Debra Purdy Kong is a mystery author from Port Moody, British Columbia, Canada. She's published two amateur sleuth mystery novels set in Vancouver and in the suburbs of Port Moody and Coquitlam, where she lives. Her books are fast-paced contemporary reads that feature a lot of dialogue and a little romance mixed with humor, which is exactly what she likes to read."Before tackling novels, I started writing short stories and personal essays. My first published piece was an essay about my ballet days when I was an aspiring ballerina, though without any talent. In fact, the only thing I had going for me were my feet, according to my teachers, which was the essay's topic," says Debra. "Anyhow, I was paid $90.00 for that piece which was published in a new magazine. At that time, I hadn't been writing long and couldn't believe my luck. I remember thinking well, that wasn't hard; maybe I could make a living at this. But I didn't know that very few magazines paid that much money to unknown writers, and the magazine folded after four issues. It was three more years before another magazine accepted my work and five years before I was paid real cash for my stories. One thing I have going for me as a writer is tenacity!"
"I've always loved writing. When I was growing up in the sixties, there were no video and computer games. We either played outside or we read and wrote stories and plays. I've always loved reading too. In elementary school, I volunteered in the library, and still have my little gold pin for service these forty plus years later."
"The inspiration for my first Alex Bellamy mystery, Taxed To Death, happened while I was a secretary at an accounting firm, and where I met my future husband. One day, I was talking about writing mysteries over lunch with some articling students, when one of them said, "How come no one writes about us?" That sentence started the ideas flowing. I published the book in 1995, and began the sequel, Fatal Encryption, right away. But between raising children, volunteering, holding down part-time jobs, and starting another mystery series, the second book took a decade to finish. Three more years passed before it was finally published. But as I mentioned, I'm tenacious."
"Promoting these books has taken me to all sorts of wonderful places such as Alaska, Hawaii, and Nevada for conferences. I've met some wonderful writers along the way, but I think the best experience has to be when a stranger says "I really liked your book". I've been writing long enough now that I also spend a fair amount of time reviewing books by unknown writers who deserve some recognition. I also like to speak about the publishing and promotion process. Mostly, though, I like to encourage people to pursue their dreams.""I'm happy to say that both Taxed To Death and Fatal Encryption are now available on Kindle and Mobipocket. Meanwhile, I'm still working on that other series, which is currently being looked at by two publishers. I'm on the third book and with any luck, I'll be publishing mysteries for some time to come."
Visit www.debrapurdykong.com.
Kindle: Fatal Encryption
Beth Anderson is the Editor in Chief of Chic Galleria.com and Co-Owner of Chic Galleria Publications.
Looking for a Well-Crafted, Well-Written Mystery? Then This One’s for You!!!!
If you're one of those diehard mystery fans that love nothing better than to match wits, compile clues and figure out whodunit long before the author's solution is revealed, then this book is for you!!!
Fatal Encryption is a classic mystery that offers fans everything they look for including a compelling story, lots of suspects, tons of clues and a very likable amateur sleuth/murderer tracker downer named Alex Bellamy. He's a very modern day kind of detective. His style is decidedly laid back and reliant on good old-fashioned hard work. He's sort of an anti-hero - his only problem being that he doesn't like bad guys getting away.
Fatal Encryption starts out with a bang - well actually more of a well-placed stab - on Halloween no less - and goes from there. Alex Bellamy is brought onboard by his rather rapacious, needy girlfriend, Lena to help at McKinley's. McKinley's is the department store where she works. They have been hard hit by a number of computer pranks that are now turning the corner into becoming ominous. When Alex is hired, they quickly slide downhill into outright extortion, but do they have anything to do with Zachary Ternoway's murder? That's what Alex Bellamy is determined to find out.
In this book, Debra Purdy Kong establishes a solid lock and opportunity to create a wonderful series of books based on her lead characters. There's lots of room for her to go and we'd be more than happy to go with her and see what Alex Bellamy is up to next time around!
Absolutely buy this book!!!!!!! I LOVED it!!!!!!
I just ordered Fatal Encription and I can't wait to dig in! The reviews so far are great.
I've read and enjoyed Taxed to Death and I'm looking forward to getting Fatal Encryption. Alex Bellamy is not your ordinary hero.
This was an interesting and enjoyable article about a great
writer.Fatal Encryption is a fantastic book with a nice mix of suspense, action, romance and humor. Alex Bellamy is so engaging that you wish you could meet him in person. All right, so I have a crush on him!It's just a testament to Debra's literary abilities. Be sure to buy this one!
Debra's wonderful personality reflects in her writing. I have corresponded with her numerous times through the internet and can't wait to pick-up Fatal Encryption. Her hero seems to suit my (reader's) needs. I'm sure I'll be greatly entertained.
A wonderful article about a very talented writer. Fatal Encryption is on my TBR list!!!
Interesting article… just found this author on ebookgab.com, and followed the link. Excited to find another Canadian woman finding success and recognition in the world of writing.
Lesley-Anne
http://pink-ink.ning.com/