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Wednesday, May 20, 2020

INTERVIEW WITH AUTHOR DAPHNE SELF with DOUBLE GIVEAWAY!

Happy Wednesday suspense readers! Mary Ellis here and today I have the honor of interviewing Daphne Self, who has a new book coming in June, Alabama Days. Daphne is giving away one copy of Mississippi Nights (book 1 of A Southern Saga) and one copy of Alabama Days (book 2 of A Southern Saga.) But first, the interview:

ME: If you had to describe yourself in one sentence, what would you say?
DS: I am a dreamer who sees the bright side of everything.

ME: What do you do when you’re not writing? Any interesting hobbies?
DS: I am usually playing video games (Ark Survival, Minecraft, or Forza), or painting or sewing, yet definitely reading. And I am still on the hunt for another 3D Sudoku book.

ME: What was your favorite book as a teen or child?
DS: As a child, when I was eight, it was Disney’s The Black Hole. By the time I was around twelve, Louisa May Alcott’s Eight Cousins. When I became a teenage, I had quite a few Louis L’Amour books that I absolutely loved: Jubal Sackett, Too the Far Blue Mountains, Son of a Wanted Man, and Lonesome Gods.

ME: Tell us three things about yourself that might surprise your readers.
DS: 1) I served as an EMR (Emergency Medical Responder) for a volunteer fire department.
       2) I’m terrified of deep water, yet ironically, I love the ocean.
       3) Despite a life of chronic pain and cognitive difficulties, I still pursue my dream of being an author and work to become an advocate for those with chronic illnesses.

ME: What genre did you start out writing? Have you changed course? Why or why not?
DS:  I started in fiction (Mississippi Nights), mainly suspense/romantic suspense. Then I ended up writing a nonfiction book (30 Days: A Devotional Memoir), which is a cross between a devotional and a memoir. The next book was my children’s book (The Case of the Missing Firehouse Dog), which is the first of a five book series. The one that is about to be released, Alabama Days, is a romantic suspense. And even though I will have another nonfiction book (Journey On: Through This Shadowed Valley) releasing later this year, I enjoy writing fiction. I write across the board, it seems. Probably because of how my mind perceives things. I think there are too many stories in my head (maybe a side effect of being a bookworm in my childhood?).
ME: What has been the toughest criticism given to you as an author? What has been the best compliment?
DS: The toughest criticism was when someone told me that my book read like a rough draft, even after professional edits and proofing. The best compliment is when readers say they were excited about the book and can’t wait to read more by me.

ME: Any other genres you’d like to try? If yes, what and why?
DS:  I plan to write science fiction and fantasy. In fact, I’m collaborating with a few fellow authors about a science fiction short story collection. I do want to delve a bit more into a pure romance book. No suspense. No action. Just the romance. But knowing me, I would probably throw some kind of conflict in there and turn it into a suspense.
ME: If you could go back in time and do something differently at the start of your career, what would it be?
DS: To not be discouraged when doors kept closing on me and to finish the next book. I waited too long to come back to writing after feeling discouraged for so many years. That was my mistake. Redoing and reconnecting is tough.

ME: What is the most important piece of advice you’d like to give to unpublished authors?
DS: As they say in Galaxy Quest: Never give up, never surrender.
Never give up on your books and your talent. And never surrender to doubt and fear. Your fellow authors don’t bite. You can reach out to us and we would be happy to connect with you.

Here's a little bit about Alabama Days: How could a loving God hurt so many people? Paramedic Scott Wilson believes he can chase death away, but his spirit is shattered when people he loves are taken from him. As a paramedic, Scott sees every day the pain that people suffer, and he wants no part of a God that would allow bad things to happen to good people. As a result, he hides behind his work and addiction to ease the pain within his soul. But once newspaper reporter Angela Mabry and her son, Max, move into town, Scott can’t help but notice the feisty redhead. Angela is determined to uncover the town’s seedy underbelly and reveal the strange coincidences of so many car accidents at one location. When a prominent city official dies in a car wreck, Scott and Angela find themselves tangled in intrigue and deception. Together they search for the truth and discover that not all is what it seems. 

Here's little bit about Daphne Self:
"I am a stranger in the earth; Do not hide Your commandments from me" (Psalm 119:119). This verse is Daphne's life. "Then He arose and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, 'Peace, be still!' And the wind ceased and there was a great calm" (Mark 4:39). This verse is the promise made to Daphne.
Daphne Self, formerly published under the name D.M. Webb, resides in Iowa. As a Mississippian transplant, she spends her days in the Midwest state writing, editing, reading, antiquing, and planning adventures with her husband and sons. She pursues her dream as an editor and author with one goal in mind: To Glorify His Name. Daphne is also an avid reader who devours book in many genres. As a long time member of ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers), she volunteers her time helping published and unpublished authors.




To pre-book Alabama Days, click this link:  https://www.amazon.com/Alabama-Days-Southern-Saga-Sagas-ebook/dp/B082K9RZHJ/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2500CHTFIN6VE&dchild=1&keywords=alabama+days+daphne+self&qid=1589574615&sprefix=Alabama+Days+%2Caps%2C1218&sr=8-1




To buy Mississippi Nights, click this link:  https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B006NG8OEE?notRedirectToSDP=1&ref_=dbs_mng_calw_0&storeType=ebooks


Leave a comment for Daphne to be entered in a drawing for one print copy of Mississippi Nights and one print copy of Alabama Days (to be shipped after its June release date) You must leave an email address in order to win. Contest is open to anyone, worldwide. Drawing in one week.




56 comments:

  1. Loved reading the interview with Daphne. It's always fun to learn more about the author whose books are on your TBR list. Loved the sentence she used for herself which could be words to live by. Interesting that we have somewhat similar medically issues and determination to carry on.

    Thank you for the fabulous opportunity to win a copy of "Mississippi Nights" or "Alabama Days"! Shared and hoping to be one of the very fortunate ones selected.
    2clowns at arkansas dot net

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    1. That's all we can do, isn't it? Determine to carry on and have faith in God.

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  2. Thank you for sharing your interesting giveaway. Sounds like some great reading!
    mauback55 at gmail dot com

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    1. Thank you for reading about my book and me. I appreciate the time you gave.

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  3. Thanks for the wonderful post. I hope to read more of these.
    debby236 at gmail dot com

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    1. I find myself going through the older posts and learning more about other authors and their books. This is a great blog, isn't it?

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  4. I love how you describe yourself. I'm working on always seeing the bright side of things. Great interview. I'm looking forward to reading these books. They sound great. Adding them to my list.
    nstotts@sbcglobal.net

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    1. Thank you! There are some days--to be bluntly honest--that I have to remind myself to see the bright side.

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  6. As a southern belle from Tuscaloosa Alabama, I’m intrigued by both of these books. I have a sister-in-law that lives in Amory MS. So connections to both states. Like you I read several different genres but romantic suspense Is one of my favorites.
    tumcsec(at)gmail(dot)com

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    1. My brother-in-law is from Amory! My sister and he used to live there for a while. I've been through Tuscaloosa. It's a pretty place.

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  7. I'm into reading Louis L'Amour. Guns in the Tumberlands, Sackett series, Last of the Breed, Sitka, and Hondo. I read nonfiction, biographies/ autobiographies, historical fiction, historical romance, biblical fiction, and romantic suspense.

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    1. Here's my email: racheltirzah(at)gmail(dot)com

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    2. Oh, I can't believe I forgot Last of the Breed. Wasn't that one of the best books!? Who is your favorite Sackett? Mine: Tyrel.

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  8. Daphne, what a delight you are! I really enjoyed reading about you and am very interested in your books!

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    1. Well, you just brighten my day! Thank you so much!

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  9. yes pls

    u can never have too many books ! ]

    bev

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    1. LOL. My husband and mother would beg to differ. But I agree, one can never have too many books! :)

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  10. Such a great interview. I have not read any of your books but I sure would like to change that and Romantic Suspense is my favorite genre. Thank you so much for a chance to win your books. Stella dot potts77 at gmail dot com.

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    1. Thank you for reading the interview. And I hope to interact with you more. Which romantic suspense authors do you read? I lean toward Terri Blackstock and DiAnn Mills and have just recently added Lynette Eason and Kathy Herman to my list.

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  11. Both of these books sound wonderful! Thank you for sharing your interview, your Gospel verses & chance to win. Stay safe!
    RW620 AT aol DOT com

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    1. Thank you for reading the interview! And you stay safe, too.

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  12. I was raised in MS and my husband is from AL. Would love to read these!! Plus, Daphne is a new author to me. My email: jenmom1707@yahoo.com

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    1. Oh, what part of MS? I am from Batesville. I have a cousin who lived in Alabama.

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  13. I enjoyed getting to know Daphne in this interview. Thank you for the chance. Have a blessed day. leliamae54(At)aol(dot)com

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    1. Thank you for swinging by! I appreciate your time.

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  14. Hi, I enjoyed reading this interview and getting to meet Daphne, she is a new to me author, her books sound like great reads. Thank you so much for sharing this interview. Have a Great rest of the week. Stay safe. God Bless you and your family. Thank you for the chance ! aliciabhaney@sbcglobal.net

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    1. Thank you! I hope the rest of your week is great, too.

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  15. I loved reading your interview and learned alot about you. You are a new author to me. I can't wait to get your books out of the library whenever it reopens. The library is closed because of the coronavirus. My email is deborahdumm@yahoo.com

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  16. nice interview
    bn100candg at hotmail dot com

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  17. I loved reading your interview and learning more about you as an author. I write for fun and hope someday to be a published author.
    I love books like the ones you're giving away as prizes.
    I would love to read and review the print format of the books. I hope to win the giveaway.
    Crystal

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    1. Hi. I'm glad you stopped by. Remember: don't give up on your dream and talent! Hopefully someday you will see your story in print.

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  18. A great interview thank you.

    marypres(AT)gmail(DOT)com

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  19. excited to see a book about my home state of Mississippi

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    1. email is: sheliarha64(at)yahoo(dot)com

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    2. Awesome! Mississippi Nights' setting is a fictional town just west of Olive Branch and not too far away from Arkabutla. Yet has characteristics of Horn Lake, Batesville, and Oxford. :)

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  20. Would love to read these books! Thanks for the interview! Badawson16 at aol dot com

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    1. Thank you for reading the interview! I appreciate it.

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  21. It was a great interview. Thank you for sharing.
    dianah7272@gmail.com

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    1. Thank you! And thank you for being a part of this.

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  22. Daphne I appreciate your perseverance and your perspective on God. I pray that He continues to use your writing to help people reach out to Him.
    sonnetta_jones(at)hotmail(dot)com

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  23. I love to learn about new authors especially Christian romantic suspense authors ��

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    1. I am the same way! I have a shelf that is filling up quickly with RS novels.

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  24. Thank you, Daphne, for sharing your 'keep going in spite of everything' self, here and in your writing which shows that underlying theme! You have readers who are encouraged in their own lives by your 'never give up' attitude and also appreciate how you glorify God in your writing as well. Take care, S-

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    1. I still have to remind myself of my own advice at times! LOL Thank you for comment.

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  25. Great interview! I enjoy learning things about the authors when reading these Q and A's. Thanks for the chance to win a book. Boxtopscrazy at gmail dot com.

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    1. I love Q&As too! It is the best way to learn about someone new.

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  26. They both sound like stories I can really get into. I would love the chance to try to win them. Thanks.
    lkish77123 at gmail dot com

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    1. Thank you! And I hope you will be around when my next books are released.

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  27. Sounds fantastic. Thanks for the chance.

    positive DOT ideas DOT 4you AT gmail DOT com

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  28. Thank you for introducing a new author!
    kykla99ATgmailDOTcom

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  29. Thanks to everyone who stopped by Suspense Sisters and left a comment for Daphne! And thanks especially to Daphne Self, who wrote a wonderful interview, but whose books sound marvelous!! My winner is Jennifer and I will contact her via email for her address. Thanks again, everyone!! Mary Ellis

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