My husband worked on a salmon boat during the summer months as a teen. He told me some wild stories. I wrote my “romance” around the boat.

Debbie White – 17 August 2014

The Back Flap

Libby and Luke give up the city life and move to a small fishing village along the California coast, where he pursues his dream of owning and operating a commercial salmon boat, and she runs a small café the locals love. The two of them are dedicated to make his dream a reality when something happens that even Libby could not have prepared for. The Salty Dog is about love, loss and the ability to move forward.

About the book

What is the book about?

The Salty Dog is about a couple – Libby and Luke, who decide to leave the big city and move to a small fishing village where he pursues his dream of owning and operating a commercial salmon boat.  Something happens that changes her life forever.  The Salty Dog is about love, loss and perseverance.

When did you start writing the book?

I started writing the book in the summer of 2013.  I almost didn’t finish it or publish it. I had a bad experience with my first self-published book so I was a little apprehensive. However, I’m so glad I decided to finish it and put it out for readers. The reviews have been awesome.

How long did it take you to write it?

It took me about 7 months.

Where did you get the idea from?

My husband worked on a salmon boat during the summer months as a teen. He told me some wild stories. I wrote my “romance” around the boat.

Were there any parts of the book where you struggled?

Not really. I just wanted to make sure it was as accurate as possible in terms of fishing lingo, and the geography of the location.  It took time to research that.

What came easily?

The main thing that came easy is the area I write about in The Salty Dog, I live nearby. It made it easy to visualize etc.

Are your characters entirely fictitious or have you borrowed from real world people you know?

The characters so far are fictitious; however, my own life experiences and meeting people from all over the world I’m sure has infiltrated into some of them!

We all know how important it is for writers to read. Are there any particular authors that have influenced how you write and, if so, how have they influenced you?

I started out a big Danielle Steel fan. I then discovered Elizabeth Berg, Nora Roberts, and Nicholas Sparks. I also enjoy reading non-fiction and one that really sticks out in my mind is the memoir of Helene Cooper titled The House at Sugar Beach. I’m also reading the Walk Series by Richard Paul Evens. It is a fiction, but as I turn the pages, I’m swept away regarding the believable factor in his writing. I highly recommend his books.

Do you have a target reader?

I would say women between the ages of 17 and up.  However, I’ve had a couple of men read the book for their honest review, and they liked it!

About Writing

Do you have a writing process? If so can you please describe it?

I wish I could say I do. I’ve interacted with many authors who go through this whole process of cutting out pictures of what they think their characters look like and tape them on their wall so they can constantly visualize them etc. I just get an idea, I jot down the characters (lady, man, young girl) then I visualize how I want them to look and act and then I find a nice name that suits them.  I will have to say, a picture might be easier…you should see all my sticky notes and chicken scratch all over the surface of my desk!

Do you outline? If so, do you do so extensively or just chapter headings and a couple of sentences?

Yes, I do an outline of sorts.

Do you edit as you go or wait until you’ve finished?

After I’m finished. If I see something obvious I correct it on the spot.

Did you hire a professional editor?

Yes, I did. She was awesome and I’ll use her for my next book as well.

Do you listen to music while you write? If yes, what gets the fingers tapping?

No, I like it quiet.

About Publishing

Did you submit your work to Agents?

No, I didn’t.

What made you decide to go Indie, whether self-publishing or with an indie publisher? Was it a particular event or a gradual process?

I’ve read that a lot of publishers get most of the profit leaving the author with little to none so I went the self-publishing route.

Did you get your book cover professionally done or did you do it yourself?

I used Createspace covers that they offer free, but I bought a stock photo and incorporated into the design.

Do you have a marketing plan for the book or are you just winging it?

I think I’ve done things a bit backwards. Partly because it was a last minute decision to publish the book. I published the book then created my website, blog and fan Facebook page. I’ve been working hard at marketing. I’d say that is the hardest and most time consuming part of being a self-published author.

Any advice that you would like to give to other newbies considering becoming Indie authors?

I would just say if you’re contemplating publishing get your ducks in a row regarding marketing first. Get all of your social media tools ready so you’ll be ready to show the world your book.

About You

Where did you grow up?

I grew up in a small town, in northern California.

Where do you live now?

Ironically, I live in the same town now, but only after being gone for 30 years!

What would you like readers to know about you?

My husband is retired Air Force and we spent 20+ years traveling the world. We are avid animal lovers and have two adorable rescue dachshunds, Dash and Briar. I happily donate a portion of sales of my books to local animal rescue organizations.

What are you working on now?

I actually just finished and am in the editing stages of Passport to Happiness. It’s about a young girl who grows up in a small west Texas town and escapes her humdrum life by being absorbed in books. She reads about travel and adventure and decides after graduating from high school to join the State Department as an Educational Specialist.  I took some of my own travels and incorporated them into the book. I hope readers will find it fascinating.

Thank you so much for the interview. I enjoyed your questions!

End of Interview:

For more from Debbie, visit her website or blog. You can also follow her on twitter, connect on LinkedIn, or what do you do on Pinterest? Pin her? 🙂

Get your copy of The Salty Dog from Amazon US (paper or ebook) or Amazon UK (paper or ebook).