Bookpleasures.com welcomes as our guest Deborah Driggs. Deborah and her mother, Dorothy Stangle discovered her grandfather's, Mark B. Arrieta's manuscript while digging through her grandmother Betty's belongings after she had passed away.

The character of Mark in the novel is based loosely on Dorothy Stangle's father and Deborah Driggs grandfather.

Deborah got hooked on performing at age seven as a figure skater and found fame in her 20s as a model and actress. By 26, she had appeared on the cover of Playboy three times and was chosen as the Playboy Playmate of the Month for the March 1990 issue. In 1992, she married Olympic gymnast Mitch Gaylord.

A decade later, she was divorced and desperately seeking a way to put food on the table.

After suffering a nervous breakdown, Deborah was forced to live with her mother, Dorothy, in a senior community in Florida. While there, she began to take daily walks—thanks to her mom’s dog—and interact with the locals. As she learned the stories and struggles of others, she no longer felt alone.

Deborah rebounded, got her life insurance license, and then took a detour into distractions to cover up how broken she was on the inside. In 2017, her whole life changed when she started the journey to face and find herself.

Gradually, she acknowledged her addiction to attention and tendency to abuse alcohol—and anything—to make herself feel better. Deborah now works as a healing coach, helping others work through their emotional trauma, get out of the victim mentality, and step into their highest self.   

Norm: Good day Deb and thanks for taking part in our interview.

What was your first reaction when you and your mother discovered your grandfather's manuscript?

Deborah: My first reaction was that I wanted to make it into a book. Since my grandfather had taken the time to write a story based on his life, I thought every family member should have a copy so his legacy would be remembered.

I had not heard many of the stories in the book, and it was difficult to realize I did not know very much about my grandfather on an emotional or on spiritual level.

I wanted to send a message to readers that they should get to know their family members before they pass, to learn about them emotionally and spiritually. 

Norm: When did the idea for the publication of the book first emerge?

Deborah: In 2019, I opened some boxes and found hundreds of loose pages that were typed. I knew it was my grandfather's story, but at first I could not make sense of the order.

After working with the pages for a while and putting them in chronological order, I made copies and sent the first manuscript to a writer.

That person helped me put the story together in a way that flowed better, and then we went through it page by page, fixing mistakes. I was also lucky to find a publisher who recognized the "diamond in the rough" in my grandfather's story. 

Norm: What were your goals and intentions in the publication of the book, and how well do you feel you achieved them? As a follow up, what purpose do you believe your story serves and what matters to you about the story?

Deborah: I wanted to share my grandfather's remarkable story with the world, but I also wanted to share about the Basque culture and bring awareness to that part of the world. I wish I would have interviewed my grandfather when he was alive and learned more about his childhood and his Basque knowledge, especially what it was like for him to become the man of the house at such a young age and what that did to him emotionally.

The book made me realize I did not know a lot about any of my grandparents--or their parents and grandparents. I would like readers to see the importance of knowing their genealogy and heritage, not to mention traumas that got passed down.

Norm: What would you say is the best reason to recommend someone to read Son of a Basque? 

Deborah: The best reason to read Son of a Basque is you will feel inspired. You will read about a kid who became a man at the age of 10 to serve his family. He also served his country in the military.

It is a story of survival and overcoming fear in the face of adversity, of someone who dug deep and found a way to endure! 

Norm: Is there anything of “you” in the novel that you may have inherited from your grandfather? If so, what were they?

Deborah” Great question! I inherited my grandfather's spirit: the gift of survival and overcoming hardships in life. When I learned of the things my grandfather overcame, I thought to myself, “I got the Basque gene for sure.”

I connected to his maniacal drive and never giving up. In reading the book, I was also touched by his service in wanting to help the children in Vietnam.

I think I actually got the chills because in 2015 I adopted a school in Peru. I see where I got the desire and drive to be of service. 

Norm: What process did you go through to get the book published?

Deborah: It was a 2- to 3-year process of rewriting and editing, each time checking to make sure we got everything right.

My mom was very helpful and part of the team that edited and reread the pages. This was definitely a team effort.

There was also an emotional component to the process: each time I read the pages, something different would hit me and bring up new emotions.

I knew nothing about the publishing world and have been learning a lot through trial and error. Quite a bit goes into getting a book published that I had no idea about. What I did know is I was going to get this book published no matter what.

Norm: What has been the best part about being having the book published?

Deborah: It's a huge sense of accomplishment. I know my grandparents would be so proud. I know they have been with me during this process; I have felt their guidance in some way.

The best part is knowing their story lives on now in a book I can share with the world. 

Norm: Do you hear from readers much? What kinds of things do they say?

Deborah: The people who have read it so far have given rave reviews and awesome testimonials.

One well-known author said to me, "I am on the third chapter and I am surprised how much I am enjoying this book." I shared the galleys with a few friends and they loved the book.

One of my dear friends wrote, "I really enjoyed the book and wish I could have met your grandfather. The book has now given me a better understanding of who you are. Very, very powerful.” Other testimonials I've received are just as beautiful and powerful.

Norm: What will you be doing for promotion and how much of it is your doing?

Deborah: I hired a PR firm and we're working together to set up interviews, podcasts, radio appearances, and other events related to the launch of the book. I will travel and promote the book as much as I possibly can. 

Norm: Where can our readers find out more about Son of a Basque?

Deborah: They can learn more about the book on my WEBSITE, or they can pre-order the book on Amazon or at their local independent bookstore.