Author Debbie Macomber struggled with severe dyslexia and more than five years of rejection before she published her first novel.
Today Macomber is one of the leading voices in women?s fiction with more than 150 published novels and 100 million copies in print.
A mother of four, Macomber began her writing career in her kitchen, pounding away on a rented typewriter. She began publishing romance novels in 1982, and moved quickly to the genre of women?s fiction.
Her newest book, “20 Wishes,” follows Anne Marie, recently widowed and looking for purpose in her life. Along with three other widows, Anne Marie compiles a list of hopes, dreams and wishes to fulfill for the future and rediscovers herself along the way.
Q Why writing?
A It was always something I held close to my heart. I never did well in school and I was dyslexic. I even remember my 3rd grade teacher telling my mom that I was a nice girl but would never do well in school. From the time I could remember, I wanted to be a writer, but I never told anyone. I didn?t want anyone to laugh and tell me that I couldn?t.
Q You?ve written about 150 books ? ever run out of ideas or get writer?s block?
A Never. Storytelling is part of my nature, a part of me. That?s where my talent is. I had to learn to be a writer, but the stories have always been there.
Q Have you ever made a list like Anne Marie makes in “20 Wishes”?
A Yes! It started years and years ago when I read “Chicken Soup for the Soul.” There was a story where a man wrote down 100 things he wanted to do, and by the time he was 70, he had fulfilled 80 of those things. I just thought that was a great idea, and I started making lists left and right.
Q What?s number one on your list now?
A I want to learn French. Languages are especially difficult for dyslexics.
Q Advice for aspiring writers?
A Never give up. Never ever. You may have to be flexible, but if you have this desire, it?s there for a reason.
IF YOU GO
“20 Wishes” reading with author Debbie Macomber
WHERE: Greetings and Readings, 118AA Shawan Road, Hunt Valley
WHEN: 5 to 7 p.m. May 14
WHERE: Barnes and Noble, 8123 Honeygo Blvd., Baltimore
WHEN: Noon May 15
