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The Interview - Deborah L. Gladwell

How did you become an author and get published? Share your experience.
Becoming an author and getting published was not something I ever imagined growing up. My father's job required us to move frequently, which meant attending different schools with different curriculums. Unfortunately, this led to me missing many grammar lessons, and I had nightmares when faced with dissecting sentences. However, my love for reading persisted.
I loved making up stories to tell my children when they were young, a trait I inherited from my father, who was a master storyteller. Many of my childhood adventures were acquired while enjoying time spent on my grandparents' farm on Fuller Hill (Corbett, NY) and from tales my father told as my sisters and I sat on his knee. These lessons are masterfully woven into my stories. I also gained a variety of life experiences through traveling, including one memorable moment of fearfully dangling over the Connecticut River.
I accidentally stumbled upon becoming an author. As a children's Sunday school teacher, I decided to save the church money by writing my own lessons. I started by writing a chapter a week about a young mischievous dog who time-traveled back to the time of Moses. It was fun to write, and the children seemed to enjoy it. After many weeks of writing lessons, I decided to publish my first children's book, "Shy Spy Time Traveler - The Ten Plagues of Egypt and the Parting of the Red Sea." Since then, I have written two more children's books, a memoir, and several adult Christian books.
My journey to becoming an author may have been unexpected, but it has been incredibly rewarding. Each book I write is a reflection of the stories and lessons I've gathered throughout my life, and I am grateful for the opportunity to share them with readers. My goal is to simplify God’s word and help children and adults understand the Bible in a way that is fun and enjoyable.
Do you identify with your main character or did you create a character that is your opposite?
Yes, I have a deeply personal connection to the story and characters. The main character is actually me, as this is a memoir of my own life. The experiences, emotions, and memories shared in the book are drawn from my own journey growing up in the Catskill Mountains. This personal connection brings authenticity and heartfelt emotion to the narrative, making it a true reflection of my life and heritage.
Describe the [book/series] in 10 words or less for people who are just learning about it.
Memories of Catskills: 50s-60s upbringing, local history and traditions
Did you have any say in the cover design?
I love creating my own book covers using the Book Brush app. It allows my creative juices to flow and gives me the freedom to design covers that truly reflect the essence of my books. Not only is it a fun and enjoyable process, but it also saves me a lot of money. By crafting my own covers, I can ensure that they align perfectly with my vision and the themes of my stories. It's a rewarding experience that adds a personal touch to my work, making it even more special.
Did you always want to be an author? If not, what did you want to be when you grew up?
Becoming an author and getting published was not something I ever imagined growing up. My father's job required us to move frequently, which meant attending different schools with different curriculums. Unfortunately, this led to me missing many grammar lessons, and I had nightmares when faced with dissecting sentences. However, my love for reading persisted.
I loved making up stories to tell my children when they were young, a trait I inherited from my father, who was a master storyteller. Many of my childhood adventures were acquired while enjoying time spent on my grandparents' farm on Fuller Hill (Corbett, NY) and from tales my father told as my sisters and I sat on his knee. These lessons are masterfully woven into my stories. I also gained a variety of life experiences through traveling, including one memorable moment of fearfully dangling over the Connecticut River.
I accidentally stumbled upon becoming an author. As a children's Sunday school teacher, I decided to save the church money by writing my own lessons. I started by writing a chapter a week about a young mischievous dog who time-traveled back to the time of Moses. It was fun to write, and the children seemed to enjoy it. After many weeks of writing lessons, I decided to publish my first children's book, "Shy Spy Time Traveler - The Ten Plagues of Egypt and the Parting of the Red Sea." Since then, I have written two more children's books, a memoir, and several adult Christian books.
My journey to becoming an author may have been unexpected, but it has been incredibly rewarding. Each book I write is a reflection of the stories and lessons I've gathered throughout my life, and I am grateful for the opportunity to share them with readers. My goal is to simplify God’s word and help children and adults understand the Bible in a way that is fun and enjoyable.
Do you have any personal connection to the story or characters?
Yes, I have a deeply personal connection to the story and characters. The main character is actually me, as this is a memoir of my own life. The experiences, emotions, and memories shared in the book are drawn from my own journey growing up in the Catskill Mountains. This personal connection brings authenticity and heartfelt emotion to the narrative, making it a true reflection of my life and heritage.