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Firstly, tell us about Deb Rutter the person: Deb: I am married to a wonderful man & my son Kyle is 16yrs old. We live in a small rural town in Central West of NSW, which I love, its my home where I grew up. Kyle has a degenerative nerve condition called ‘Charcot-Marie-Tooth’ or CMT, our life has been very oriented around hospital & health related issues. I’m involved in volunteer community, school & church, which takes up a lot of my time. I write part-time continuously (bit hard to define). At present I’m also studying Freelance Journalism.
A multiple choice question: have you always been a writer and if not, what did you do before and what got you started on writing? Deb: As far back as I can remember I’ve always written. Writing is a constant friend & companion. I’m either writing or mulling over ideas. My brain becomes a nurturing bed of words, pictures & formats as my emotions develop a relationship with them.
What genre (or type of books) do you write? Do you stick to just one genre? Deb: Christian & inspirational books mostly. I’m working on a Historical Reference book at present & a Mental Health True Stories book with one of the Community Groups I’m involved with.
The bragging part, tell us what you’ve written, what books you have out: Deb: I’ve had some success in the USA & Australia with poems being included in 32 Anthologies & receiving 21 Certificates. These works have been based on nature & love. In later life my genre changed to Christian & Inspirational. ‘Give Praise’ a Christian Perpetual Calendar; ‘The Open Window’ & ‘Voice Of Humility’ both books are interdenominational works of verse, prose, prayer & sketches; ‘Our Ladies Way’ a booklet of prose & photographs; Compiled an anthology ‘Whisper To The Moon’ a book of True Life stories of adversity with a positive outcome; Compiled a resource book with the ‘Charcot-Marie-Tooth Association’.
What gives you the inspiration to write, where do the ideas come from? Deb: Inspiration surrounds us. My faith is my guide, it is God who opens my heart & mind. Nature & people are my source of amazement, such beauty & life generates all around.
What is the title of your latest book and is there any particular inspiration behind it? Deb: ‘Our Ladies Way’ has been developing for about 7 yrs. It is a Christian book reassuring us that every experience, joyful & painful has been experienced before, by Our Mother Mary. It gives us encouragement & empathy throughout all life presents us.
Do you ever run out of ideas, or suffer from ‘writers block’? Deb: Not ‘writers block’. At times I exhaust myself, as we all can do, when I take on too many activities or I’m unwell. These become little rest times but the ideas are ongoing. My thoughts are usually at least 2 books ahead.
It seems that these days, writers need to promote themselves. What do you do for promotion? Deb: I’ve been very lax in this department & desperately need your help. Finances are a bit problem, a bit like the ‘catch 22’. My goal is not to write for profit, if I cover costs that’s enough. I find it very hard to promote myself. Australia for writing is tough, poetry is tougher & Christian verse is exceptionally tough to get out there.
Do you have a website? Deb: I’m having a Web Page done through you guys. You would have more insight into that than me at the moment.
So what is your routine for writing? Deb: I don’t set myself hours. Writing is a major part of my life, akin to meals & self care. As you know, promoting has yet to be born.
Of course you’d tell us you’re always learning; how, where and what do you do for this? Deb: Life is learning & writing is major in my life. I try to access workshops & training days when possible.
Where can we get copies of your books? Deb: Online – www.booksurge.com.au & www.amazon.com In store at ‘Virginia Cullane Books’ 11 Blatchford Street, Canowindra, NSW, 2804. Ph: 02 63 441437 Email: cnabooks@tpg.com.au Or directly from me: Deborah Rutter
And the long-term goals for Deb Rutter? Deb:
I will always write (surprise
surprise). To get my work out there. To help others if I can. To grow &
learn. I have the greatest admiration for Missionaries, that is a field
I’d love to be involved in. Interviewed by Sarah Cook, October 2006.
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