Thursday , March 28 2024
Do ghosts really exist? Deborah Woehr explores this issue in her latest novel, Prosperity.

Interview with Deborah Woehr, Author of Prosperity

Author Deborah Woehr is the moderator of Paranormal Watch, a popular blog focusing on ghosts and the supernatural. She's on tour this month of February to promote the release of her ghost novel Prosperity, available from Lulu.

Welcome to Blogcritics, Deborah! It's nice to have you here.

Why don't you start by telling us a bit about your book, and what inspired you to write such a story?

Prosperity is about an embattled psychic who would rather call herself crazy than believe in ghosts or the afterlife. I've always been interested in the paranormal and the debate about whether or not ghosts exist. Researching for both Prosperity and Paranormalwatch.com, I found that there are two hardcore camps. It's always interesting to read what they have to say on the subject and about each other.

How would you describe your creative process while writing this novel? Was it stream-of-consciousness writing, or did you first write an outline? How long did it take you to write it?

It was definitely stream-of-consciousness writing, although I did try to draw up several outlines. I started the book early in 1998 and went through seven or eight drafts before I finished it in December of last year.

Have you ever suffered from writer's block? What seems to work for unleashing your creativity?

Oh, yes. Many times. Music helps most of the time. It helps quiet my "everyday" thoughts so my creative thoughts can get through.

How was your experience in looking for a publisher? What words of advice would you offer those novice authors who are in search of one?

I received a couple of rejections before I decided to research other avenues of publishing. Traditional publishing is almost impossible for most writers. I've heard quite a few stories, especially lately, from writers and editors about the frustrations they've dealt with. The horror stories from writers who went the POD route were even worse. My advice to novice authors is to research every possibility for publication. Start researching for editors well before you submit your book anywhere, and don't go for the cheap one.

What type of book promotion seems to work the best for you?

I've just started my book campaign. So far, the blog tour is going well. I'm also sending review copies to friends and colleagues. Already, this is creating word-of-mouth.

What is your favorite book of all time? Why?

That's a hard question because I have several favorites from several genres. I loved reading Hidden Files: Law Enforcement's True Case Stories of the Unexplained and Paranormal.

Do you have a website/blog where readers may learn more about you and your work?

Yes. To learn more about me and my books, please visit my blog.

Do you have another novel on the works? Would you like to tell readers about your current or future projects.

I'm busy spinning ideas in my head for another novel right now. The concept involves paranormal investigators.

Thanks for stopping by and good luck with your virtual book tour!

About Mayra Calvani

Mayra Calvani writes fiction and nonfiction for children and adults and has authored over a dozen books, some of which have won awards. Her stories, reviews, interviews and articles have appeared on numerous publications such as The Writer, Writer’s Journal, Multicultural Review, and Bloomsbury Review, among many others. Represented by Serendipity Literary.

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