Today we’d like to introduce you to Debra Thomas.
Hi Debra, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I have wanted to be an author for as long as I can remember. I have always been creative and loved writing. When I was young, I read stories to my little brother, and later I read to my own children and volunteered to read stories in their classrooms.
My career has been in accounting, and I still work in that field today. I raised four children and am now a grandmother. After my last child moved out, I finally decided it was time to pursue the dream I had carried for so many years and write a book.
The idea for my first book, Bazil Goes to School, came from my grandson and his bearded dragon. I outlined the story, and my grandson helped me fill in the details. I wrote and edited the book, and eventually had it published. That experience opened the door to a new chapter in my life.
Since then, I have continued writing children’s books inspired by my grandchildren, other children, and the many story ideas I have carried with me over the years. I have also learned all the different aspects of publishing, from illustrations and formatting to printing, distribution, and marketing.
I am currently a part-time author, while continuing my career in accounting, and my dream is to eventually become a full-time author. I am fortunate to have a wonderful husband who supports me and encourages me to continue pursuing my writing.
For me, becoming an author is something I have been working toward my entire life. I finally gave myself the opportunity to make that dream a reality, and I still have many stories left to tell.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
There have definitely been struggles along the way. I am a self-published author, so I had to teach myself how to navigate the publishing process.
I read books and resources on how to write children’s books, took a class on writing a children’s book from start to self-publishing, and watched videos about the publishing process. My second book, I Made It Home, was my first completely self-published book, and that experience taught me even more.
Finding the time has also been a challenge. I have continued working in accounting, sometimes full-time and part-time during different times of the year, while trying to write and publish my books. I had to make the most of the time I had. I listened to books and educational resources while I worked and kept all of my notes and resources so I could go back to them whenever I needed a reference.
There was a lot to learn, and I am still learning. But I believe that if you really want to accomplish something, you have to be willing to learn, be persistent, and keep going even when the process gets difficult.
The struggles have actually made me more confident because I know that I can figure things out. I may not know the answer when I start, but I know how to find it.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
My professional life has always had a balance between my practical and creative sides. I have worked in accounting and tax for many years, and I continue to work in that field today. Alongside my accounting career, I am building my career as a children’s book author.
As an author, I write children’s stories inspired by children, family, imagination, and everyday experiences. My books are written to entertain children while also incorporating themes such as friendship, courage, kindness, family, confidence, and adventure. My tagline, “stories inspired by children, written for children,” reflects what I want my books to represent.
I am proud of the variety of stories I have created. Bazil Goes to School was inspired by my grandson and his bearded dragon, while other books have come from different experiences and ideas. I enjoy creating characters and situations that children can recognize, connect with, and enjoy.
What sets my work apart is that I write from a very personal perspective. Being a mother, grandmother, and someone who has spent years around children has given me many opportunities to see the world through a child’s eyes. I want my stories to feel fun and relatable while still having a meaningful message.
One of the most rewarding parts of becoming an author has been meeting other authors at my book events. When authors in my genre tell me that I am an inspiration to them, it means so much to me. As a new author building this career, that is one of the greatest compliments I could receive. It reminds me that what I am doing can encourage someone else to pursue their own creative dreams, and that makes this career feel even more worthwhile.
I am currently a part-time author while continuing my accounting career, but I hope to eventually make writing my full-time career. I have many more stories I want to bring to life, including stories for children as well as books in other genres.
Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
My number one piece of advice for anyone just starting out is to educate yourself. Read books about the type of writing you want to do, take classes, watch educational videos, and learn as much as you can. Self-education can take you a long way.
I also recommend joining a critique group or local author group. Connecting with other writers and authors can give you encouragement, honest feedback, new ideas, and a support system. You can learn a lot from people who are walking the same path.
One thing I wish I had known more about when I was starting out was hiring services and recognizing scammers. There are many different services available to authors, and it can be difficult to know who you can trust when you are new to the publishing industry. I would encourage new authors to research a person or company carefully, ask questions, check references and reviews, and understand exactly what they are paying for before hiring anyone.
Most importantly, don’t be afraid to start. You don’t have to have everything figured out before you begin. Keep learning, connect with other authors, protect your work and your investment, and don’t give up when something doesn’t go as planned.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Debraithomasbooks.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/debraithomasbooks?stkn=MTY4anU3MDBtOWRlbQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1K92RF76F8/?mibextid=wwXIfr
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@debraithomasbooks?si=v72iy1UmspeYpxnD
