The Bookshelf: Local Author Spotlight: Deborah Malone

Published 2:00 pm Sunday, November 19, 2023

I would love to introduce you to local author Deborah Malone. She has attended our annual Author Fest but most recently I saw her at Next Chapter Con at the Dalton Convention Center in October. Her first novel “Death in Dahlonega” finaled in the American Christian Fiction Writers category five writing contest. Malone is not only an established author but a photographer as well. Read on to learn more about Malone, her writing process, current projects and tips for new authors.

Statement: Tell us about your writing process and the way you brainstorm story ideas.

Malone: Great question, Brandy. One fun thing I have done in the past for plot ideas, etc., was to get a writer friend and bounce ideas off each other. We’ve come up with some pretty good scenes. I have also gone on a little writers retreat with just one other writer and have been able to get a lot done even in a couple of days.

Another way to get ideas or to become familiar and comfortable with your genre is to read as many books in that genre as possible. This will help you see what kinds of storylines your genre uses.

I love researching my books. For my cozy mysteries, I went to each town and went to the places I planned on putting in the book or to get familiar with the surroundings. Because my books have the actual settings of a town: the roads, restaurants, tourist attractions, etc. I have to do this in a detailed manner, making sure my information is correct. Research is so important because if you put a fact in your book that doesn’t line up with reality (unless it’s not supposed to) readers will catch it.

For my nonfiction writing the research was much more tedious because there were so many facts that needed to be backed up. It took much longer to write these books, but I learned so much by doing the research, so that was fun and interesting. I have written a book in as little as six months and as long as three years.

Q: What is your inspiration for writing?

Malone: I can’t remember a time I didn’t love reading. I think I came out of the womb reading. One of my favorite times in grammar school was going to the school library and getting to pick out a book. We would line up and march down the hall to the library and I remember the excitement I felt when I smelled the familiar smell of the library. I’m not sure what it was, maybe old books, dust, mold or even all three, but I grew to love that smell associating it with books.

I didn’t really begin writing until I returned to college at the age of 40 and took a creative writing class. It sparked a love for writing in me that I didn’t know existed. I’ve been writing ever since. Over time, my passion and love for writing grew. and it continues to grow. I also hope all of my books make others smile or encourage them in some way.

Q: How did you celebrate the publishing of your first book?

Malone: I had a book launch/signing at our local library and invited friends, family and the public to attend. We served snacks and I even had a cake. It was a fun and exciting time.

Q: What other authors are you friends with, how do they help you become a better writer?

Malone: I have made many writer friends over the 20 years I’ve been writing. I have been blessed to meet many people at writers conferences, book venues, etc. However, two of my writer friends that have really encouraged me are Debra Collins and Terri Gillispie. Debra and I have been on writing retreats together as well as attended many conferences together. Not only have we encouraged each other in our writing, we remain close friends to this day.

Terri moved to my hometown about five years ago and what a blessing she has been in my life. I had heard of her through writing groups we both belonged to so when I found out she was moving to Rome I contacted her and we met for lunch. We had so much in common, even the genres we wrote. When it came time for me to write a devotional/Bible study that had been on my heart to write I turned to Terri. She had already written an award-winning devotional and I had no idea how to start. She was so gracious and mentored me during the process. That Bible study won an award this past summer.

Other writer friends are invaluable to your writing. I can’t stress that enough. Some ways to get to know other writers are through writing conferences, local writers groups, online writing groups, etc. Stay connected. Their encouragement and knowledge can be invaluable.

Q: If you were given the opportunity to form a book club with your favorite authors of all time, which legends or contemporary writers would you want to become a part of the club?

Malone: Two right off the top of my head would be Harper Lee and Margaret Mitchell.

Q: Can you tell us about your current projects?

Malone: I would love to. I’m working on my second Bible study, “Bloom in Your Winter Season,” that focuses on “seasoned” women. It is at the publishers and I’m just waiting for a publication date. It is a companion book to my memoir along with 12 women from the Bible titled “Blooming in Broken Places.”

I am especially excited about this project because I was able to see one of my writing goals accomplished with this book. I was able to get 24 other writers to contribute to this Bible study. I love that there will be different and fresh perspectives on aging and still having a place in ministry. I feel like it is a much-needed Bible study to let women know God did not stamp an expiration date on our forehead. He can and will use us in all seasons of our life.

Q: Any advice you would like to give to aspiring writers?

Malone: Well, Stephen King summed it up nicely in his book on writing when he said, “Write, write, write!” It sounds simple, but it makes sense. You don’t have anything to work with until you have something on paper. Just get those words down and you can be learning in the process and always go back and edit it. You can’t edit blank pages. Being in contact with other writers for knowledge and support is a must. There are local writers groups and online writers groups, so all bases are covered. Some people find it helpful to join critique groups such as Word Weavers. Just stay connected for that encouragement to keep on keeping on. I like to say passion plus perseverance equals publication.

• You can find Malone’s books in our local author section. Drop by the library and check them out. We are open Monday-Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Brandy Wyatt is the administrator of the Dalton-Whitfield County Public Library.