New Author Speaks Out

"...the story wrote itself."

Today Scribes takes you Salford, UK, to visit new author Debbie Hope, and talk about her first book, Lunar Regeneration. We found out she is a very busy woman!

How would you describe yourself as a writer?

I write about the things that interest me. Once I had the intriguing idea about a regenerating skeleton the story wrote itself. Perfecting my English and editing took a lot longer and I am studying a BA in English to help perfect my skills.

How would you describe your genre?

My genre is very much Young Adult/Fantasy with a little romance.

How did you decide to self publish? Do you think there is a stigma associated with self publishing?

As a businesswoman, I have taken a businesslike approach to publishing my own work and I have no time for phrases like 'vanity publishing.' Journalists that use terms like that need to get with the times. I write for YA and talk to them direct through Twitter and reader sites like Goodreads. They would never dream of judging a work by the publisher's logo. 

Do you have any words of advice for anyone starting their first manuscript?

If you are just starting a novel my advice is to FINISH IT!

How about some advice for anyone just having just finished their first manuscript?

Edit, edit, edit again. Then hire a free-lance editor (I used Anne Greenberg) and if you can't afford a copyeditor ask an English Teacher friend for help.

What is the absolutely most important thing you would like people to know about you?

My pen name 'Hope' is very important to me. I never give up hope.

What was your biggest help in writing your novel?

I love fantasy and never stop reading and that will always be important.

What was your biggest hindrance?

Time and life's practical nuisances will always keep creeping up to delay the would-be writer. Set yourself a writing period and stick to it. Even if it has to be in the middle of the night to work in peace.

Tell us a little bit about your writing process.

I write in the late evenings when everything is done, including the ironing. Writing is my me-time, my reward; I work full-time, pursue an English degree in the evenings and have a family. Once I sit down to write, I am totally happy. I improvise when in full stream, and lost in the story, and I can write 2000 words a night. However, editing for me is a slow and painful process, and I may only keep the best 200 of those 2000 words and will revise a thousand times. I always keep a copy of the first book in my The Immortal MacAbre series by me to encourage me to finish the next book. I love to Twitter to my readers but I don't dare switch it on until my writing is finished for the night.

For the technical side, check the 'about this book' section on my website. I had no money to spend, but I did collect lots of advice and assistance along the way. If you are looking to self-publish, get your writing techniques and your work polished first. Then when you have something to promote make sure your precious budget is spent with the right people. I give technical talks on 'how to self-publish' for business networking groups because it is a skill you need to acquire.

Lunar Regeneration is available via Amazon in ebook and print formats and via http://www.immortalmacabre.co.uk