Which is your favorite childhood memory?
We were at a good movie. My parents came and told us we had to go. I was mad. It turns out they had brought two horses to us from Utah, we all 3 daughters loved horses. So they introduced us to the two beautiful mares. I wasn’t mad anymore that they yanked us out of a movie.
What developed your love for writing?
I have always written since a young child. Journaling was something I’ve always done. Then in school I continued writing and reading wonderful authors. Eventually, I got a B.A. in English (emphasis: Creative writing) and I’ve been writing ever since.
What makes Gratitude your favorite topic to write about?
I found the power of a gratitude practice when a minister gave us all blank journals and told us to write 5 things we were grateful for every day for 40 days and that our lives would change for the better. It worked. Now I love to share gratitude in my books and gratitude journals.
Which is the best book to start reading habit with?
Wow, how can I pick one?! Pick a genre you like, for instance, I like modern psychological fiction – one author I love is Kristin Hannah. Start there, read all of her works and then find similar authors.
Your thoughts on conventional vs. self-publishing? What route did you choose and why?
I chose self-publishing because it allows us to have freedom and get our books out there, rather than trying to get a traditional publisher to take notice and take us on.
How much importance do you place on book titles and covers?
I am also a book designer! (www.illuminationgraphics.com) so I place more importance than most people on cover design. Very important to have a professional book cover. An engaging title is also crucial and good when you can put important keywords into a title and/or subtitle too.
In what ways do you think your book, Grace of Gratitude Journal will influence the lives of its readers?
The Grace of Gratitude Journal has been published for quite awhile. I hear from many that it has greatly impacted their lives in beneficial ways to start a gratitude practice using my beautifully-illustrated, inspiring journal.
From where did you get the idea for writing "Daily Gratitude Reflections: 365 Guides to Great-Full Living"?
I have a subscriber list (you can sign up at www.graceofgratitude.com) I have been writing thoughts of gratitude Mon-Fri for about 7 years! In both of my Daily Gratitude Reflections book, I took the cream of the crop for these daily guides.
What according to you are the key ingredients of a successful book?
I feel the author needs to have passion for the genre they write in. If the author is passionate, like I am for being grateful, the readers will feel the sincerity and react very positively.
What is the sweetest fan-mail that you have ever received?
Here is a short one that I particularly love:
“Keep the vibrations of love flowing! The Daily Gratitude Reflections that Deborah Perdue writes and sends daily are deep and wondrous, and touch my heart.
-P. Singh
When are you most inspired to write? What are some things you do to motivate yourself when you're stuck in a rut?
I have a daily practice of writing and that keeps me engaged and motivated always.
What were some misconceptions you had about the book and publishing industry before you became a published author?
I didn’t realize that marketing is so important, even if you have a traditional publisher. Your “job” is not over when you write a book. Getting the word out is very important.
What other things, apart from writing do you enjoy doing?
Taking walks with my dogs, nature, swimming, artwork, my book design business, friends and spirituality.
What are some of your plans for the future? Are you working on a new project at the moment?
I plan to write another book about Radical Gratitude. I have started it. I feel there is always something you can find to be grateful for, even when something harrowing happens in your life. I will use examples from myself and others to show how to find gratitude in a tough situation.
When were you first introduced to AllAuthor and how?
A marketing person who was helping me found it for me. This was in 2021 when my new book was launched.
