I am so excited to tell you about my friend Debby Mayne's new book, Pretty is as Pretty Does (check out the gorgeous covers below). This page-turner is the first in a series of three. It definitely tops my list of favorite books. Debby is such a good writer that when I read these characters, I catch myself praying for them as I read, only to remember they are just characters!
I would struggle writing first person, let alone multiple first person, but Debby nails it. I got so caught up in all the lives of her characters. I found myself laughing, crying and cheering them on. I had a minute with her and here's what she had to say:
1. Tell us a little bit about the Class Reunion series.
There are 3 books in this series: Pretty is as Pretty Does (10-year reunion), Bless Her Heart (15-year reunion), and Tickled Pink (20-year reunion). They're all written in multiple first person point of view so readers can feel what they're feeling as they get ready to face their classmates.
2. Where did you get the idea for the Class Reunion series?
My mother-in-law was voted "Most Beautiful" back in high school, so when she got her 50-year invitation, she went on a diet, had a facial with microdermabrasion, bought a Cadillac, and had her hair done a different color. I asked her why, and she said she didn't want to disappoint anyone. That sparked the idea for the series.
Most people look back on their high school years with an emotional memory. Regardless of how successful they become as adults, they generally resort to who they were when they go back to visit.
3. How many books have you had published, and what types of books are they?
 |
| Debby Mayne |
I've had more than 30 books published. Until this series, they were all romances, mysteries, and devotionals. This is the first women's fiction series I've sold.
4. Would you like to write more women's fiction in the future?
Yes, I absolutely would. It would have to have a theme I can relate to and feel that others will enjoy. I have some seeds of ideas, but I'm not ready to share anything just yet.
5. Can you tell us a little bit about you?
I grew up in an Air Force family that moved every few years. I was born in Alaska, and I've lived in Mississippi, Oregon, Japan, Hawaii, and Tennessee. My dad retired from the Air Force the year I graduated from high school, so we went to college together at the University of Southern Mississippi. My husband and I have been married for about 33 years. We have 2 daughters, Alison and Lauren, 2 sons-in-law, Jason and Ryan, 2 granddaughters, Emma and Sophia, 1 grandpuppy Cody, and 2 grandkitties Maddie and Olive.
6. What are you currently working on?
I'm writing the first draft of Trouble in Paradise, the second book in my Uptown Belles series for Charisma House. These are fish-out-of-water stories with southern heroines moving up to New York City for various reasons. The first book, Missing Dixie, is due to release in Spring 2014.
7. Please share an excerpt of one of the Class Reunion books.
Here is the first page of Pretty is as Pretty Does:
(Priscilla Slater)
We are thrilled to announce
Piney Point High School’s
10 year reunion
on June 7, 2003, at 7:30 PM
in Piney Point High’s
Newly renovated gymnasium.
Attire: Sunday best.
RSVP: Laura Moss 601-555-1515
PS: There will be a pre-party
At Shenanigans in Hattiesburg
Starting at about 5:00 PM.
Wow. Ten years. As I read my high school reunion invitation a second time, I can’t help but smile. Although I own one of the most successful businesses in my hometown of Piney Point, Mississippi, I’ve lost track of most of the people I graduated with.
Knowing the people I went to high school with, this is going to be one crazy event—that is, if everyone attends. I’m not surprised Laura added a pre-party to the invitation. Her husband has never attended any social event before pre-partying his face off—even in high school. Pete Moss graduated with the distinct honor of high school lush, and as far as I know, he continues to hold that honor, which is ironic since I don’t remember Laura touching a drop of anything stronger than her mama’s two-day-old sweet tea.
You can grab a copy at Amazon.com or Christianbook.com
The three book series is published by Abingdon Press
Be sure to visit Debby at DebbyMayne.com
