Meet the Author who does not read books...

I know it seems strange but it’s true: I haven’t read a novel in years. Actually, I’ve read three in the past twenty-five.

It’s not that I don’t want to read, I can’t. I’ve tried. I’ve spent hours at the bookstore with my husband, who is an avid reader of history books. I’ve picked up novels from all sorts of genres and flipped through the pages, hoping to click with one. The problem is not these well-written books from successful authors. The problem is me.

I prefer to read in the “tell instead of show” style. Let’s move the story along, people, and don’t slow me down with descriptions that put me to sleep by the time I’ve only read the first few words.

For instance:

          “Her feet stomped on the dampened grass, soiling her suede boots. With clenched fists            and flaring nostrils she left the yard.”

That’s cool, but I prefer:

            “She was pissed.”

And books that ‘tell’ are taboo. So that’s why I never read.

Writing the PLEBEIAN series was a huge challenge for me because I don't have reading experience. It felt like cooking without having a sense of taste, or jogging without seeing the path. But I had an idea for a story and so I opened a blank word document anyway.

I sought out help. I listened to criticism (and praise!)  I researched what to do and tried to do it.

The result was a three book series with a plot I hope you will enjoy, with characters I hope you would like to meet, in places you would like to go. I tell, and I show. 
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I hope you enjoy the PLEBEIAN series, and my new books, as much as I am enjoying my new journey.

​Debbie

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More information on Debbie

​Debbie Lum is a native of Tampa, Florida and earned her baccalaureate degree in Mass Communications at the University of South Florida. She was an accredited member of the Public Relations Society of America, serving that organization as Sunshine District chairman and president of the Tampa chapter. Always a competitor, the enticing games of Greek week and fraternity derbies attracted her to her college sorority, Chi Omega. Following graduation she was an alumnae volunteer and worked over ten years to help build Greek housing at the university.

She enjoyed a 28-year career in marketing, working in banking, tourism and higher education.

She splits her time between Florida and Texas. She is married and has two sons, one in law school and the other a recent college graduate.