Tell us your name and then a bit about yourself.

Debbie Burns – best-selling author of eight heartwarming contemporary romance and women’s fiction novels who writes happily ever afters for both her stories two- and four-legged stars.

When you are writing a book, which is harder? The first book in the series or the others after it?

Honestly, I think they are different challenges and awards for both the first and the rest in the series. The first takes longer, but it also allows for more freedom as you’re setting the story parameters. Also, looking back, a series bible is essential!!

When writing a series how do you keep things fresh, for both your readers and also yourself?

My Rescue Me series has expanded to seven books. Since it’s set in St. Louis, I’ve had fun writing about different St. Louis neighborhoods, restaurants, and venues each story. Also, since my books are set in a fictional animal shelter, I also choose a different type of animal rescue (and dog breed) to highlight each story.

Writing can be an emotionally draining and stressful pursuit. Any tips for aspiring writers?

Take time for self care and fill your creativity well often. I love hiking, gardening, and going to yoga classes. All these leave me feeling restored and more in connection with my creativity. Also, when it comes to writing first drafts, I’ve found Stephen King’s adage of “Write with the door closed; edit with the door open” can’t be understated.

On a typical day, how much time do you spend writing?

I probably average about three hours a day, though some days are longer and others, lighter.

Do you have a favorite character that you have written? If so, who? And what makes them so special.

No, I fall in love with the characters just as deeply with each story. I will say that it’s often the dogs in the stories whose connection I cherish the longest. Perhaps that’s because many of them have been based on real animal personalities that I’ve known.

If any of your books were to be made into a movie, who are the celebrities that would star in it? What book and who?

If any of my books were made into a movie, I’d want it to be Summer by the River, my stand-alone women’s fiction. Usually, I envision the stars of my books as a mashup of my imagination and real people; however, when I wrote that book, I 100% envisioned a young Gerard Butler as Carter O’Brien, the male lead. Now Gerard Butler would be too old to play Carter, but I’d hope they would find someone who’d be both charming and a good look alike!

Do you have anything you want to share that didn’t fit on one of these questions?

Thank you!

What are your social links?

FB: @authordebbieburns

Insta: @_debbieburns

What are your buy links? (Provide links to your Amazon/iBook’s/Koko/etc Author Home Page if you have quite a few. Also include audible links if applicable.)

Buy links here: http://www.authordebbieburns.com/books.html

Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Debbie-Burns/author/B073LR24G3?ref=ap_rdr&store_ref=ap_rdr&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=true
Audible: https://www.audible.com/author/Debbie-Burns/B073LR24G3?ref=a_search_c3_lAuthor_1_1_1&pf_rd_p=83218cca-c308-412f-bfcf-90198b687a2f&pf_rd_r=HSZJPXAWH6VFW2N838QB&pageLoadId=UDKd5SeZHZ8c84XZ&creativeId=0d6f6720-f41c-457e-a42b-8c8dceb62f2c

Want tickets to Writers on the River #2023?

They are available starting November 4th at Writersontheriver.com

$45 VIP sell out quickly – 12-1 VIP hour, 1-4 General Admission time. You get a filled VIP bag and admission to the after party is included.

$25 Early Access – 12-1 VIP house, 1-4 General Admission time. You also get a filled VIP bag but NO admission to the after party.

$10 General Admission – 1-4 General Admission time. You can purchase a bag but it is not filled with VIP swag. There is no admission to the after party included.

$35 After party – 7-11 After Party with food and cash bar. Dj with a photobooth is also included in the fun.