About Debra Erfert:
Debra "DJ" Erfert, a winner of a 2017 Kindle Scout campaign, has authored five published novels, three novellas, and one Kindle World’s novella, and several short stories. She writes what her alter-ego dictates. Maybe it’s her super-ego. In her Window of Time series, Lucy is fearless and strong and has a secret power—all qualities Debra envies. In real life, spiders terrify her, which is why they appear on a regular basis in her books. “Confront your fears, and have your characters squish them!”
Debra uses the pen name DJ Erfert for her paranormal suspense/thriller books, and Debra Erfert for her romantic suspense/mystery books. She is an award-winning fine artist who lives in a southwest desert city in Arizona with her husband, Mike, a retired police lieutenant, where the average summer temperatures are well above 100 degrees—truly hot enough to fry an egg on the sidewalk. After raising two Eagle Scouts, she now spends her time writing and shooing her polydactyl cats away from her keyboard.
What inspires you to write?
I'm an award-winning artist. I specialize in portraits, using graphite and pastels. Writing isn't any different than painting. Instead of using colored chalk and pencils, I use words to create scenes and tell stories.
Tell us about your writing process.
When I write, I usually know how I want the story to start. I can "see" a few of the characters in my head, at least a couple of pivotal points. I won't, or rather, I can't outline. I feel it's a waste of time. I'd rather just dig in and start writing. As it progresses, if I get an idea for a scene, I'll scroll to the bottom of my manuscript to get that idea down before I forget about it. I'll also have a vague idea of how I want the story to end.
For Fiction Writers: Do you listen (or talk to) to your characters?
I have yet to master getting my will across to the characters in any of my books. They seem to have a life of their own. They'll tell me what comes next. I always thought I was a little weird, but it turns out most authors have the same peculiarity.
What advice would you give other writers?
The one piece of important advice that I'll always remember: read!And read some more.
How did you decide how to publish your books?
I'm a hybrid author. Not only do I publish my own books through my imprint, Stone Horse Press, but I have two different publishers who loved my books. I have to admit, I love being my own publisher. I dictate when I do promotions as well as what the sales price is.
What do you think about the future of book publishing?
Books will always be around. Most of my books sold are ePubs. Seldom do I sell any paper copies, although there are still hard-core readers who won't touch a Kindle. lol.
What do you use?: Professional Editor, Professional Cover Designer, Beta Readers
What genres do you write?: I write romance, mystery & suspense, and paranormal romantic suspense.
What formats are your books in?: Both eBook and Print
Your Social Media Links
Goodreads
Facebook
Twitter
All information in this post is presented “as is” supplied by the author. We don’t edit to allow you the reader to hear the author in their own voice.
