Debra Borchert’s writing is filled with details collected from her many careers: clothing designer, actress, TV show host, spokesperson for high-tech companies, marketing and public relations professional, and technical writer for Fortune 100 companies. A graduate of the Fashion Institute of Technology, she weaves her knowledge of textiles and clothing design throughout her French historical fiction. Her work has been honored with a Historical Novel Society Editors’ Choice, Publishers Weekly BookLife Editor’s Pick, and many other five-star reviews and has appeared in newspapers, anthologies and novels. She lives in the Pacific Northwest with her family and a standard poodle who is named after a fine French Champagne.
Debra’s short story, ‘Love Makes One Brave,’ is set in Tournai, during the Battle of Fontenoy, in 1745. Her character, Nicole, is a young lady destined to be a lady-in-waiting to the Queen of France. Debra is well-versed in French history as all her books take place during this time period. This young woman made brave and rash decisions while searching for her beloved on the battlefield. The tale that ensued gave me chills. But Nicole’s decisions were based in love and courage and I found myself cheering her on.
Debra is the author of the Château de Verzat series—following headstrong and independent women and the four-hundred loyal families who protect a Loire Valley château and vineyard during the French Revolution. Her Own Legacy, was published in 2022, Her Own Revolution, published in 2023, and Her Own War, just published in July 2024. There is also a companion cookbook to the series, Soups of Château de Verzat. They are available where books are sold. Check out Debra’s website: https://debraborchert.com/ for more information. After you read her story, send her a note and let her know what you thought and let me know if you felt the same chills that I did. Also don’t forget to leave a review for the book on Amazon or Goodreads!
Debra’s Interview: ‘Love Makes One Brave’
1. How did this story come to you and how did you get the idea for your Feisty Female Character?
The Marquise de Bourran appeared in my first book, Her Own Legacy. She chaperoned and mentored the protagonist, whose future husband was wounded. I had read an article about how maggots were used to prevent infection in the 18th century, but I wondered how she would have known that and the Marquise told me her battlefield story. Only a summary of “One Makes One Brave” appeared in the book, and I’m so glad I had the opportunity to paint the full story in “Feisty Deeds.”
2. What’s your writing process/routine?
I’m an early bird and get most of my work completed before noon. The rest of the day is spent on marketing my work.
3. What was the hardest part of writing this story?
Describing a man dying in one’s arms.
4. How do you select your character’s names?
I research name meanings for their first names. Nicole means, “victory of the people.” She and the Marquis go on to spy for the King, and I believe she is well named. I find French last names while watching the credits in French films and in French history databases.
5. Describe your writing space.
Most importantly, it has a daybed where my poodle, Clicquot sits and watches over the neighborhood. Sometimes, while thinking through a scene, I sit with her and she inspires me. She is French, after all.
6. Do you only write only Historical Fiction or do you write other genres?
I’m currently writing a holiday, later-in-life romance that takes place in Alsace, France. I’ve written personal essays and travel articles, but I love Historical Fiction!
7. What question do you wish someone would ask you about yourself and/or your story and no one has?
How do you write from Louis LaGarde’s point of view? The answer is He’s a hero!
I’d love to hear your thoughts on Debra’s interview and her story, especially if you’ve read Feisty Deeds: Historical Fictions of Daring Women. Also we’d love it if you left us a review on Amazon or Goodreads. Please sign up for our giveaway open June 8-July 8, 2024. It’s available by adding your name to our mailing list at Contact - DW Hogan (She’s collecting the entries.)
Great interview! I loved Debra's short story in Fiesty Deeds. She's got the whole French history thing nailed. :)