This wonderful week, as we inch closer and closer to spring, we are welcoming you, our fantastic readers, to take the Deb Ball interview!
Here’s how it will work: We’ve pasted some of the typical questions we usually ask our guests below. In the comments, we invite you to answer any–or all!–of them so that we can get to know you better!
The Debutante Ball is all about community. Writers and readers stick together, enrich each other’s lives, and we are so grateful that you are here with us as we celebrate this wondrous journey to publishing our debut books. We’ve had such a good time interviewing phenomenal writers and giving away their books each week, but the truth is… we want to know YOU.
Yes, you.
We hope you feel comfortable introducing yourselves as we have already shared so much of our own lives with you (gasp, maybe even too much of our lives? do you even like us? please reassure us!) We can’t wait to read your answers!
- Tell us about one book that’s made an impact on you and what books you’re excited for in the future.
- If you could bring a fictional or non-fictional character to dinner, who would it be?
- If you are a writer, what is your “day job” and how does it help facilitate your art?
- If you a reader, what is it that makes you fall in love with a book?
- If you could have any talent, what would it be?
- Tell us about one thing that’s bringing you Marie Kondo levels of joy right now.
- What’s the first book you remember reading or being read to you?
- What’s your favorite TV show of the moment and why?
- How many licks does it take to get to the center of a Tootsie Roll Pop?
- What’s your next big goal for 2019?
We can’t wait to read your answers!
I remember my fourth grade teacher reading the book Little House in the big Woods to us and that is when my love of reading began I went on to read the entire series and I am re-reading the books again as an adult.
I have a similar memory. I really should reread them as an adult too!
Aw yes! I never read the series and I want to as an adult but I’m worried it won’t have the same effect… Do you think I need to go back in time as a kid though to truly enjoy it??
1. I’m not sure if I can really narrow it down to one book that’s made an impact. 6 years ago I thought I might have a chance to meet Susan Dennard and Leigh Bardugo so I read all the books they currently had published. I not only got to meet them, I ended up working with them at the booth they were in at a small comic con. (long story behind that) Because of that, I ended up on Twitter and fell in with the book world on there. That has really changed things for me as I have been able to meet several other authors, I now own more books than I ever thought I would and I have made several great friends that I would never have met otherwise.
as far as what I’m looking forward to – ALL THE BOOKS!!!
2. Honestly, I have never really thought about this….
3. not a writer, just an avid reader. =)
4. So many different things play into me falling in love with a book. First, I know I’m a mood reader and I have set aside books plenty of times when I knew I just wasn’t getting into them, coming back to them when I was ready for them and loved them! I like being dropped in right in the middle of the action then getting a back story. Great dialog among the characters is a plus. (humor and sarcasm – bonus!) I like books that make me feel! It always frustrates me that I will love a book but when someone asks why, I never know what to say. I just do! =)
5. Sometimes I wish I could sing. I am so off key that I don’t even sing in the car when I am by myself. lol!
6. Definitely not my house! My bookshelves always bring me joy!!!
7. I can’t remember any one specific book – I know I’ve always been a reader. Little House books, Nancy Drew, Boxcar Children, Charlotte’s Web, Shel Silverstein, Judy Bloom, Beverly Cleary, Roald Dahl, Dr Seuss and so on.
8. Don’t really have a favorite tv show as I rarely watch tv. I’d rather read.
9. as many as you want it to!
10. My biggest goal is to hopefully have knee replacement surgery done. (and that while I’m laid up, get some stuff organized – papers, my laptop, etc…) and read, read, read!!
These are such lovely responses! I know exactly what you mean about having all these authors for friends who never see to stop WRITING BOOKS! Hahaha, it is because of them that I am a book hoarder, and yes, it’s always good to remember that even if you leave a book you can always come back to it later. Good luck on your knee replacement surgery!
1. Two books of impact come to mind: 1) Trilogy by Leon Uris. This historical fiction of Northern Ireland set in the late 1800-1900s lit a fire in my soul that cried for expression – in any and every area of my life. 2) The Thirteenth Tale by Diane Setterfield. If you love the Brontes, this book is for you. I discovered while having to avoid “eye activity” after a concussion, I listened to the audiobook version. Then bought the book. Then listened again. And again. I love this book. She’s a fairly new author, I think.
2. Good question. That would probably be Dave Robicheaux, James Lee Burke enigmatic New Orleans detective. I’ve rather fallen in love with him and recently went on a Robicheaux-buying binge. I picture him as Tommy Lee Jones, who portrayed him in the film version of “In the Electric Mist with Confederate Soldiers.”
3. I am a writer. Of recent Phoenix rebirth. I’ve had health issues, mind-numbing anaesthesia-filled surgeries. I’ve been a researcher/writer and have a life-time of research papers under my belt but had not written creatively until the past 2.5 years. Started with a poem. I was writing short stories last summer before I had an emergency hear surgery. Didn’t think I would ever write again. But, after going on a David Foster Wallace binge, I am actually experiencing beautiful new ideas. Oh, I’m disabled and “retired” I guess.
4. What makes me fall in love with a book? And usually it’s author – a well-turned phrase. I read one today in a 2017 New Yorker article about Joni Mitchell, in describing her style: “a kind of calligraphy of the moods”. Isn’t that wonderful???
5. Any talent? Songwriting. If I could put into words the world of emotion that is in turmoil in my soul – I’d be set free – or so I think. It would be nice to simply have a poem published, you know?
6. “Marie Kondo levels of joy.” Now, that is exactly what I am talking about by “well-turned phrase.” Good one. I am barely aware of her, however, so am unfamiliar with her level of joy. My Bliss comes about 1:30 a.m. with good music playing and words in strings fly from my fingertips.
7. First book? Really? Probably children’s Bible stories. Yes. That would be it. I remember Mom had a paperback of stories she read to us at night. I had forgotten that.
8. No idea about TV shows.
9. Dang, can’t have chocolate. Candy is history for me.
10. My big goal for 2019 is to get moved into a safer, more affordable living situation. Maybe even a brand new apartment set in nature. Yes, I’m going for that one. Namaste
Hi Beth! Wow, congrats on bouncing from heart surgery into the writing again! That’s marvelous. A “kind of calligraphy of the moods” is beautiful, and one of the most touching ways I’ve ever heard tone-setting described. And I am jealous of you, night owl, for finding inspiration to write at 1:30am! At that time, even if I’m inspired, I have to fight to keep my eyes from closing, so I end up waking up several hours later to all the lights still on… Best of luck with your housing search — I hope this year brings you closer to the nature you crave!