Author Debby Mayne kicks off her new Bucklin Family Reunion series with High Cotton (Gilead Publishing). Some families are filled with so much love they can’t help but drive each other crazy. Will Shay find the excitement she’s looking for, or realize she prefers her quiet and predictable life? In this interview, Debby shares why her new series revolves around family reunions, the role that etiquette plays in her stories, and what she most loves to hear from readers…
Debby, what inspired the story in High Cotton?
I’ve always enjoyed reunion stories, and my family had some of the best reunions, complete with drama, great southern food, and lots of hugs. Quite a bit of preparation goes into each reunion. And of course, there’s always some trepidation when you’re not sure how the family will accept some of the changes in your life.
What can readers expect from the Bucklin Family Reunion series? (Are ALL these books going to be about a family reunion?)
The Bucklin family has reunions twice a year. So yes, all these books will set during the time leading up to a reunion, during the actual event, and the days afterward. There’s so much going on in this family, they can’t keep up with each other. All their lives are interesting on their own, but when you put them together, it’s like an explosion—literally an explosion in book one.
What do you hope readers take away after reading High Cotton?
Family is important, even when you don’t agree with them. It’s important to find something to love about each and every person you call your sister, brother, aunt, uncle, and even your second cousin twice removed. You might argue with them, but when you need someone, you should be there for each other. You don’t have to agree with them, but if they’re related, there’s a bond that should never be broken.
Soooo…you’re an etiquette writer? What is that, and how does it inform your fiction?
I’ve been an etiquette writer for TheSpruce (formerly About-dot-com) for many years. I’m a southern woman and a military brat, so etiquette is something that’s been hammered into my head for as long as I remember. Like my fiction, it’s part of who I am, and it comes out in my stories—especially those that are set in the South.
One of the articles I wrote is called “Manners of the Modern Southern Belle.” It pretty much sums up what it’s like to be a proper southern lady in today’s world. You’re likely to see some examples of these southern belle rules in most of my fiction.
What are the best things readers can do to support their favorite authors?
There are so many things readers can do to support authors. The most obvious is to buy our books. I also like to hear that my stories affected someone in a positive way—made them laugh, gave them insight into why certain things happen, or just provided a couple hours of entertainment over a long weekend.
A brief note letting me know is always welcome. And I love hearing that my books were recommended by someone who enjoyed them.
Visit Debby Mayne’s author page here: https://www.familyfiction.com/authors/debby-mayne
High Cotton
Bucklin Family Reunion #1
Debby Mayne
Gilead Publishing