Debbie Seagle

Tell us a little bit about yourself, your hobbies and interests.

I’m a professionally divorced hillbilly living in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia after 30 years of marriage to a US Marine. I’m the creator of three incredible sons and eight perfect grandchildren (so far). Learning to juggle & starting a weed-eater are two of the many frustrating endeavors I’ve yet to accomplish. I’ve written top-secret proposals, authored Sunday newspaper columns, embassy newspapers, military base communications, numerous organizational newsletters, marketing campaigns, and various publications over the years. But this chapter of my life is the first pause I’ve found to seclude myself long enough to finish one of the 14 books I’ve been dribbling on for the past 28 years and 6 days. I was also a lifeguard, shampoo girl, airshow director, wing-walker, marketing director, operations manager, and senior technical writer for some of the world’s unknown oracles. I love Monet, nature, books, and finding myself alive each day. My goal in life is to be happy and help others learn to REALLY laugh with me (or at me).

When and why did you start writing books?

I’ve written ideas, scenes, storylines, and scenarios since I could write. Hopefully, I’m improving. When my first son was toilet training, I wrote a “sitting on the potty” book for him after never finding one. I didn’t think to publish it. Dumb. Now there are 28 assorted “big boys poop in the potty” books! Each time we moved to a new country or state, I’d write down the ridiculously funny mishaps of duty station relocation - thinking I’d share the absurdity with other military spouses who could relate. My journals are lost in Europe, or Hawaii, or have been seized as illegal humor by a radical censorship bureau somewhere in the Middle East. So, I just keep writing about my adventures with the hope that someone will find happiness in the realization that they’re not living MY life.

What made you decide to tackle writing as a career?

Writing tackles me. I’ve always been a writer of something, but over the years my friends repeatedly encouraged me to “write that down” when I told them about my day. So, I did. I was inspired to write “Cups & Wine Glasses” after finding myself alone, locked out of my secluded cabin naked it a violent thunderstorm only days after I moved 250 miles from my house and career to allow my husband’s trash tramp to move in (No, I don’t know Why I allowed that). I had never been alone, and didn't know how to handle it without humor - but I wanted to let other jilted wanderers know why they are not alone! So, I wrote to them. I've come up with some unique and unusual approaches to finding purpose and building a life after one is demolished. The first and second books share some wonderfully wacky uplifting ideas to fill the world with happiness.

Which one of your books or characters is your favourite?

My favorite book is one I’m writing now – for children. It’s a series coming out in the fall of 2023.

Which one of your books was the hardest to write and stretched you the most as a writer?

Children’s books are the hardest for me to write. My children are grown, and they were my inspiration. Now I only have my own childish thoughts to rely on. Most of my grandchildren roll their eyes when I interview them. High School & College kids aren’t interested in magic dust anymore. But there’s still hope; as soon as my youngest granddaughter learns to talk, she’ll be my muse.

Who is your favourite author and book?

Ah man, that’s not a fair question. I love all books I’ve read, except one. But I love books like “Crossing Over” by John Edward; “90 minutes in Heaven” by Don Piper. Ken Follett, Debbie Macomber, Nicholas Sparks, and Sidney Sheldon are (obviously) great. I loved “The Da Vinci Code” by Dan Brown; and I relate to everything Erma Bombeck ever wrote. I can’t just pick ONE. Yet.

What book are you reading right now?

“The Last Song” by Nicholas Sparks, and the Bible. I'm also reading "Coffee Cups & Wine Glasses" into a microphone for the audiobook.

Where do you get your inspiration for your books?

From the world around me.

What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

My joys include being with family, snow skiing, sailing, gardening, hiking, kayaking, hanging with friends, rocks, dirt, and good wine in a magnificent wine glass. Oh, and if I’m not engaging in frivolous activities, I mindlessly bury myself in writing and reading. I plan to make time for those get-offa-yo-butt things again very soon. (The magnificent wine glass thing – I’ve found time for that, and dirt).

Do you have any new books in the works?

Always. “10 Steps to Get Over Dick Head” will be published in a few weeks, and I’m writing a book of police stories, and dabbling with a cozy romance. Next is the children’s book series I’ve had in the hopper for 12 years. Then there’s the spy novel… another self-help book… and… somebody stop me!