Deb Kelly Takes the Deb Interview

I have been waiting all year for my turn to take the Deb Interview! It’s finally here. The book is finally out, and I am, like magic, a real author. An author who gives interviews. Including this one, which I’ve asked of so many wonderful authors over the last year. And now it’s my turn.

It’s just… it’s all so amazing. This week has been better than I could have ever dreamed it. You’ll forgive me if, for just a few moments, I’m earnest. Just this once.

Talk about one book that made an impact on you.

A Girl’s Guide to Hunting and Fishing by Melissa Bank. I read this book immediately after graduating from college. This is the book that gave me permission to head to New York and fall in love with publishing. Thanks a lot, Ms. Bank.

Where do you love to be?

Wisconsin lakes are where my heart lives. Minnesota lakes will do. Wisconsin lakes are better. I know a lot of people prefer oceans and I do enjoy them fine, as bodies of water go. But Wisconsin lakes, cool, clear, breezy and rippling–that’s where it’s really at.

Have you ever met someone you idolized?  What was it like?

When I went to work for the Jane Rotrosen Agency I got to meet both Kristin Hannah and Luanne Rice in very short succession. This wasn’t just meeting two superstar writers–they were my writing idols. They write on similar issues but they are so different–Kristin’s books left me in a puddle on the floor, sad that the read was over, and Luanne’s books lifted me up to believe in a certain kind of friendship and family and love–the magical kind. 2005. It was an incredible year where around every corner the stars whose faces I knew from book jackets appeared in my real life. And like Kristin and Luanne, they have proven to be amazing people as well as writers.

Has anyone ever thought a character you wrote was based on them?

Yes. I have reason to believe I accidentally offended a dear friend with one of the characters of this book. Never, ever, in a million years was this character based on her, but –huge duh– I unthinkingly named a very eccentric character after one of this friend’s many funny nicknames, only with one letter different. The real person in question was an early reader, and then there was radio silence.

It wasn’t until a year later that it hit me. I felt a fool, but I also knew it was too late to even go there, considering I could have been imagining the whole thing. I let it lie, and haven’t spoken about it until today. Friendships are strong, and survive even thoughtlessness, or at least this one did. Believe me when I say I will be more careful the next time around.

Share something that’s always guaranteed to make you laugh.
The Swedish Chef.

You guys. The Swedish Chef.

5 Replies to “Deb Kelly Takes the Deb Interview”

  1. I love the Swedish Chef!! He always makes me laugh too!

    It was so much fun to read this – amazing how even after a year there are still so many fun things to learn about one another!

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