Hi Debbie! Thanks for doing the interview. Could you start by introducing yourself?
Hi Portrait! Well, let’s see, I live in Boynton Beach, Florida with my hubby and two kids. When I’m not writing novels for teens, reading, running, or beach bumming, I enjoy watching foreign films and just about anything on TV. I also spend a ridiculous amount of time surfing music sites and getting songs for my iPod.

Your debut novel ‘Braless in Wonderland’ comes out in April. Could you tell us a little about the book and your inspiration for it?
The book is centered on Allee, a brainy, small town-town girl who gets discovered by modeling scouts at her local mall and whisked away to Miami to model. At first, Allee is reluctant to move into an apartment full of models. She thinks models are shallow and brainless, but since it’s her only hope at getting the extra money she needs for college, it’s an opportunity she can’t refuse. By the book’s end, many of Allee’s beliefs are turned on their head. Like Alice in Wonderland, Braless in Wonderland is a crazy adventure full of transformation and self-discovery, but with a lot of glamour and fun along the way.

You worked as a booker for a modeling agency for many years. How has this experienced helped with the novel? Are there any particular scenes that came directly from your own experiences?
I worked at two really busy agencies and often saw many young women walk into the agency lacking any confidence, any “Wow” factor. They’d be slouching their shoulders, messy hair, no make up. Then, over the course of weeks or a few months, this transformation would happen. It always intrigued me and I knew I wanted to write about it some day.

One scene In particular came straight from my past. When I was still interning and not a full-fledged booker yet, the agency sent me out on a casting for a drink commercial. Business was slow and it was just for a laugh, but to everyone’s shock and my horror, I booked the job. I was petrified, but the bookers told me not to worry, that it would be easy. HA! What no one knew about the job was that I would have to dance. So I went to the set, heard the word “action!” and the next thing I knew, I was ordered to dance. After exactly thirty seconds of seeing me “dance” (or what I thought was dancing), the director managed to stop laughing long enough to hire an extra as my replacement. In the end, they only used my hands in the commercial. I am a rhythmless nation, apparently. That incident inspired a scene in the book.

If ‘Braless in Wonderland’ were to be adapted into a film in the next year or so, who would you like to see play the lead characters?
Ooh, I LOVE this question. I think Emma Roberts would be perfect to play Allee. Blake Lively or Gemma Ward would be great as Summer, the charismatic blonde, and maybe Rihanna as Claudette, the other model Allee lives with. I can see Victoria Beckham as Monique, the agency owner.

Would you ever consider a sequel for the novel?
Absolutely! A few people have told me they want to know what happens to Allee next, so it’s definitely a possibility.

You have another novel ‘Swimming with the Sharks’ coming out in September ‘08. Very interesting title. Can you tell us a little about the book?
The main character is Peyton, who has finally earned a coveted spot on the varsity cheerleading squad. For her, it’s the end of standing on the social sidelines and the beginning of being in the Alpha Clique. The problems start when Lexie, the charismatic and powerful squad captain, orders Peyton and her team mates to drive another girl off the squad by bullying her. As the cruel hazing spirals out of control, Peyton is torn by her conscience, yet seduced by the chance to have everything she wants.

Are you working on any other novels at the moment?
Yes, the working title is Inappropriate Giggling and it’s about a girl who wants to be a stand-up comic, but no one in her family thinks she’s funny. My husband says it’s an autobiography.

What is an average (writing) day like for you? Do you have any habits or rituals that help with the process?
Music is really important. If I’m writing an angry character, I listen to Disturbed, Bjork, Green Day, some old Black Sabbath and ACDC . For a character in love, it’s Sia, Nikka Costa, The Weepies, Rufus Wainwright. If I’m writing a party scene, I like techno music or hip hop. For a South Beach scene, I have Latino, salsa songs. It all depends on what I’m writing. As far as habits, the only habit I really have is writing a thought down at the exact moment it occurs to me, or I’ll forget. It’s probably not the best habit, especially when I’m driving. Or in the shower.

When did you decide you wanted to be an author? Has it been a lifelong dream?
I always knew I wanted to write, ever since I was little. In school, I only liked classes where creativity or writing was involved. In math class, instead of working out the answers to problems, I was hiding in the back row writing stories, poems and songs. Hmmm, maybe that’s why I can never figure out the prices at those 40 % off sales . . .

What were some of your favorite novels when you were a teenager and what are some of your favorites today?
I loved anything by Judy Blume. She is truly fearless and was groundbreaking at the time. I also loved Paula Danziger, Betty Smith and Natalie Babbit. I devoured the romantic classics, the ones with strong, smart female characters, like Wuthering Heights, Pride and Prejudice, Jane Eyre. Now I like to read Meg Cabot, K.L. Going, E. Lockhart, Rachel Cohn, Louise Rennison, Alex Flinn, Dorian Cirrone, Joyce Sweeney and many, many more.

Since starting your career as an author, what would you say are some of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
There are three major lessons I’ve learned:

1) Don’t try to copy anyone else’s style. Enjoy finding your own voice. Just write what YOU like to write and stick to what blows your skirt up.

2) Art reflects; it doesn’t advocate. Don’t be afraid to write your story honestly, even if you think it will ruffle some feathers. Be brave.

3) The difference between a great book and good book can be just a couple of lines.

What advice would you like to offer to aspiring authors?
Write as much as you possibly can and do everything to learn your craft. Take workshops, join writing organizations, and write to authors who inspire you. Most of all, stay with it and never quit. The biggest reason writers don’t get published is because they quit.

Thanks for doing the interview. Anything you’d like to say in closing?
I love Portrait! Seriously, I do. It’s one of my favorite guilty pleasures. I also love hearing from readers, so visit my website at www.debbiereedfischer.com and write to me. You can also get in touch through my Myspace page at Myspace.com/debbiereedfischer. :)