Thursday, July 18, 2019

Talkshow Thursday: Meet Daphne Self


Talkshow Thursday: Meet Daphne Self


Linda:  Thanks for joining me today. You formerly wrote under the pen name D.M. Webb. What made you decide to use a pen name and why did choose to begin using your real name?

Daphne: When I wrote under D.M Webb, that was my name at the time. I was a widow when my first book was published. When I remarried, I did publish one book under D.M Webb, but when I met with readers or vendors, they addressed me as “Mrs. Webb”. That felt odd because I was no longer a Webb. To me, it honors my husband to claim his name in all that I do, so I switched to Daphne Self.

LM: The age old question for writers – are you a planner or a “pantster,” and what is your favorite part of the writing process?

Daphne: I’m a hybrid. I will plot out certain guidelines, such as where I want my character to go, what I want him/her to do, what kind of conflict will they meet and at what time in the story. The rest is pure organic writing. I write as the story develops in my head.

LM: You write children’s and adult fiction. What is different about the two genres and what is the same?

Daphne: I’ll start with what is the same: I have to capture and keep their attention. The difference is that with children, I don’t need a lot of details. Their imaginations fill in the gaps. And I also don’t show the nitty-gritty side of life. My children’s books are meant to be fun and engaging to the readers. As for my adult fiction, they can be read by teenagers, too. Depending on the story, I will show the consequences of sin, but never the graphic part of sin. I like to bring hope and healing to my stories. And because my life is centered around Christ, it is only natural for me to have that in all my books.

LM: How do you decide which project/genre to work on?

Daphne: It depends on which one is calling out to me the loudest. I’ve already submitted my nonfiction book that chronicles the daily ups and downs of being diagnosed with a chronic illness. And now I’m working on another novel that is set in South Carolina. Their story calls to me because it deals with a lot that we see in the world today. My side projects are the next children’s book of the series, a sci-fi novella, and a romantic comedy.

LM: What’s the quirkiest thing you’ve ever done?

Daphne: My life is quirky, but honestly, I can’t remember anything that is the quirkiest. I guess you could say I surprise people on the elevator when I strike up a conversation with them. I’m a southern gal living in the Midwest. Apparently, people up here don’t understand that Southerners know no strangers. They are taken aback by me doing this, but they eventually relax, chat, and leave with a smile. Oh, there are times on social media that instead of a post, I tell my how my day went by using GIFs. I like to emoji talk.

LM: Here are some quickies:

Daphne:
Sweet or salty foods? Give me a combo!

Ocean, lake, or mountains for your vacation? I love the ocean but have found a fondness for the mountains. Been on vacations at the Gulf of Mexico and at various lakes, so I think I would like to try the mountains next.

Spring, Summer, Fall, or Winter as your favorite season? I love fall, the crispness of the air and the change that can be felt. The world prepares to sleep, and it all seems quieter. Winter is my next favorite. I think because my favorite holiday happens during that season.

LM: What is your next project?

Daphne: I have two releases that will happen next year: Alabama Days and Journey On. And I’m working on Sons of Carolina, a 3-part story about brothers. Then I am writing The Case of the Vanishing Teddy Bear. This is the second book in my children’s series The Adventures of Wilhelmina. And I’m working on a romantic comedy, which is the first time I will write in 1st person.

LM: Where can folks find you on the web?

Daphne: I have a blog turned website: www.authordaphneself.blogspot.com
Instagram: @authordaphneself
Twitter: @DaphMichele
I can also been found on Goodreads, Amazon, and The Book Club Network (bookfun.org)

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