Blog Tour: The Last Witch

I'm excited to be sharing an interview with Debbie Dee today, as part of The Last Witch blog tour.

For generations the Incenaga Witches have been forced to use their power to fulfill the wishes of others until they are drained of their magic and left to die. Desperate to protect his infant daughter - the last surviving witch - Emmeline’s father escapes with her to the forests where he vows to keep her hidden from the world and from the truth.

Sixteen years later, Emmeline is discovered and finds herself in the grip of a traitor who will stop at nothing to get what he wants, even if it means abusing her power until she dies. As she fights to regain her freedom she is faced with a choice between a prince who offers a lifetime of security and a common gamekeeper who has no idea of her power, but offers his heart.

But who can she trust when her power can be used against her?

Hi Debbie and welcome to Megan Likes Books!

Thanks! I’m happy to be here.

First, can you tell us a little more about The Last Witch?

THE LAST WITCH is about a girl who not only discovers she is a witch, but her ability to choose has been taken from her.  She is an Incenaga Witch and for generations they have been forced to use their power to fulfill the wishes of others until they are drained of their magic and left to die.

Emmeline is discovered and finds herself in the grip of a traitor who will stop at nothing to get what he wants, even if it means abusing her power. She is taken to a distant country and told she must marry the Crown Prince or her own country will be overtaken, its people slaughtered. But what sort of prince would marry a witch? And why would she be the difference between war and peace?

As she fights to regain her freedom, she is faced with a choice between a prince who offers a lifetime of security and a common gamekeeper who has no idea of her power, but offers his heart.

But who can she trust when her power can be used against her?

Describe yourself in 5 words.

Loyal, determined, reflective, analytical, impatient 

What is the most important thing you’ve learned as a writer?

Becoming a writer has helped me grow a tougher skin. I’ve learned, and am still learning, how to not be so sensitive to criticism or negative feedback. 

What was the hardest part of writing The last Witch?

I think the hardest part was letting others read the early drafts. I’m a very private person, so it was terrifying to hand my brain-child over to someone for critiquing. I’ve gotten better at sharing.

Can you describe your writing style?

I’m a very visual person so I watch my characters, scenes, etc., much like I would a movie. After I have a hint of an idea for a story, I hash out who my characters are –their strengths, weaknesses, backgrounds. From there, I sit in my seat, get my popcorn, and watch the show. Haha! If only it were that easy. There is some blood, sweat, and tears in there too.  

Who are your biggest literary inspirations?

I especially love Shannon Hale’s work and overall persona. If you haven’t been to one of her book signings yet, you should definitely try. She is so down-to-earth, hilarious, and friendly. I was so nervous to meet her, but she was nice as pie, in fact, she gave out free pie! I remember thinking that I wanted to be just as cool as her someday. 

What’s next on your writing agenda?

I’m finishing up the final edits for THE UNDERGROUND WITCH, book two in the Incenaga Trilogy, which will be out in spring of 2013. I’m also finishing up the final edits for a historical fiction set in ancient Egypt that I’m very excited about. I haven’t decided on the title yet, but I’m leaning toward DESERT GUARDIAN. It is about a blue-eyed, blond-haired girl who inadvertently saves Pharaoh’s son and is rewarded with an invitation to join the elite royal school in Egypt’s capital. It’s an adventurous middle-grade novel. I’m also working on a YA contemporary set in Greece, which I’m excited about. 

Any words of wisdom for aspiring writers?

Take classes, go to writers conferences, and don’t be afraid to let people critique your work. 

Thanks so much for stopping by!

Thanks for having me!

 About the Author:

Debbie Dee recently moved to southern Idaho with her husband and three children where she is learning how to be a country girl in her favorite pair of blue heels. She adores fairy tales and happy endings, but secretly crushes on the bad guy now and then. As a dedicated musician who practices way too much, she never expected writing would sweep her off her feet until she jotted down a scene from a daydream, which turned into two scenes, which turned into a messy house and her first novel. Since then she hasn’t been able to let a day go by without writing. Her website is www.debbiedee.com.

Thanks again to Debbie Dee for stopping by the blog and be sure to check out the rest of the tour!