BIO-Deborah Burggraaf
My love for literature, reading and writing began in elementary school, grades 4-6 in Danbury, Connecticut. Here, my English teachers read the greats to us each day: Frost, Dickinson, and Poe. As they read, I daydreamed, watching the snowflakes gently whisper floating across the cloudy sky. I believe it is here that my love for stories blossomed.
Continuing, I also fell in love with cultures and nature. At my junior college, I focused on foreign languages, and by the time I transferred to CSUSB, my major switched to Liberal Studies. In the end, all the stories I had penciled down had included Nature, and finally, my master’s degree was completed at Nova University in Science.
While teaching as a contracted middle school teacher, nothing became more important to me than my students developing into successful individuals while following their dreams. This remains true today. Often, in my classroom, published authors visited and discussed the writing process with my students. For example, Theodore Taylor, Author of THE CAY, talked with each of my five classrooms.
Of course, he was an inspiration to me, and he knew I wanted to write. His best advice was, “Continue to live and go through many experiences. You will do it!”
And so, I did, but not alone. I have the best Publisher, Steve White, Protective Hands Communications by with me through the writing and publishing process. Currently having published eighteen books, Mr. White has taught me something new with each book released. Additionally, our team of Illustrators are the finest, each with their own unique creative art that makes my words come to life. This has afforded me the opportunity to receive many bronze, silver and gold medals from FAPA (Florida Authors and Publishers) and IBA (International Book Awards).
Today, I visit many sites, from schools, to museums, to outdoor events, to dog shows, to fairgrounds—I will talk and discuss the writing process while encouraging each to tell their stories. I think the most important component to writing a book is to simply get started.
The best advice I came give you when writing your book is to set a time ahead when you know you write best and make it your goal. As you continue to write, you look forward to this precision time.
Lastly, follow your dreams, read and write; share your passion with others. We want to hear your stories! As you know, you can reach out to me anytime with any of your questions during your writing journey: deb@dburgg.com
