Dr. Ignont is passionate about ministry and has served in various capacities for many years, be it as a youth department administrator, singles ministry leader, choir member, or interceding for others on the altar.

A Bay Area native, Dr. Ignont graduated from Bishop O’Dowd High School and studied at the University of Phoenix, earning a Bachelor of Science in Business with an emphasis on Small Business Entrepreneurship. Additionally, Mrs. Ignont was recently bestowed with an honorary Doctorate of Divinity from the God School of Ministry.

Dr. Ignont is married to George Ignont and the stepmother to 4 adults and step-grandmother to 6 grandchildren while also assisting in the care of her 85-year-old mother.

She currently serves at the Well Christian Community in Livermore, CA, where she has completed a 2-year ministerial course and is currently enrolled in their School of Worship. When not serving in ministry, she is the CEO of D. Moore Consulting, Inc., a labor and contract compliance consulting firm.

1) First, I want to thank you for taking the time to do this interview with me! When did you know that writing is what you were called to do? What is it about being a writer that you love the most? What about being a writer frustrates you the most?

I figured out that I had the gift to write in my mid-20s. I was involved in a long-distance relationship and we both would write letters back and forth. In that, I found that I could express myself better through writing.

I love the freedom I have when writing. The blank canvas allows me to create and express myself without limitations. When I write, I can easily pour out my inner- most feelings with the hopes that the reader can empathize with me.

2) Can you tell us a little about your book(s) and where our readers can find out more about them and you?

My book is mostly about the challenges I faced being a single woman suffering from low self-esteem and rejection, to ultimately coming to the knowledge of who I am in Christ and the journey I took to redemption and freedom.

To find out more about me and how to order my book, visit my website debramooreignont.com

3) Where do you draw your inspiration from for the stories that you manage to weave together and the characters that you create?

Hearing stories from other women who have overcome similar circumstances inspires me to be bold enough to share my journey. By sharing our individual journeys, we encourage others that their struggles are not in vain, and they too can come through them. God knew long before we were born what paths we would take toward achieving His purposes for our lives.

4) Do you have a schedule for when you write? Do you outline your novels? How long does it generally take you to finish a novel? What projects are you currently working on?

I write during the day when it’s peaceful around the house. I don’t have a set outline. Usually, the words flow, and I write what comes to mind at the moment. Then, I may come back to it and add or delete things as I re-read. This first book was fairly easy to write because it was my personal experiences.

5) What’s the first book you ever read that really moved you emotionally? Who is your favorite author to read? What book are you currently reading?

“The Shack” is the first book that moved me emotionally. I am currently reading “Feeding the Soul” by Tabitha Brown

6) What has been your most significant achievement as a writer thus far? Where do you see yourself within your career in the next five years?

My biggest achievement as a writer is overcoming the fear of judgment and being vulnerable about my journey in order to bless others.

In 5 years, I hope to be in a place to hire employees to work the day to day while I am being used in ministry to build the kingdom.

7) How have you dealt with rejection within your writing career? What is your advice for other writers to better be able to cope or navigate their way through the publishing process, be it traditional or self-publishing?

I’ve had to look to God during those times of rejection and negative feedback. I have to remind myself that God has me on a mission and I cannot be fearful of men and their faces.

I would encourage new authors to find a mentor who has been there done that. They can get solid advice on the best process for them. Self-publishing requires a lot of man hours and trying to figure things out; while traditional means is more expensive but saves on maneuvering through the learning curve.

8) Do you find it hard to juggle the creative side of being a writer against the business side of being a writer, in terms of marketing and promotion and things of that nature? How hard has it been (or easy) for you to build up your author platform?

I do not find it difficult to juggle the creative side against the business side. The business side can be challenging but I welcome the challenge as it helps me grow in that area. I look to outside resources to help me build my author platform as this is all new for me.

9) So many writers say that they hate reading their own work. Do you ever enjoy reading your own work back to yourself after it’s out there for the rest of the world?

I have not done it yet. Not sure I will.

10) Do you believe that there is ever a point in life where it’s too late for an aspiring writer to become successful in this industry? Do you feel a late start would hinder their chances?

It’s never too late. Everyone has a story. Timing is everything. Sometimes writing later in life allows you to offer a complete story instead of one that’s produced too early. There is wisdom that comes with age.

11) I feel like writing is a remarkable tool to help people not only express themselves, but also to cope emotionally and mentally. I know for me I write to be and feel more authentic. What unique quality is there about you, about your art, that you feel represents your authenticity? How does writing help you to be more empowered in your purpose?

My writing is real and transparent. I’ve heard when they read my book that it sounds like we are having an in-person conversation. When God told me to write the book, I responded fairly quick because I knew this would launch me into my purpose.