I remember last year when the application window opened here for the Debutante Class of 2020. I was finishing up my teaching job for the year, and the whole prospect of publishing a novel in the next twelve months still seemed like a surreal dream. I’d been a long-time reader of this site, and I’d fangirled over many of the previous writers in the days before I’d even queried an…
We Debs are going behind-the-scenes this week, and I’m rubbing my hands together in anticipation. I LOVE behind-the-scenes. I love fictional shows like The West Wing and Unreal and The Americans that imagine the goings-on in mysterious professions. I love documentaries like The War Room, Miss Americana, and the new Michael Jordan-centered series, The Last Dance that show us famous people being seemingly real and unguarded. And finally, I love…
I’m thrilled to introduce our readers to Rita Woods, author of the debut novel REMEMBRANCE. Rita is a physician and medical director who always felt a pull toward writing. I’m always especially inspired by stories like hers of people who have full lives and careers and then finally write their books. And, not only had Rita released her novel, it has also earned heaps of critical praise. The Boston Globe…
I am delighted to welcome Jennifer J. Chow as our guest author this week. Although I met Jennifer in a Facebook group for debut authors, she’s hardly a rookie. Jennifer publishes the Winston Wong Cozy Mysteries as J.J. Chow. She has also written and published acclaimed YA and lit fic novels. MIMI LEE GETS A CLUE, then, is her debut with a large publisher (she and I are imprint sisters…
I am so happy to welcome Samantha Bailey to the dance this weekend. I met Sam virtually in a Facebook group for debut authors, and she immediately impressed me with her warmth. Later, when her book launched in Canada at the end of 2019 and promptly landed on The Toronto Star Bestseller list, I celebrated with her from afar. While WOMAN ON THE EDGE is Sam’s debut, she’s been in…
I used to date this famous author — it was when he was actually on the cusp of being famous — and he would take two weeks off from all of life to write. All of life. Including me! He would hunker down in the library and not have any social obligations just to write his literary fiction. I guess he didn’t have to make a living. Or hang out…
I’m beyond thrilled to introduce you all to your new Friday blogger, Amy Klein! Amy is the author of The Trying Game: How to Get Pregnant and Get Through Fertility Treastment Without Losing your Mind (Ballantine, 2020) based on her New York Times Fertility Diary column. As soon as I read her application, I knew I wanted her to be on the Debutante Ball, and now I’ve got my wish. It…
