The One-Link Lowdown on...Debra St. John

My guest today is Debra St. John. From her home in a suburb of Chicago, Debra writes 'sultry contemporary romance with sexy heroes and spunky heroines.' I know a lot of people who'd jump in line to get their hands on that kind of story, and Debra delivers big-time in both novel-length works and short stories.

Reviewers have sung her praises with accolades like 'she masters the art of revealing just enough to keep you guessing,' and 'an author who can make the reader feel so many things is one that has staying power in the writing world.' Wow! Welcome, Debra!

What’s on your bedside table/nightstand?

A lamp (for reading in bed of course!), a (dusty) vase of artificial flowers, two pairs of glasses (one for distance, one for reading...bifocals do not work for me), Chapstick, a wedding picture, and a Bible. (Which makes it sound crowded, but it’s not.)

What’s your favourite piece of music?

I can’t really pick a piece of music, but my music genre of choice is country. There’s a story in every song and I’ve gotten ideas for whole stories from just a line or two in a particular song. Country music is honest, pure, and real. And it works for me, because although I live in a suburb of Chicago, I’m a country girl at heart. My music must have twang!

What’s your favourite sandwich, and where in the world is the best place to eat it?

Grilled cheese...my kitchen!

Food always tastes best at home! Speaking of matters domestic, Debra, which household chore would you happily give up forever?

Cleaning the toilets. (As long as they would self-clean themselves...otherwise that would be icky.)


What talent or skill would you love to have that you don’t have now?

I’d love to be able to sing. I do now all the time (in the car, at church, around the house) but I’m terrible. It would be nice to be able to carry a tune.

What drives you seriously nuts?

Mean people.

I'm with you there! People can be generous in all sorts of ways, and generosity of spirit counts for so much, doesn't it? Now, tell me this - I'm letting you borrow my time travel machine. Where would you go, and why?

I’d go back to the 1860s for the American Civil War. There’s just something about that time in the South that’s so tragic, yet so romantic. I’d also like to write a Civil War romance someday and this would help me get the research just right.

It would be fascinating. Debra, what's your guilty pleasure?

My hubby and I are “True Blood” addicts. We never miss an episode, and we have all of the past seasons on DVD. And although he’s the vampire, I’d really love to sink my teeth into Eric Northman.

I love a good TV drama series too! What single invention would change your life for the better?

Something that would make weekend and evening hours longer than week day ones.

Aside from writing achievements, family, etc - what are you most proud of?

My hubby and I renovated a 1920s rundown two-flat and made it into a beautiful home. One of my favorite rooms in the house is my personal library with over 1000 books.

It sounds beautiful, and I can guess how much it means to you, especially as you mention at your website that your husband is your real life hero!

Friends, you can find out more about Debra and her factual and fictional heroes here at her One-Link to her website.

Debra, I wish you loads more success with your fabulous contemporary romances. Thanks so much for being my guest today!