Life has been a little chaotic this week and I haven’t completed reading a next book yet, possibly because I’m reading 3 at the same time, lol, so instead, I’m sharing my latest interview.
I was thrilled to be invited to be a guest author at Sally Cronin’s Smorgasbord. One never knows what Sally is going to ask us, so if your curious, have a read and continue reading over at Sally’s place.
Smorgasbord Blog Magazine – Open House Sunday Interview – Author – Non-Fiction – Memoirs – D.G. Kaye
This week my lovely friend Debby, D.G. Kaye is taking over the hot seat and will be sharing the background to why she writes non-fiction and memoirs, her publishing adventures, favourite music and the one big adventure she would like to experience.
Time to find out more about Debby’s chosen subjects.
Thanks for having me over here today Sal. It’s always a pleasure to be featured on your esteemed blog.
Tell us about your genre of books that you write and why.
I’ve always been a ‘tell it the way it is’ kind of girl. In fact, I’m pretty sure I should have been a reporter. I’m a nonfiction/memoir writer and no matter how hard I try to get around that by dabbling into the odd fiction writing piece, it always seemed I was writing on factual incidents, so I decided why bother packing it as fiction, why not just own up to it and tell the truth. All my stories have lessons in them that others can take from them. And when a story isn’t about a serious topic, I’ll always try to inject humor whenever I can. Why? Because sometimes we all just need to look for the funny.
What adventures have you had publishing your work?
Seriously? I could write another book with my adventures and mishaps of self-publishing, but I’ll share a few here.
Before I began writing my first book, I spent a year trying to learn the business of publishing. I signed up for many newsletters from some of the pioneers in the biz to learn the essentials about how editors worked, what formatting entailed, the importance of good, professional book covers, and marketing. I was overwhelmed to say the least but my passion to write books was stronger than my fear of the publishing process. Through the course of writing and publishing 6 books, I learned a lot about what makes a good book cover, a painful lesson on hiring the wrong editor, what a properly formatted book entails (without learning the actual process of formatting myself, but I give good directives, lol), and the importance of sharing, caring and giving back where I can.
I am humble. And I never forget how intimidating it was for me to publish my first book and the people who reached out to give me great advice and a helping hand when I was eager to learn and grateful for any help anyone could offer me. That help came in ways of suggestions for editors, formatters, cover artists, promotional opportunities and friendships I slowly made along the way with other writers who had generously given of their time to help me solve many dilemmas along the way. Continue reading . . .
SOURCE:
DGKayewriter.com 
Like you I always try and inject some humour. It’s better that way.
LikeLike
It is Stevie, isn’t it? 🙂
LikeLike
If you write a book on self-pubbing experiences, I’ll buy it. That questions was a great start, Deb.
LikeLike
Oooh, food for thought Jacqui. Thank you. I’ve thought about it a few times, but there are so many books about it. Maybe one with my own spin may be helpful? 🙂
LikeLike
Heading that way now. 😀
LikeLike
Thanks bunches Vashti. ❤
LikeLike
Heading over to read the rest. I love learning more about you as an author. 🙂
LikeLike
Oh thanks so much my friend. ❤ The feeling is mutual. 🙂
LikeLike
Great to have you as a guest Debby and always entertaining and interesting. the perfect guest.. hugs ♥
LikeLike
Aw, you’re too sweet Sal. Always a treat to be featured at your eclectic blog. 🙂 ❤ xx
LikeLike
The light is always on at your house. Thanks for more insights about you ~ and your writing life.
I like your comment about writing and publishing your FIRST book. For me, elp from friends like you is invaluable. I simply couldn’t function without the knowledge and support I get here, especially when the OIe Enthusiam grows thin. Thanks heaps, Debby!
LikeLike
Oh thanks so much for your wonderful comment Marian. You know me, I love to share the good stuff and help if I can. And you are so right, although writing is a solo event, we still need our friend for support, encouragement, and help with things we haven’t yet encountered. 🙂
LikeLike
Debby, popping over to read the rest of this … your commitment and professional shines through!
LikeLike
Oh thanks so much Annika. 🙂
LikeLike
How am I not following your blog again? I think WordPress has more problems than they are letting on… anyway, I think you should write some metaphysical books about angels, and empaths. I can see that as another journey. Lovely interview, Sis. ❤
LikeLike
Lol, you’re so cute. Your idea has been on my ‘back burner’ among many other ideas LOL. As for the blog, you can’t ‘follow’ here unless you sign up in the top left corner to be emailed my blog posts weekly. 🙂 Others do find me in the reader, but unfortunately, being self-hosted there is no ‘follow this blog’ button. ❤
LikeLike
So, today it gave me the option to follow this blog??
LikeLike
Where did the option come up? The ‘sign up’ for this blog is always on the top right sidebar and before every post? ❤
LikeLike
Under the like button. It said: Follow this blog?
LikeLike
Are you serious?????? It never had that before? I’m self hosted there was never a follow this blog button before. I think the WP wizards are at play. ❤
LikeLike
That’s what I thought. It will be interesting to see if you show up in my reader. 😀
LikeLike
Keep me posted if you do or don’t 🙂 xx
LikeLike
I’ll let you know. ❤
LikeLike
❤
LikeLike
It was a good idea to research publishing a book before you did so. I didn’t do that so I had to learn as I went.
LikeLike
It comes with my ‘must be in control’ compulsion LOL. 🙂
LikeLike
So interesting to read about your ups and downs in self publishing Debby. Like you I’ve made quite a few mistakes! It’s a massive learning curve!
LikeLike
Thanks Marje. I think we’ve all had them, in different versions. LOL ❤
LikeLike
Yes there’s bound to be. It takes time to learn a new skill!
LikeLike
🙂
LikeLike
Passion was stronger than fear…love that, Debby! This was such a joy to read. Thank you for sharing. XO
LikeLike
Thanks so much for reading Natalie. ❤
LikeLike
A fabulous post, Debby. Sally is such a great hostess as well! 🙂
LikeLike
Thanks so much Olga. Sally is certainly the hostess with the mostess! 🙂 x
LikeLike
It’s nice to get to know a little more about you, Debby. I like your advice to always stay humble and kind. Our world could do with a little more of each. I wish you success with your writing goals this year – and with achieving those items on your bucket list. You missed the Bash last year. Is it in your stars for this year?
LikeLike
Thanks bunches Norah. No, I won’t make the Bash this year either as my husband has a big birthday coming up on that weekend, the Bash moved from June to May this year. But I am working on next year’s! 🙂
LikeLike
How exciting to be planning a big birthday. You must be very excited and looking forward to the celebration. I hope all goes well.
LikeLike
Thanks Norah. For now I’m working on getting out of winter here in the sunshine. The party will be plan B when I return. 🙂
LikeLike
Enjoy the sunshine. We’re looking forward to it cooling down a bit. 🙂
LikeLike
I am Norah! Thanks. 🙂
LikeLike
A rising star. =)
LikeLike
Lol, thank you Diana 🙂 x
LikeLike
Do you guest post on other blogs as I need few guest posts.
LikeLike
Hi Kevin. Yes I do, but I am on a blog break for another week on vacation. I’d love to. 🙂
LikeLike