Q1. Hello Ma’am, can you please introduce yourself? Readers would love to know more about you.
My name is Deb Serani, and I’m a psychologist in the United States who’s written a number of award-winning books in different genres. My latest one is a suspense thriller titled “THE NINTH SESSION.”
Q2. What were the key challenges you faced while writing ‘The Ninth Session’ book?
“The Ninth Session” is a book about the power of psychotherapy – and what goes on in sessions with a secretive patient. I wanted to show the reader those textured experiences while also writing a compelling crime story. My biggest challenge was to craft a suspenseful narrative, but not make the aspects of mental illness stigmatizing.
Q3. What books or authors have most influenced your own writing?
I love reading all kinds of genres in Fiction and Non Fiction. And I especially love reading Poetry. As for authors, I count Nelson DeMille, Stephen King, Toni Morrison, Edgar Allen Poe, Thomas Ligotti, Conrad Aiken, Shirley Jackson, Dr. Kay Redfield Jamison and William Golding as author favourites.
Q4. What’s your favourite spot to visit in your own country? And what makes it so special to you?
I live on an island in New York, so my special place is being at the beach. The sun, sand and surf are instantly soothing and healing for me… making it a most cherished spot any time of year. One of my favourite beaches is featured in “The Ninth Session.” It’s part of the Gold Coast of Long Island.
Q5. Is there lots to do before you dive in and start writing a book?
Generally, my ideas percolate without any real organization. But once I land on an idea for a book, I do research. As I find all I need for the subject, character or story, my writing just flows freely thereafter. Two things are always certain, though. I always know my beginning and ending of my books even before I write a single word on the page.
Q6. How long did it take you to write ‘The Ninth Session’ book?
It took me about a year to write “The Ninth Session.” Took 5 years to find a publisher.
Q7. On what all platforms readers can find ‘The Ninth Session’ book to buy?
It’s available in paperback, ebook and audiobook. Readers can purchase it online book retailers, stores and via audible. And don’t forget your local library if money is tight.
Q8. Tell us about the process of coming up with the book cover and the title ‘The Ninth Session’?
I wanted a Rorschach-like image for the cover so readers would immediately know this was a psychological crime story. And since most people are familiar with the famous inkblots, I arranged for a bloody inkblot to be created. And as for the title, everything changes for Dr. Alicia Reese and Luke in the ninth session, so that become the grab-tag.
Q9. When writing a book how do you keep things fresh, for both your readers and also yourself?
I write for the genres of suspense, self-help, memoir and children’s picture books. So, keeping things fresh seems to happen naturally. Because my writing and focus changes from book to book, it feels fresh and exciting for me. And as a result, interesting for readers. At least I hope so.
Q10. Are there any secrets from the book (that aren’t in the blurb), you can share with your readers?
There are many secrets, twists and turns in “The Ninth Session.” Regrettably, I can’t share any with readers as it would spoil the suspense. And ruin the ending. Sorry!
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