Welcome to Buzzing About Books, Debbie Lynne! Please share a little about yourself.
I live in upstate South Carolina with my very own hero who I have been married to for almost 35 years. Wow! I can’t believe that number because I feel like I should only be 35. I must have been a child bride. We have four children and a daughter-in-law who we love dearly, along with 2 awesome grandchildren. I have raised Shelties for almost 20 years. We own 2 Arabian horses and 2 Tennessee Walkers, a miniature donkey, German Shepherd, and two Shelties. Riding horses is a time when hubby and I get to spend some fun time together. We usually get about 3 rides in a week. I love the three R’s. Reading, Writing, and Riding.
When did you decide to pursue writing and eventually publication?
I thought to pursue writing when I went to college for journalism. But that wasn’t in God’s plan. I married my high school sweetheart who was in the Air Force and then 15 months later we started our family. Then about 8 years ago, my kids were grown or teenagers and I decided to start my career.
What is your writing process like? Do you write daily? Are you a plotter or a pantster?
Honestly, my writing schedule used to be clockwork but then life happened with sick parents, deaths, grandchildren, and other things and I’ve had to rearrange my priorities. I am a pantster! Although, I am trying to be better about doing some plotting. My plotting usually comes half way through my story.
What is your favorite part of the writing process? Least favorite?
My favorite part is writing the last chapters! They are so much fun. My least favorite, Hmmmm, can I call marketing part of the writing process? LOL!
Please tell us about your debut novel, Sword of Forgiveness.
It is set in late 14th century England. A young woman who is relieved that her cruel father has died has no desire to marry again and get treated as chattel. She wants to live out her days as a single woman and care for the people of her father’s castle. When she receives a note from the king she realizes her dream of remaining single is crumbling before her. But to make matters worse when she meets her husband-to-be he accuses her and her household of killing his parents. Brithwin must prove her innocence or she just may face a fate worse than death.
What inspired this medieval romance?
Actually it was my husband who said to me, “You should write a book.” That inspired me.
In researching this early time period, what was one of the most interesting things you discovered?
I think one of the things I never expected was that some castles had water closets. I never thought of medieval time period as being advanced enough to have indoor plumbing. Okay, plumbing might be a little far-fetched but still…
Did you encounter any surprises while you were writing Sword of Forgiveness?
Writing characters is a funny thing. Maybe that’s why they are called characters, because they are always acting out! I will have a plan for my character and when I start writing it he just won’t do what he is supposed to do. He wants to do something else. It’s like these people we create become alive in our heads! I know! Scary. Huh?
Do you have a favorite scene you would like to share?
One of my favorite scenes is shortly after Royce and Brithwin meet and they very much at odds with each other. Brithwin has her bath water drawn and she goes upstairs to discover that Royce has stolen her bath.
Sword of Forgiveness is such a complex story with so many beautiful threads. Will you tell us a bit about the spiritual thread in the story?
The spiritual thread is Forgiveness. Sword of Forgiveness has 3 different types of forgiveness in it. It deals with forgiving others who have hurt you, forgiving yourself for things you have done in your past, and accepting God’s forgiveness.
What do you hope readers will take away from this story?
I think every person at some point in their life has struggled with some type of forgiveness. My hope is that somehow Sword of Forgiveness will touch people’s lives that are struggling with some type of forgiveness.
What will you be working on next?
I have 2 things on the horizon. I have a 19th century story set in Charleston, South Carolina with Royce and Brithwin’s many times great-grandson as the hero. Royce and Brithwin’s son ends up marrying a lass who lives on the borderlands. He settles in Scotland with his wife. Duncan is a direct descendant from him. That story should be out in 3 to 4 months. I’m also writing the sequel to Sword of Forgiveness. The working title right now is Sword of Truth/Trust/Faith. I’m not quite sure.
Thank you so much, Debbie Lynne! Where can readers connect with you?
https://www.facebook.com/debbielynnecostello
https://twitter.com/DebiLynCostello
https://www.pinterest.com/debbielynne1/
http://www.debbielynnecostello.com
http://www.theswordandspirit.blogspot.com
http://www.hhhistory.com
Debbie Lynne has graciously offered to give away one copy of Sword of Forgiveness! Print or Kindle copy available to a winner in the continental US. If an international winner is drawn, a Kindle copy will be given.
To enter, ask Debbie Lynne a question in the comments below AND let her know which title you would like to see on Book 2. Any of them could fit the theme.
Sword of Truth
Sword of Trust
Sword of Faith
To earn additional entries, you may do the following:
◦ Follow this blog, Buzzing About Books, or let me know if you are already a follower
◦ Share this giveaway through Facebook, Twitter, your blog, or email
Be sure to include your email address and let me know what you have done to earn additional entries!
Buzzing About Books 
Debbie, what made you decide to write in this time period? And I like the title, Sword of Truth the best(o:
Thanks for the input on the title, Kathryn. I wrote a medieval because I love the idea of knights, chivalry, and damsels in distress (although, one might argue that Brithwin is anything but a Damsel in distress!). The time period just holds so many unique aspects for stories. I do also write in the 19th century, but I love the medieval!
I don’t know that I have a question to ask…Let’s see the dog in the picture is a Sheltie right? What’s her name? 🙂
Oh that is SO hard a choice!!!! I like them all…I think I like Sword of Faith slightly better though, but VERY slightly! LOL! I REALLY like Sward of Truth to! 🙂
Hugs, Amada (a.m.a.th.a)
Hey Amada! The sheltie’s name is Sheena. ;o) Thank you for your input on the titles! Thanks so much for coming by!!!
What a lovely name! 🙂 She’s beautiful and that little puppy is adorable!
Thank you, Amada! She is a real sweetheart!
I like the title Sword of Faith. Such a a great interview with Debbie. Thank you!
Amy!! So good of you to come by. Thank you! And thanks for the input on the title. I really appreciate it.
Sword of Truth ~ sets us free! Replacing a lie with God’s Truth always wins. ~ Actually, as I read it, “Sword of Truth, Trust and Faith” sounded good to me. Debbie Lynne, did you wake in the night with your characters wanting to continue their actions? Do you keep a notepad by your bed, or do you get up? Fully alert would be for a short night tho’. Thanks. Kathleen ~ Lane Hill House
Oh Amen! Thanks for the help on the title. I do have a notepad by my bed for when I think of something and have to write it down!! There have been times when it was too much and I’ve gotten up to type it out,though. Great questions! Thanks for coming by.
Such an interesting time period; was it difficult to find research sources from the 1300’s? And I like “Sword of Faith” for the sequel title. I shared the contest on Pinterest. rmaney(at)firstarpchurch(dot)org.
Hi Rebecca! Thanks for helping me with choosing a title. There is a lot of information out there on medieval times but finding books that have only my century is a bit more challenging. thanks so much for sharing and for stopping by!
Thank you for this wonderful interview, Britney and Debbie Lynne. A writer amazes me by being able to sit down, start the thought process, and put wonderful ideas on paper or a computer screen. Thank you, Debbie Lynne for sharing your talent!
I am going with Sword of Trust and I am certainly a follower of this blog.
mauback55 at gmail dot com
Hey Melanie! Thank you for your input on the title! And thank you so much for your encouragement and your kind words! I am in my element when I’m writing. I just love to do it. Its so fun to travel to other centuries and countries.
What spiritual threat will your upcoming book deal with? I like Sword of Faith but they all sound good. Thanks for the interview and giveaway!
Good Morning Loraine! The Spiritual thread is faith and trust but truth also plays into this because of believing what is the truth. :o) Thanks for coming by and for sharing your favorite!
Oooo I’m excited for your second novel as I’m a SC native! Love the message of the book as forgiveness is something I really struggle with in my walk with Christ. What Bible verses inspired your novel or the theme of it?
Thank you for the giveaway and also for book 2 I like Sword of Trust! 🙂
sylvesternator at yahoo dot com
Also I became a follower and I shared on Twitter (https://twitter.com/LauraPol1/status/582916993415790592).
Thanks for coming by! Yay! A SC native. Yep the 19th centuries will have special meaning because they are set in the Charleston area.Brithwin had a lot of forgiving to do and what inspired this was Matthew 18:21-22
Then Peter came and said to Him, “Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me and I forgive him? Up to seven times?” Jesus said to him, “I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven.
Wow! What a commandment of what our forgiveness needs to look like!
I would have never guessed that any castle would have had a water closet! Congratulations on your first book! I am curious as to how long it took you to write?
I think all of your titles would be a good choice.
Thanks Rebecca! That’s my problem. I like them all. LOL> It took me 4 months to write but then there was all the edits, critiques and hard cuts that took more time. But the basic of the story 117,000 words was written in 4 months. When I finished the story I’d cut around 17,000 words.
I follow your blog.
Thank you for sharing! So if you’re a pantster and you wrote your book in 4 months you must not have come up for air during that time. Totally get it though. You have to work when you can. Who needs rest or food? LOL! I had gotten my children raised and thought I could possibly have a career and then my mother got sick. I’m still not giving up hope that someday I can make it happen. I like the title Sword of Faith 🙂
jlipayer(at)charter(dot)net
shared on FB
I get so into my stories I can work from early in the morning until late at night, stopping just to do the necessities. Life has a way of getting in the way of a career sometimes. I had waited for my kids to be grown or teenagers but now I’m needed to keep my grandkids during the week so that has slowed down my writing. I’m just too tired to write when they leave. LOL>
It’s a hard choice choosing a name for your next book. They all sound so great. I guess my choice would be Sword of Trust. After your done with this series have you thought of what you would be interested in writing about for your next series ? I hope to read this book soon and best of luck in your continued writing journey .
Thanks Deanne! Oh my, I think the titles are going to run very close! I may have to end up drawing from a hat! LOL> I actually have 2 series going right now the first book in my 19th century will be out in July (I hope). It is the descendant of Royce and Brithwin. It’s set in Charleston, SC and he’s seeking out a traitor for England and the person who caused the death of his brother. Thanks so much for coming by, Deanne.
I find that time period absolutely fascinating. Would love to read this! sonja dot nishimoto at gmail dot com
Hi Sonja!! I hope you get the chance to read Sword of Forgiveness! The medieval time period is such a fun time period to write in!
I would think the sword of trust would be a great title for the next book because after you are forgiven you are trusted. Thank you for the giveaway.
Great thought, Tammy! d And we have to continually trust HIM with our lives. Thanks so much for coming by and for helping out with the title of the sequel.
This sounds like a great book. I can’t wait to read it! My question is: How has the writing of other authors affected your own writing style?
I really like Sword of Truth as the title for the sequel.
I follow the blog through email: haleyrscully(at)gmail(dot)com
I also shared the post on Twitter as @Bamboopanda27.
Thanks for the giveaway! 🙂
Good Morning Haley. I’m sure that all the reading I’ve done has affected my style of writing, but it isn’t a conscious thing. I know some authors who won’t read other works because they don’t want their ‘voice’ changed by it. I think my ‘voice’ is pretty much embedded in me, so I don’t even think about it when I’m reading. Thanks for coming by and for sharing!
Hello Debbie, loved this book! I like Sword of Truth for the next title.. Wishing you much success with your book 🙂
dkstevensne AToutlookd OtCo M
Hey!!!Thanks for stopping by!! I’m so glad you enjoyed Sword of Forgiveness. And thank you for your input on my next title!! Titles can sometimes be a bit tough. I was helping a friend with titles and she took a poll and the title that was chosen more than any was the one we didn’t even choose! I think maybe as writers we get too close to the story and can’t be objective.
I think Sword of Truth has a good ring to it! Debbie, you are a new-to-me author and I love meeting new Christian writers….since I never tire of reading 🙂 And your book sounds quite fascinating! I’ve never really read any medieval stories before so it would be a nice change of pace. Enjoyed the interview, sounds like you got more books coming in this series. How fun! Blessings 🙂
I follow this blog via email: teamob4 (at) gmail (dot) com
Shared on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/trixi.oberembt/posts/935671716451398
Shared on Twitter: @sea_tea04
Thank you for the chance to win a great book!
Hey Trixi! Thanks for coming by. You sound like an Avid reader. Medieval stories are definitely a change of pace. The time period is so different than most and that is what makes it so much fun to write in. Wishing you the best on the giveaway. I hope you get a chance to read Sword of Forgiveness. Maybe you’ll get hooked on medieval stories. ;o)
Debbie, how do you deal with writer’s block? I think “Sword of Faith” would be a great title! I followed the blog by e-mail and shared the giveaway on Facebook. Thanks!
myfacebookemail23 at yahoo dot com
Thanks for all your shares, Kim! And thanks for your title input!!! Writers block….well, sometimes I get my crit partner to brainstorm with me to get the creative juices flowing. Other times I just have to step away and do something different that I enjoy. And sometimes if the block is coming from stress I have to deal with the stress first. Now that our horses are right here by us, I will probably go climb on Trigger. It’s so relaxing for me! Well, unless a horse-eating goose flies out of the brush and Trigger takes me on a merry ride! LOL. Then I hold on for dear life!!
It sure seems like a good book! Did you have a hard time getting started on the story once you got the inspiration from your husband? I like the title
“The Sword of Trust”. Cause if you don’t have trust after forgiveness you still need a whole lot more work on a relationship!
I would love to win this book!
I have shared on Facebook.
I follow this blog.
I tweeted this giveaway. grandmama_brenda(at)yahoo(dot)com
Hey Brenda!! Thanks for stopping by! And for the input!! Oh my when I started writing this story it almost wrote itself! I couldn’t type as fast as the ideas came. I actually would have to stop and write down the ideas that were coming so I didn’t forget them. And I even went and wrote the end half way through the book. Of course when I got to the end I had to tweak it some but the foundations was there. Thanks for sharing, too!!
Debbie Sword of Truth would be wonderful
Im so proud of you
God bless u
Chris Granville
granvilleATfrontiernetDOTnet
Thank you so much, Chris!! And thank you for your input on the name and for coming by!
Hey Deb, great interview! Your hubby told you to write a book? So, did he read it? I think the next book should be titled Sword of Trust…because once you have forgiven, you need to trust. Hugs!
debsbunch777[at]gmail[dot]com
Hey Debbie! Yes, he told me to write it and then he read it. But he hasn’t read the published version. What he read was pretty raw! Thanks for the input on the titles. I think with your vote we have a tie for Faith and Trust and Truth is just one behind! Ey-yi-yi! I may be pulling it from a hat. LOL.