The Debutante Ball, established in 2007, is a group blog for authors making their debut in the literary world. We are now in our twelfth season of celebrating up-and-coming authors. Former Debs include bestsellers in the genres of women’s fiction, mystery, literary fiction, nonfiction, young adult, and more. Click on any of the photos above to learn about The Debutante Ball Class of 2019 and their books. Read about the bestselling…
The Seventh Queen Is Coming
As my time with the Debutante Ball winds down, I can’t help but find myself looking forward. There are very few certainties in publishing, and so many secrets that cannot be shared due to contractual constraints (say that five time fast) that looking forward means something different to career writers. While I do have works in progress as well as works on submission, the one thing I can publicly speak…
Interview with Mia P. Manansala, author of Arsenic and Adobo
This week’s interview is with Mia P. Manansala, a fellow Berkley author of Deb Lyn Liao Butler. We are so excited to have Mia here because her debut, Arsenic and Adobo is not only about solving a mystery, but has the most delicious Filipino food descriptions ever. If you’re not craving Filipino food as you read the book, then you’re not getting the full experience. Booklist gave it a starred…
What Greta Got Out of the Deb Ball
Ahhh! It seems like yesterday that I was hastily typing up my application to join The Debutante Ball. I was so excited– and nervous- to apply. My debut was coming out in January, in the middle of a pandemic that seemed like it wouldn’t let up, and I had no idea what I was supposed to do with myself. I mean, yeah. I had a book coming out. I had…
Interview with India Holton, author of THE WISTERIA SOCIETY OF LADY SCOUNDRELS
This week’s interview is with India Holton, a fellow Berkley author of Deb Lyn Liao Butler. We are so excited to have India here, as she’s written one zany historical romance/fantasy crossover book! Her debut, THE WISTERIA SOCIETY OF LADY SCOUNDRELS, is so much fun, and author Jen Deluca describes it best “…easily the most delightfully bonkers historical fantasy romance of 2021!” India is also a great person and supporter…
What Lyn Got Out of The Deb Ball
I cannot believe that my book finally came out on July 6, 2021. It felt like I’d waited forever (2 years) from when I got my offer. The world has changed so much in these two years, but I am so grateful that THE TIGER MOM’S TALE is out in the world and I got to be a Deb for the class of 2021. It was a rough year, between…
Platform, support, wine, laughs: What I got out of being a Debutante
It seems impossible, but our reign as Debs is coming to an end very soon. In a year of unprecedented turmoil politically, socially, economically, and domestically, being a part of the Debutante Ball has been an absolute bright spot for me. And as my sister Debs and I get ready to pass the torch to the new class, I’d like to share a few of my favorite things about being…
[News Flash] July 19, 2021
The reign of our 2020-2021 debs is drawing to a close and the application for next year’s deb class is available now. If you’re a female or non-binary writer with a debut novel coming out September 2021 – August 2022, please apply and spread the word! And a huge congratulations to Lyn Liao Butler whose debut, THE TIGER MOM’S TALE came out July 6th! THE TIGER MOM’S TALE is available…
Do It: Apply to The Debutante Ball Class of 2022
Every year since 2007, five debut women authors have taken part in The Debutante Ball, a group blog for authors making their debut in the literary world. Former Debs include bestsellers in the genres of women’s fiction, mystery, literary fiction, nonfiction, young adult, and more. It’s time for the Class of 2021 to pass on our tiaras. We’re looking for female or non-binary writers who have not previously had a book…
What a Year! Apply to be a Debutante!
It feels like it was only last month that Lisa Braxton, author of THE TALKING DRUM, recommended applying to The Debutante Ball. I was immediately interested. Everything I’ve ever done in my life – writing a dissertation, raising kids, finding jobs, working to influence politics – has been richer and more satisfying when done in the company of other amazing women. So I was really excited about the prospect of…
[News Flash] July 4, 2021
Elizabeth Gonzalez James had an absolutely fantastic launch week for MONA AT SEA! And if you missed the conversation between Elizabeth and Lyn Liao Butler, you can watch it on our Instagram account. And big congratulations to Lyn Liao Butler whose debut, THE TIGER MOM’S TALE comes out July 6th! MONA AT SEA by Elizabeth Gonzalez James is “sharply written Millennial malaise that dares to be hopeful,” says the San Francisco…
