Thank you Debra for participating in our author project!  -The SCBC, Inc.

Where are you from?

I was born in Greenwood, Mississippi, but I was raised in Compton. Even now, I'm not too far from it.

Tell us your latest news?

I'm working hard to get the revisions done on my next book (my third), and have started the first few chapters of my next book, which will be based, partially, on a true story of surviving rape.

When and why did you begin writing?

I started writing young, but back then, it was mostly poems and songs. Writing is an emotional outlet for me. With so much going on in the world, it allows me a way of venting.

When did you first consider yourself a writer?

When I received my first payment for a short story I sent to JIVE magazine. I was in my teens then, and receiving that check spark me to continue on the writing track. I figured that if I could sell a story to them, I could sell one to another magazine and then to a book publisher as well.

What inspired you to pen your first novel?

I like to set goals for myself, and completing a book manuscript was one of those goals. The second goal was to have that manuscript published. Not only that, but I enjoy inventing characters and controlling their lives in my head.

Who or what has influenced your writing, and in what way?

One of my biggest influence for writing was author Terry McMillan. When I finished reading one of her earlier books and realized that I, too, could probably have a book published, I knew I wouldn't stop until I reached that goal. Heck, Terry McMillan probably opened the door for a lot of African American writers!

How has your environment/upbringing colored your writing?

Raised in a part of town most would consider "the ghetto" I got to shake hands with the good, the bad, and the ugly on a regular basis, like living poor, struggling with drugs, prostitution and girls getting pregnant way too young. You get to experience real living that can inevitable weave it's way into the very lives you create on paper.

Do you have a specific writing style?

No. And Lord knows I need some style and more discipline. I get in the mood to write, I take a pen and some paper and write. By the same token, I don't feel like writing, I just don't write.

What genre are you most comfortable writing?

The jury in my head is still out on that one. My first book (Kiss or Keep) was published as a romance novel, but clearly, it's not. My second book (The High Price Of A Good Man) is fiction, but won an award as a romance novel. I really don't prefer to have my writing classified in a genre. I write stories for children, I write fiction, I write poems, I write short stories and essays. I just love to write.

How did you come up with the title for your book(s)?

For some odd reason, I often come up with a title first, and work a book around it, perhaps a few words I heard here and a few words there, put them together and liked how if felt on the tongue. I'm always looking for a good title.

Is there a message in your novel that you want readers to grasp?

In my last book, The High Price Of A Good Man, the subtle message is: Big woman or small woman, you have to love yourself first.

How much of the novel is realistic?

It's all made up, but I suppose that there really are some Queenies out there, big, bold, beautiful. They take no mess and that's a fact.

Are experiences based on someone you know, or events in your life?

Somewhat, but not really. The story line itself is a little over the top, and personally, I can't see a person doing some of the things that Queenie does, but at the same time, nothing is impossible nowadays. We live in strange times. However, I do have a female cousin that thinks that Queenie's character is really based on her. Hey....go figure.

What books have most influenced your life?

I have read so many that it's impossible to say. My favorite book is the Bible, even though I don't read it as much as I need to.

If you had to choose, which writer would you consider a mentor?

Goodness, that's a hard question, but if I had to choose, I would like for Eric Dickey to be my mentor and tell me how to hook my stories up so that I could be as successful as he is with his writing. His stories and plots aren't that complicated, but never the less, Eric Dickey is the bomb!

What are you reading now?

I have a tendency to do multitask reading. I'm reading the following books: Would I Lie To You by Trisha R. Thomas and Player Haters by Carl Weber

What new author has grasped your interest?

I don't know if you could call her new, but she relatively new to me. I love the writings of Bernice L. McFadden, starting with her book: Sugar. She's a wonderful writer that create characters you feel you know personally.

What are your current projects?

Revisions to book three. This book is trying to drive me crazy, but I refuse to allow it. I also have completed a couple of children picture books stories, but haven't found a publisher for them yet.

Do you feel that the boom in African American writers is a fad or another renaissance?

I feel that it's a bit of both. More and more African Americans are buying books and as long as there are buyers, there will be writers jumping on the publishing train.

Do you feel more African Americans are reading?

I certainly do, and I think it's a good thing. For years I would run out and purchase books by white authors, making them famous and rich. But now, I buy mainly books by black authors because I want to see my ebony brothers and sisters get their names up and out there too. Read and keep reading!

Name one entity that you feel supported you outside of family members.

The good lord above. I owe him the credit.

How does your family and/or friends feel about your book or writing venture in general?

Now they see that I am serious about it. My husband has always been supportive, even helping me to get started by buying me my first word processor years back. My sisters used to exchange sly glances when I would mention anything about writing a book and having it published. But now, they see my writing in a new light.

Do you see writing as a long- or short-term career?

I plan to write until it's time to go to the grave, or until age has melted my mind to mush.

If you had to do it all over again, would you change anything?

Yes. I wouldn't have placed writing on the back burner until my children were raised. I wasted a lot of precious time by doing so.

What do you think of book reviews?

Book reviews can be good or they can be bad, and that's okay. What I have a problem with is reviewers who go out of their way to literally trash somebody's book. I mean, face it, there are variations of imaginations, and just because they didn't get or feel the story, does not mean that everyone else will feel the same way. Trashing an author's work is usually a sign of deep-rooted personal issues.

What is your ultimate goal as a writer?

To be honest, I'm not really seeking fame or fortune, but my goal is to land a major hardcover book deal with an impressive advance. Not because I seek to be rich, but at the same time, I don't want to worry about how I will pay bills while I'm trying to write.

Do you maintain a web presence?

Yes. Those who are interested can visit me on line at: www.idebraphillips.com

Is there anything additional you would like to share with your readers?

I want to thank each and every one who has been supportive by buying a copy of The High Price Of A Good Man. Thanks so much.

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