Affiliate links can be found within this post. If you need additional information, please see the disclaimer.
Introduction
Join me in getting to know Debra Leigh a little bit better. She currently has two books released, Nauti by Nature (romance) and Falling (YA Fantasy). Her latest release, Falling, actually came to her in a dream and eventually manifested into the beginning of The Raddison Chronicles with more books to come! She spends her time writing, coaching volleyball, and painting among other things.
Debra’s Books
Interview with Debra Leigh
Q: Let’s get started with an introduction. Can you tell me a little about how you first got into writing and what it felt like publishing your very first book?
A: I actually first got into writing due to a dream. Oddly enough, I always remember my dreams and they are usually quite vivid. This one particular night, I had a dream about a section of what would become my novel “Falling”. I was so enchanted by the idea that I decided right then and there that I had to make it into a story. And over the next six years, that story grew into a novel.
Q: What are some of your favorite hobbies (other than writing)?
A: I am a coach, really enjoy painting and, of course, reading is a huge passion of mine.
Q: What crayon color is your absolute favorite?
A: Oh, I love this question. And as an art major, I find this incredibly difficult. But I would have to say Red Violet. It’s my absolute favorite color.
Q: I saw that you’re passionate about coaching, what do you coach and can you tell us more about that?
A: I coach volleyball with my childhood best friend at the high school we once attended. The kids are amazing, and truly have become permanently a part of my soul. The season officially starts in August and runs through October, so those are the months my writing usually takes a hiatus.
Q: What’s your favorite unusual food combination?
A: I don’t think this is really an “unusual” food combination, but when I’ve mentioned it to people in the past, they haven’t heard of trying this. Candy bars on s’mores instead of plain chocolate. Reese Cups, Kit Kats, Cookies and Cream Hersheys, Snickers, mostly anything works!
Q: What book (other than your own) do you recommend to everyone that they have to read?
A: It depends on the genre they’re looking for. These are my go-to recommendations:
- YA Fiction: The Hunger Games (I’m obsessed)
- Romance: Mount Trilogy, by Meghan March
- Romance/Fantasy: Zodiac Academy Series, by Caroline Peckham
- Romance/Thriller: Mindf*ck Series, by ST Abby
- Thriller: Verity, by Colleen Hoover
Q: Can you tell me a little bit about your writing process? Note taking; favorite place to write uninterrupted; etc?
A: I use Plottr to sort out my thoughts, ideas, characters, etc. I like the snowflake process, where you start small and slowly grow your story with each restructure. I then write little “introductions” for each character, which helps me understand their goals and purpose in the story.
Q: Tell us a little about what inspired your latest release.
A: My latest release was Falling, which I previously described how that came to be via dream. Nauti by Nature, however, was developed from my family’s love of cruising. While on a cruise, I was struck with the idea of creating a love story on a cruise ship and it stuck!
Q: Which one of your books was your most favorite to write?
A: Falling was something special to me. There are a lot of pieces of me in there. The research I’ve done for that novel has been incredible. There are so many aspects of history and culture woven in, it was truly a joy to create.
Q: What advice would you give to a writer working on their first book?
A: Writing is not just about the destination but the journey. Every moment of struggle, every breakthrough, and every word written is a step toward becoming the writer you aspire to be. Don’t rush the process. Learn to find joy in the act of creation itself.
Q: Finally, can we see some cute pics of your pets??
A: Of course! Kaiser (8yo German Shepard) is a goofy, handsome boy, filled with so much love and affection. Chance (10yo Papillon) unfortunately had to be put down back in September of 2023, but he was a sweet, silly little dog that put a smile on everyone’s face. These two were best friends in the truest form of the word. I have been so blessed to be their mama.
Follow Debra
I was born in Columbus, Ohio and spent much of my childhood travelling with family, playing sports, getting very nice dresses quite dirty, and impulse buying every crayon, marker, and paintbrush I could find.
In addition to writing, I’m quite passionate about coaching, painting, and of course, reading. I’ve always been an animal lover and currently live with my two dogs, Kaiser (German Shepard) and Chance (Papillion).
In 2021, I published my first Provocative Romance,
Nauti by Nature, to Amazon and Kindle.
I’m excited to announce the release of my Urban Fantasy, Falling, which released on February 7, 2022 across multiple platforms.
Thank you all for the continued support and love.
Looking for book recs…
Adventures in Literature 
Leave a comment