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Contact Information:

Debra Traverso
P.O. Box 4842
Hagerstown, MD 21742-4872
240-782-4218

"Writing isn't just about communicating; it's also about influencing — maybe even changing — a life or two or a thousand, for the better."
     — Debra Koontz Traverso

Welcome!

Thanks to everyone who has said they've been influenced by (or helped in the development of) one of my books. This site is for you and all the people who have:

• inquired about my books (click on the books above);
• solicited writing advice (review Writing Tips);
• or asked to be involved in my future work (check out Current Projects).

This site is also for those many critics out there — because of you, I've learned that I have reached the distinction of being an accomplished writer. After all, you don't waste your time and ink on mediocre writers, now do you? So, thanks. Remember writers: if you have no critics, you likely have no successes.

And finally, this site is for anyone who wants to write, to create, to publish. I hope you find inspiration here. Remember: no one was born published. Let me say that again — no one. Every published writer has had to figure it out somehow.

I once read: "Writing is easy. All you do is stare at a blank sheet of paper until drops of blood form on your forehead." I don't find writing to be quite that hard, but compared with real work, like harvesting wheat, running a company, delivering a keynote address, teaching a classroom, or being a mom (all of which I've done), writing is heaven.

I can't give you the keys to be successful in writing. You have to find that within yourself, just as I have. But I can tell you what helps. Misery helps. So does hunger, and perseverance, and muddle, and criticism; so does leaving home and working crap jobs. Unrequited love, losing a pet, and disappointing your child help too.

Find more about my journey to writing at this article, "Oh, She's 'Just a Writer'."

Bottom line: I do believe that the greatest use of a life is to spend it on something that will outlast it, such as our children and our writing. Devote yourself to both. You'll be glad you did.

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