Q1. Hello, can you please introduce yourself? Readers would love to know more about you.
My name is Deborah, I am married to a retired farm worker and live in a farmhouse in North Essex.
Q2. What were the key challenges you faced while writing your book “Cabbages in the Smoke”?
The challenges are being disciplined enough to keep the routine. If you have one bad day don’t carry it through the night. The first draft isn’t the final result.
Q3. What books or authors have most influenced your own writing?
Books that have influenced me are The Alchemist, Paulo Coelho, The Occult, and Mysteries, both written by Colin Wilson. I loved The Exorcist William Peter Blatty. I also enjoy any true crime stories not to mention my love to soak up anything regarding conspiracy theories. I believe in magic both the dark and the light, and very open minded to its power we are able to tap into.
Q4. What’s your favourite spot to visit in your own country? And what makes it so special to you?
I have two favourite places, although they are complete polar opposites really. I adore Covent Garden, London. The shops, the buskers, people watching, occult shops nearby in the side streets and the general quirkiness. With wonderful creative energy, which is great for people watching.
The other is Suffolk, a beautiful county not too far away from where I live. My husband and I go at least once a year. Last time we found a very and I mean very secluded adult tree house. Deer were playing in the woods, adder swimming in the lake, buzzards flying overhead. It’s where we recharge and switch off from life. Breathe deep and watch mother nature going about its business.
Q5. What inspired you to write the book ‘Cabbages in the Smoke’?
Cabbages In The Smoke seeded very quickly. Rewind my job London Probation working on community service projects all over North London. My job was extremely edgy and thick on your feet. Gangs are a huge problem, and the seed planting was the office ringing to inform me I was to expect a gang member needing his hours to be completed quickly.For our own safety noone was to leave the project or go outside for any reason, adding plain clothed police officers would be circling the perimeter in unmarked cars. A young man entered, polite, and smart. As I looked into his blood shot eyes I saw further than the huge trouble he was in. Where material ruled his world and danger cash was his bread and butter. I wanted to write about a spiritual journey he didn’t know he was on. A chance to change his journey for the better. To turn things around, brushing shoulders with the darkness, and nothing is coincidence.
Q6. How long did it take you to write your book ‘Cabbages in the Smoke’?
All in all the book took seven years and many re-writes. I enjoyed every moment. Heading into my world, my characters.
Q7. On what platforms can readers buy your books?
The book is available on Amazon.
Q8. Tell us about the process of coming up with the book cover and the title ‘Cabbages in the Smoke’?
The title funnily enough was the first name I thought of. Cabbages In The Smoke. An unlikely setting of a cabbage farm. The smoke part is both spiritual, and the connection to spirit, and London used to be nicknamed as The Smoke because of the coal fired homes made everywhere smoky and foggy.
Q9. When writing a book how do you keep things fresh, for both your readers and also yourself?
I keep things fresh by watching everything and everyone, youth what they are doing and communication on the internet. The trends and understanding it isn’t easy growing up.
Q10. What is the most valuable piece of advice you’ve been given about writing?
The most valuable piece of information that has been rubber stamped for me is write what you know. I have never forgotten that, forgot who wrote it and voiced it though!!
Buy Cabbages in the Smoke on Amazon
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