Interview with Debbie Macomber

Debbie Macomber is here to help. Whether you're looking for a cozy story to warm your heart or something more tangible—like casserole recipes and knitting patterns—the bestselling author has you covered. Discover Cedar Cove (the setting of a beloved series based on Macomber's real-life hometown of Port Orchard, Washington) and cook along with the characters. Fall in love with her Blossom Street series and learn how to make a blanket. What does Macomber have to teach us in her new book? How to get over bad relationships and start over. A Girl's Guide to Moving On, out this month, introduces us to Leanne and her daughter-in-law Nichole. As both women leave their troubled marriages behind, they learn to face the future together. Their uplifting journey is about the power of friendship and family—and how sometimes new love can find you when you least expect it.

Read on as Macomber answers your questions about finding character inspiration from her grandparents, baking bread without a bread machine (a very vivid book dream was involved), and making this year all about joy.


Lori Aeppli: One of the many things I enjoy about your books is that you really focus on love over lust. Do you feel like that's more difficult—for fictional characters and for real people—in this day and age?
Wow, Lori, this question really made me think. And basically I believe nothing really changes through the years. Wanting to be loved and needed is a basic human emotion, something we all crave. What may have changed is the willingness to portray those needs and desires on the written page.

Aisyah Roslan: In A Girl's Guide to Moving On, Nichole and Leanne follow a list of advice to help them get through their current situation. If you could, what advice would you give to your younger self?
Good question. I'd say not to take myself so seriously. I'd laugh more and remain positive despite circumstances. I'd worry less and be willing to let go and let God.

Laurac Cushman: I read on your website that your word for 2016 is joy. I adopted the One Little Word project five years ago, and I was thrilled when I found out that you have been doing something similar with One Perfect Word. Joy is a great word, and I am so glad you are embracing it in your life! How does joy relate to A Girl's Guide to Moving On, your first book of 2016?
Relating joy to A Girl's Guide to Moving On came in the actual writing process. When a writer is in the zone and characters leap off the page, there's nothing better. I lived this book and could barely wait to get to the computer every morning. One night I dreamed about them, and then in the morning I tried to bake bread without a bread machine—that's how much I was into this story! My hope is that you'll feel my joy and enthusiasm as you read the book.

Jacqueline: First of all, your Blossom Street books got me back into knitting. (Actually, I'm totally addicted now!) How did you first get into knitting, and what do you enjoy about knitting the most?
Knitting came to me early when I was around 11 or 12. I knew I wanted to learn, but my mother only knew how to crochet, so she took me to a local yarn store. The ladies there were willing enough to teach me. The first thing I knit was a purple vest for my mother. Naturally it was a beginning effort, but she kept it, and I found it in her things after she died.

Gail Hollingsworth: I absolutely loved A Girl's Guide to Moving On. The idea was like nothing I've ever read before! Was the story inspired by events or people in your own life? My inquiring mind wants to know.
First off, thank you, Gail. I'm thrilled you enjoyed the story. I'm not exactly sure what inspired the idea, which is unusual for me. I've had any number of friends who've had to move on in their lives after broken marriages or relationships. I'm sure we all have. It's universal. Seeing what my friends went through got my attention.

My grandparents were Ukrainian immigrants, and they inspired the character of Nikolai in A Girl's Guide to Moving On.

Maria Maggio Fisher: I enjoy spending time in the worlds you create—and in the kitchen with your cookbooks! At this point in your career, with all your responsibilities, how do you manage to still write several books a year?
I enjoy spending time in my kitchen, too. The hardest part of the writing life for me is finding balance. That was one reason why I moved my office outside of my home so that work was work and home was home. As for my writing schedule, I'm fortunate because I'm a storyteller. Plot comes easily to me, so all I need to do is get the words down on the page.

Gela: What's a book you love that might surprise your fans? What do you like about it?
I recently read a book that would be in the New Adult category, titled Making Faces by Amy Harmon. The story and the writing blew me away. I think you might be surprised that this grandma loves to read New Adult novels.

Jane: I am a novice writer, and I look up to you so much. I'm in awe of how you always up the ante with each new story! Any helpful advice on writing would be such a blessing. Do you write every single day? What keeps you motivated?
I was a novice writer at one time, too, Jane, so I understand the courage it takes to put your heart and your dreams on the line. As for helpful advice, write with intention, with purpose, and don't jump on trends. Tell the story that's bubbling up inside of you. If possible, I would write every day—but at this point in my career there are other demands on my time, such as speaking engagements and book tours. As for motivation…I don't really need that because I am passionate about what I do and love every minute of being an author.

Marybelle: I've adored all of the Christmas stories featuring Shirley, Goodness, and Mercy. However, I miss them the rest of the year. Are they causing any mischief at other times of the year?
You can bet Shirley, Goodness, and Mercy are up to their antics at all times of the year. It just so happens that they like visiting earth over the Christmas holidays best.

Aleen Davis: If you could bring one of your characters to life, who would it be and why?
Oh my, that's like asking me which one of my children is my favorite—really difficult to answer. (Shouldn't the last question be the easiest?) The problem is that each one of my characters is real to me. They live in my head and have wrapped themselves around my heart. Choosing just one would be impossible. Sorry!