Finish the first draft of my novel. (OK, second draft, but that’s only because the real first draft was so terrible it demanded an entire rewrite.) I love writing fiction, however, it’s way harder for me. I’d like to be halfway decent at it, and the only way to do it is to read more great fiction and write more fiction. Which means I am allowed to read a lot…
Happy Pub Day, Jenni!! Today is THE BIG DAY for fellow Deb, dear friend, and loveliest of human beings Jenni L. Walsh – Congratulations, Jenni, on the publication of your wonderful debut novel BECOMING BONNIE!!! Jenni’s book is full of intrigue and entertainment: Jenni takes the reader along for the ride as Bonnelyn Parker discovers who she is (deep down), what she wants (for real), and how far she will…
Today on the Debutante Ball, I’m excited to welcome Leah DeCesare to talk about her debut FORKS, KNIVES, AND SPOONS, which New York Times bestselling author Ann Hood said that, “Reading Forks, Knives, and Spoons is like having your best girlfriend take you by the hand and tell you a story. A story you want to sit and listen to until the very end.” There are three types of guys: forks, knives, and…
“King’s descriptions of the food and entertainment are exquisite, her characters are beautifully drawn, and events and people of the times are deftly woven throughout . . . A delight to the senses, King’s debut novel is to be savored and devoured.” – Library Journal, starred review The first order of the day is to send a big, heartfelt CONGRATULATIONS to our very own Crystal King on the release of her…
Last weekend, when we had our awesome Deb Meet-Up, after stuffing our face with delicious Chinese food, while taking in the beautiful rooftop view of Amy’s building, I admitted to Lynn that I waited last to read her novel because I knew how gut wrenching and triggering it would be. Imagine that? My own book ALLEGEDLY is already hard-hitting fiction, but real like, Lynn’s life, scared me. Every other chapter I…
Congratulations to Sarah Fox, winner of our #DebBallGiveaway of THE MARRIAGE LIE! We send our thanks to author Susan Rivers for being our guest yesterday on The Debutante Ball. If you haven’t already, pick up a copy of THE SECOND MRS. HOCKADAY. Or you can enter to win a copy by retweeting on twitter: Enter the #DebBallGiveaway to win THE SECOND MRS. HOCKADAY by Susan Rivers! RT to Enter,… https://t.co/BNDrO2xDYO pic.twitter.com/BATTaQbqzz —…
I’ve met people whose knowledge and everything else will die with them, as Shel Silverstein conceived in this poem: I’m grateful to report that Jennifer S. Brown is no such hoarder. She selflessly forked over all she learned and endured as first at bat. Aya explained the “conceptual cover” and convinced me there’s no harm asking contacts for support (after all, the boys all do it). Louise laid the emotional reality…
I am a believer that many things happen for a reason. Not everything. Not, say, death. But many life hiccups have proven to serve a greater purpose for me. Even loss offers up slivers of beauty, togetherness, and understanding that– while not making up for the empty chair at the table– certainly deliver insight and strength. So it’s odd but not totally unexpected that I was initially devastated by what…
Congratulations to my new friend and talented author Aya de Leon on her debut novel, UPTOWN THIEF. I will do a gush-fest below– and mean every word– but it’s a bit doomed to read like a paid advertisement, so before I do I’d like you to read this article from THE WASHINGTON POST. They stole the point I planned to make today. Aya’s genius with UPTOWN THIEF is in creating entertainment with accessible social…
When I was growing up, I read widely. Fantasy, historical, the classics, adventure, you name it, I read it all. But two of my favorite genres were thrillers and romance. I loved the male-dominated, plot-propelled, chase/spy books of the 1980s by people like Robert Ludlum and Ken Follett. THE BOURNE IDENTITY? Oh, yes. EYE OF THE NEEDLE? For sure. I tore through those pulpy paperbacks like candy, hanging on every…
