Twice a year (most recently on July 29) I curate quotes, links, and book information on my blog drawn from my regular social media posts about Deborah Kalb’s book/author Q&As. In 2023, I interviewed Deborah about her then-new novel, Off to Join the Circus.
I’m grateful to Deborah for returning to follow up that interview with a new one about her latest book, Everything She Most Admired, her first mystery novel; as well as about other aspects of her prolific and varied writing/editing/curating/podcasting career.
Given your thorough and thoughtful answers to my questions in our previous interview, do you have any updates/changes/additions, etc., regarding your answers about working in different genres, time management, and how your daily work on the Book Q&As informs your own work as a writer?
Thanks so much, Bruce—it’s a real pleasure to be back on your blog! I wish I could say my time management skills had improved over the past few years, but sadly that is not the case. I am trying to balance various endeavors—writing, publicizing my new book, working on my book blog, and helping out on the podcast I do with my friend Mary Grace McGeehan. Right now, I’m updating a reference book for CQ/SAGE called Elections A to Z, which is taking a lot of my time. But I’m also focusing on Everything She Most Admired, my new mystery novel, which came out on May 5. Like many writers, I find that publicity—especially publicizing my own work—doesn’t come naturally. It’s a very different skill set from sitting quietly by myself, communing with my computer. But it’s necessary, so I attempt to push myself out of my shell! My Book Q&A website continues to provide insights into the writing life of the people I interview, and I’m grateful for their participation.
Since this is your first published mystery novel, how have you discovered and learned about reaching potential readers in that genre in areas such as publications, podcasts, broadcasting, libraries, live appearances, and networking with writers, editors, publishers, and readers?
That’s a great question! One of the first things I did was to join a really wonderful organization called Sisters in Crime. The group includes mystery writers and mystery aficionados, and hosts events and meetings. I was welcomed warmly by the other mystery authors I met, who were very supportive and offered great advice. It was fascinating to join another world of authors, after spending time in the children’s book world, where I continue to reside as well. I also attended a conference called Malice Domestic, which held a series of lively panel discussions of interest to mystery writers and readers. I’m still working on my mystery novel network, so any suggestions are most welcome!
You have written in an impressive number of genres. I was intrigued by your recent post “An Archaeological Dig of My Life,” for the website Women Writers, Women’s Books. A logical extension for another genre could be writing a memoir. Have you considered that, or do you have plans to write in a more explicitly autobiographical way?
Well…what’s coming up for me is a sequel to Everything She Most Admired (to be published in 2027) and a young adult historical novel set at a summer camp in the Adirondacks in 1952 (to be published in 2028). Yet another new genre! 😊 I haven’t thought about a memoir, but I’ll never say never! I think I’d rather write about other people, or fictional people, than write about myself, but perhaps something about my family history would be more appealing and more interesting to readers.
Thanks again—you always ask such thought-provoking questions!