What if your biggest writing goal isn’t missing… it’s just waiting for a clearer path?
Debra Eckerling is a book proposal expert, author, and the creator of the DEB Method, a simple but powerful framework for goal setting that actually works for creatives.
In this conversation, Deborah shares what it really takes to move from idea to finished project, why networking isn’t as intimidating as it sounds, and how a book proposal can become a roadmap, even if you’re self-publishing.
Highlights
Goal setting starts with belief
Deborah doesn’t talk about goals like they’re wishful thinking. She talks about them like something you train yourself to trust.
“You need to believe it’s not just possible but probable in order to set yourself up for success.”
That mindset shift changes everything, especially for writers who doubt whether their work can actually go somewhere.
The DEB Method brings clarity to creative chaos
Most creatives don’t struggle with ideas. They struggle with direction.
The DEB Method (Determine. Explore. Brainstorm.) gives you a structure without squeezing the life out of your creativity:
“Determine your mission. You can’t get what you want unless you know what that is. When you think about the life you want, what does that look like?”
It’s not about doing more. It’s about doing what actually matters.
Exploring options means listening to what keeps showing up
Deborah shares a journaling practice that feels simple… but gets surprisingly deep.
“The idea is to do free writing and do this three, four or five times without looking at what you’ve written. After you complete the exercise, then you can read everything through and then read it again with like a highlighter or a notepad, but really go through it… and find the common themes.”
Sometimes the answer isn’t a new strategy. It’s noticing the patterns you’ve been writing around for years.
Networking is relational
If networking makes you cringe, you’re not alone.
Deborah reframes it in a way that feels calmer and more human. Forget about cold outreach and aim for trusted connection.
“When you reach out to your trusted connections and they make an intro, they know that anybody you send them is going to be good and you know the same.”
Opportunities don’t always come from shouting louder. Sometimes they come from being remembered.
Book proposals aren’t just for traditional publishing
Even if you’re self-publishing, Deborah believes a proposal can be one of the most useful tools you create.
Not because you need permission but because you need focus.
“What a book proposal does for people who are self and hybrid, especially self-publishing, is it will help you find the focus. It will force you to create a marketing plan and to also see who your audience is and where they are.”
Celebrate wins or you’ll forget you’re making progress
One of the most grounding parts of this conversation is Deborah’s reminder that motivation isn’t automatic.
“I like to keep a win list... when you’re frustrated because your goals are not coming to fruition quickly enough, you can look at your win list and say, oh, I’ve done all these things. I’m on the right track.”
Your progress counts… even when it feels slow.
You can’t control everything, but you can create forward motion
Deborah is honest about the reality of change.
Publishing shifts. Life shifts. Plans shift.
But you still get to choose your next move.
“Sometimes you actually have no control, but this is really a proactive way of saying, okay, what am I going to create?”
Closing reflection
Deborah’s work is such a steady reminder that creativity needs containers.
Don’t structure your creativity around rigid rules. Lean on your support systems instead.
If you’re an author trying to finish the book, build the platform, or simply figure out what comes next consider using the DEB Method.
And if you need more help making all your great ideas come to life, sign up for a free consultation where we will come up with a game plan that’s built for you.
