexander will be so appreciative you reading his book. Are there any new authors that have grasped your interest?
Oh, yes Debbie! I’ve come across several. A couple of them are Aya Walksfar and Michael Irvin. I truly am not sure just how new of a writer Aya is, but I am definitely interested in his work.
Debbie, What are your current projects?
Deb, I help with a few pages including Recipe Book Club- Debi’s Magic Kitchen and friends as well as one about an upcoming book called “Sweet Serenity.” I also enjoy inspiring others to write or otherwise proceed in fulfilling their dreams.
Debbie, Name one entity that you feel supported you outside of family members.
Deborah, I would have to say my dad. Dad has been gone several years now, but so often his words come back to me. He was always a supporter in me achieving whatever I set my mind and heart to.
His words come to me often, and they are engraved upon my heart. I have always tried to encourage my children to do the same, and I’m thankful they, in turn, do the same for their children.
Debbie, Do you see writing as a career?
Yes Deb. I would love for writing to become a career. Once I get my feet in place, that would truly be awesome. I’ve dreamed about it for years, and now I finally am getting a chance to get it started.
Debbie, If you had to do it all over again, would you change anything in your latest book?
Deb, I sometimes wonder if I should have used different poems, but other than that, no. I mean the cover has awesome graphics, and I thank my illustrator for that. Even the inside amazed me at how well it was seen to. I love the designs Barry Mowles created at the bottom of my pages. Thanks, Barry!
Debbie, Do you recall how your interest in writing originated?
Deborah, I’ve written all my life in one form or another. Dad said I was born with an ink pen in my mouth. I loved to learn while growing up, and that desire has stuck with me throughout life. I’ve almost always had an ink pen in my hand for something …. except when I sang… haha.
Debbie, Can you share a little of your current work with us?
Deborah, I don’t mind. I’d be honored to share some. Here are the links to the pages I spoke about earlier:
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Sweet-Serenity-Deborah-brooks-Langford-Debbie-Embrey/1529659120632921
https://www.facebook.com/groups/413268185450618/
Also, my Facebook poet page….
Debbie, Is there anything you find particularly challenging in your writing?
Deborah, writing is always a challenge. It doesn’t really matter what form or length. There will always be a challenge in writing… especially in creative writing such as poetry.
As for poetry, it comes to me as naturally as eating or drinking my tea. Characters in a story vary, however. While I can create some with attitude or a loving heart or whichever characteristic, I’d have to say sometimes I forget which is which if the story is very long. Once in awhile I can create a longer story, which honestly intrigues me. The shorter ones, however, such as for children, I often feel like I can relate to much easier. It’s as though I know them better. I understand them more.
Debbie, Who is your favorite author and what is it that really strikes you about their work?
Deborah, thats easy Stephen King…. I grew up watching his movies and I’ve been reading his books since I was a teenager. Sometimes I am literally taken in with some of his characters, and I’m amazed at how such evil villains or creatures are brought to life. But I would have to say “The Green Mile” caught my interest instantly. I gathered all the slim books to the story and read them through in a matter of days, determined to see the movie one day. And I must say, the movie was just as great.
Debbie, I love your book cover Who designed the cover?
Deb, That would be Susan Joyner-Stumpf. She designed both front and back covers. She’s an excellent graphics artist.
Debbie, What was the hardest part of writing your book?
Deborah, I’d have to say finding and choosing just the right poems for it. Even then I kept questioning each one as I added them. A few I took out two or three times and still ended re-adding some… yet a few were cancelled out altogether, thus, I ended up replacing those.
Debbie, Did you learn anything from writing your book and what was it?
Deborah, I was amazed at the editing. I was asked questions and reassured of a few things. I’d have to say I was really surprised at what all a book actually goes through before final publication. This I can thank Van Langford for. Hugzzz!!
Debbie, Do you have any advice for other writers?
Yes Deborah; I do. If you have a dream, set out to fulfill it. Don’t let it shove off to the corner somewhere and let it be forgotten. Sometimes our lives don’t always allow us to do things when we want it done, but when the time is right, God will let us know.
Debbie, Do you have anything specific that you want to say to your readers?
Yes Deborah Definitely! There was a woman 83 years old that finally got her first book published. It wasn’t luck, but it was with determination. I won’t allow anyone to convince me any differently. So set your mind to it. If you enjoy writing, write. If you have writers’ block, write about something else. If you cannot think of something to add to your story or poem, begin a journal. Anything… just write each day a little something. Many times I did this and was inspired to go farther.
Debbie, Do you remember the first book you read?
Honestly Deborah, I don’t remember the first book I read, but I do remember reading Dr. Seuss to my nephews when I was fourteen and they were only nine and five. Joey and Jonathon Reid and I were very close.
Debbie, Other than writing do you have any hobbies ?
Deborah, when I was active, I played kickball with my grandchildren. Poetry has always been a major part of my life, but I also enjoy sewing and cooking.
Debbie, What TV shows/films do you enjoy watching?
Deborah I love the Hardy Boys/Nancy Drew Mysteries… loved them since I was a teenager…
I watch just about anything with Jim Carrey or Eddie Murphy in them. Part 1 or part 10…. however many sequels there are, I’m watching them! I think I prefer Bates Motel – the series and Smallville… also a series.
Debbie, what are your Favorite foods / Colors/ Music.
Deb, my favorite foods would be lasagna, spaghetti or a variety of soups.
As far as my favorite colors I have to say purple…. which for years I thought was blue… but literally was proven by another person that apparently knew me better than I knew myself. haha
And without a doubt, my favorite music is pure country.. from the 70’s on up to the present… love it!
Debbie, If you were not a writer what else would you like to have done?
Deborah, I would have chosen singing or art work. I used to draw all the time. I mastered the Walt Disney characters when I was younger because I had constantly practiced drawing them. A poster upon which I had drawn the Disney characters was put up every year for a few years straight. It was drawn for Music Week when I was in fourth grade. By the time I was 15 I was drawing people’s faces… some of which I mastered, others I still kept practicing with. I think I enjoy nature and abstract best, though.
Debbie, Do you have a blog/website? If so what is it?
No Deborah , I do not.
Debbie, again I want to thank you .. for letting me interview you…
Deborah , It was an honor. Thank you for choosing me. Hugzzz!!
http://www.lulu.com/shop/debbie-j-embrey/the-hearts-treasures/paperback/product-22003971.html
Debbie is now in the Anthology Book :Poetry Stars…
http://www.lulu.com/shop/debbie-susans-poetry-corner/poetry-stars-anthology/paperback/product-22047324.html
