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FAQ's Questions About Deborah

Describe your writing process. Do you outline, plot, and plan, or is your writing more organic?

I outline a lot. I write and rewrite and read and outline and then rewrite again. I am constantly rereading and proofing and revising.

What are some books or authors that you would recommend to our readers?

No Job for a Lady - The Autobiography of M. Phyllis Lose, VMD as told to Daniel Mannix. 1979.

he History of the Fairmount Park Guard 1868/1972. by Marion W. Rivinus. 1976.

In Scarlet and Plain Clothes: The History of the Mounted Police by Thomas Morris Longstreth. 1933.

Women in Veterinary Medicine: Profiles of Success by Sue Drum and H. Whiteley. 1991.

Frank Rizzo: The Last Big Man in Big City America by S.A. Paolantonio, S.A. Paolantonia, S.A. Paolantonio. 1993.

Tell us what you enjoy most about writing?

I like writing exciting things. I love using photographs in my writing, as I think “a picture is worth a thousand words.” Pictures add so much to a book, especially non-fiction. They help the reader to visualize what is being said.

What have you found to be most challenging about writing?

Finding publishers without an agent. I could not afford an agent, so I have been on my own. I am still learning as I go.

For this particular book, I found it difficult to maintain a consistency of style, which I really did not do well. A Woman’s Job is Never Done, is a compilation of stories by different people. Dr. Lose authored most of the book, but her friend, Audrey Bostwick (who would not allow me to list her as one of the authors) and I wrote the rest of the book.

Do you identify with your main character, or did you create a character that is your opposite?

Working in the setting of the book, I can really only identify as myself.

Describe the book or series in 10 words or less for people just learning about it.

The woman veterinarian who cared for the Philadelphia Mounted Police.

Is there anything you would like people to take away from your book?

To support mounted police units. Mounted police have a unique perspective, being on the back of a horse. These days city budgets tend to cut law enforcement. That is what happened to Philadelphia. After Mayor Rizzo, another mayor cut the mounted program out of the police force. Later, it was realized how important mounted police really are, so they reinstated them.

Do you have any odd (writing) habits?

I can’t think of any.

Have you ever experienced writer’s block? How did you deal with it?

Oh yes! I usually take a break from writing for a few days. Then my perspective is fresh.

What has been the toughest criticism you have received as an author? What has been the best compliment?

Truthfully, I haven’t received any criticism that I know of. The best compliment is 5 stars for the book on Amazon.

What is your favorite line from your book?

In the chapter entitled, “Chester,” there is a woman in her car, and Chester’s head landed against her windshield. The woman screamed and shrieked, “He is coming after me! His mouth is open, and his teeth are snarling!”

Share some advice for aspiring authors. What advice would you give to your younger self?

To publish independently. The self-publishers I chose for both of my books have withheld my royalties for themselves. Publishing is not a “get rich” thing, that is for sure. It is more like investing quite a bit of money instead.

To date, what is your favorite (or most difficult) chapter you have ever written?

My favorite and most difficult chapter are the same: “Jerome, the Bravest of Horses.” My mother and I were working in Dr. Lose’s hospital the night Jerome was transported there in the police horse ambulance. I wrote this chapter on my own and had to research many things, such as horse blood types. My background as an RN helped me with my understanding of Dr. Lose’s treatment of Jerome.

What do you like to do when you’re not writing?

I like to read, draw, paint, and collect model horses.