Capturing Creativity

Local writer publishes first novel, “Captured in Belize”

By Rick Stedman

Debbie Zessin, a longtime Graham resident, published her first
novel last summer. “Captured in Belize” is a romantic comedy
adventure that keeps readers turning the pages.
Debbie wasn’t always a writer, but her creativity was always on
display.
“I’ve always had a heart to entertain and make others laugh,” she
says. “Writing has always felt second-nature to me, and it’s something
I truly enjoy. I found writing to be a wonderful stress release.”
She says that writing “venting letters” filled with humor and
satire was a good way to build storylines with relatable and
memorable characters.
In “Captured in Belize,” protagonist Tess Martin experiences
many challenging twists and turns. Debbie’s personal life is a lot
more tranquil. An Ohop Mutual Light Co. member for almost
30 years, Debbie grew up in the Pacific Northwest and lives with
her husband, Eric, on a mini-farm in Graham.
“I was a stay-at-home mom but always kept busy, co-coaching
my daughter’s softball team and keeping score at my son’s games,
and managed office records for my husband and his business
partner,” she says.
Debbie also took classes at Pierce College, eventually going
into the real estate business for 25 years. Throughout all this,
she continued writing. After retiring from real estate, she is now
thankful for the slower pace of life.

“I can dedicate more time to writing and the creative process,”
she says.
Debbie and Eric like to jet ski and to travel in their RV.
“We’ve also taken trips to Hawaii where zip lining was my
nemesis,” she admits. “Much like the fears Tess Martin had to
overcome, I also had to overcome my fear of heights. And, the
thought of ocean waters filled with very large fish that have very
large teeth makes it all the more fun to write about.”
Now that the book is coming out, Debbie will participate in
several Q&A opportunities throughout the year at Pierce County
libraries. Check the library’s calendar of events for dates and times.
The events are free and open to the public.
“I look forward to offering insights into the storyline, exploring
character development, and the wax and wane of a writer’s highs
and lows,” Debbie says.
Debbie, who is already working on her second novel, also hopes
to use the Q&As to talk about self-publishing her book.
“Independent publishing relies on the support of our community
and readers, using social media and word-of-mouth to get our
stories out there,” she says.

Debbie Zessin’s “Captured in Belize” is a light-hearted and humorous
adventure that takes readers from cosmopolitan New York City to the
warm and sandy beaches of laid-back Belize in Central America.
Tess Martin, a lead designer at a high-end New York City firm, is
meeting her boyfriend, Roger, at an upscale restaurant. Thinking
Roger is going to propose, she is blown away when he breaks up
with her and announces he has another woman in his life.
Tess had prepaid their upcoming all-inclusive vacation getaway
to Belize, which she thought was going to be their prewedding
honeymoon. Planning to throw the airline tickets away, her friend
and work assistant convinces Tess to step out of her comfort zone
and take a solo trip to paradise. To add flame to the fire, Roger takes
his new girlfriend to Belize, confirming the reservations for himself.
Tess is forced to settle for the last available and subpar
accommodation at a neighboring hotel. Frustrated and disgruntled,
Tess resolves to sabotage her ex-boyfriend’s romantic getaway and
reclaim her vacation.
While “Captured in Belize” has a great storyline the subtle messages
throughout are also worth noting, specifically, stepping out of your
comfort zone.
“I want the readers to recognize, no matter what bad relationship
they were in or are in, they are in charge of their destiny and can
change the course of their lives,” Debbie says. “If life is not going
how you want, then, like a story, rewrite your last chapter and
discover your inner truth.”

“Captured in Belize” is available in paperback and e-book on
Amazon.com and Barnsandnoble.com. Locally, the book is available at
A Good Book Bookstore in Sumner, Kirk’s Pharmacy in Eatonville and
Rainier View Winery in Graham.
The book can also be checked out at several Pierce County libraries,
including Eatonville, Graham, Gig Harbor, South Hill and University Place.
Readers can find updates on Debbie’s Instagram, Facebook and
website, debbiezessin.com.