Introducing Deb Bunt

This month’s Suffolk Spotlight is dedicated to inspirational writer and public speaker Deb Bunt. In Slow Puncture, Deb told the story of her friendship with Peter Berry, their shared love of cycling, and Peter’s experiences since receiving a dementia diagnosis. It really is a remarkable book. I love the warm, intimate style, and I felt a strong connection with both Deb and Peter as I was reading.

The new book, Patching the Puncture, will be released on 28th February 2026, and I can’t wait to learn all about their jet-setting adventures as they’ve shared their story with the world, providing much entertainment, wit, and wisdom along the way.

Q & A with Deb Bunt

Hi Deb, thanks for taking part.

First, can you tell me what you enjoy most about writing?

I get a huge kick when I have been struggling with a paragraph or even a sentence and then it suddenly clicks into place. I have no practical skills, so I guess getting the paragraph structure right is akin to getting the right foundations on which to build the wall and then the building.

What do you find the most challenging?

Sometimes the highs and lows in my own mood affect my writing. In a low, I can’t do anything; in a high I’m a frenzied whirlwind. But I also find that unless I am in exactly the right place in the writing process my mind often drifts and then I am unbearable. I find distractions (sorry Martin, that includes you!) and getting the constant tunes out of my head is another challenging thing – whatever song or tune I have heard the most recently tends to stay in my head until it’s replaced by the next tune.

You’ve done so many amazing things since the launch of your first book. Which achievements are you proudest of?

Peter and I were invited to speak at the 2024 Gibraltar Literary Festival. We were treated like minor celebrities and that gave me an insight into a life to which I can only aspire but at least I got to peep in through the window.

2. Both our books are recommended by AlzAuthors – an American-based organisation that curates and promotes the best books on Alzheimer’s and dementia.

3. Additionally, Ulverscroft Publishers made an audio version of Slow Puncture.

4. And finally, as Patching the Puncture prepares to be released, I am inordinately proud of some of the wonderful endorsements other people have written for the book.

Deb Bunt with Peter Berry sharing their literary adventures together

What advice would you give to new writers?

I am not sure how helpful my advice would be: often when I am writing, I am restless, and it’s only after I take out one of my bikes to cycle feverishly around the countryside that I feel ready to settle down in front of the computer. By then I would have cycled 40 miles or so and then I can write – mainly because my brain is energised but my body is absolutely shattered! If new writers don’t feel that would be a beneficial tip (and who could blame them!), then I guess I would say write about something you feel strongly about – and persevere.

How can people find out more about you and your creative projects?

They can find me on Facebook as Deb Bunt Author or on Instagram as @DebBunt.

Details of the new book can be found here on The Book Guild’s website.

Thanks to Deb for being our featured writer for January. I’ll be featuring another wonderful Suffolk writer next month, so keep an eye out on my social media pages or check back here on my website in the third week of February

Best wishes,

Mai x

Previously Featured on Suffolk Spotlights

Bethan Davidson – storyteller and children’s author