Launch Week

Attacus Atlas & Other Inventions: They Could Have Named Her Anything!

Tuesday, July 30, 2019
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I’m thrilled that Stephanie Jimenez’s debut, They Could Have Named Her Anything, is out in the world this week! I had a chance to snag an advance copy and I was not disappointed — this novel has it all: a young but strong protagonist who tackles racism, loyalty, classism; she slingshots between poverty and privilege and learns the hard way of the bittersweet nature of love. Beautifully written and well-realized….

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Big and Beautiful: From Unseen Fire

Wednesday, April 18, 2018
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FROM UNSEEN FIRE is a big, luscious, complex book, the kind that makes you want to wall yourself off from the world in your most comfortable pajamas with a cup of something warm and sweet to drink. Some books you skim through, racing to reach the denouement; others, like this novel, are immersion reads, so full-fledged and epic you are a bit startled to find yourself in your own world…

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Me & THE WASHINGTON POST agree: UPTOWN THIEF makes you think while it entertains!

Uptown Thief by Aya de Leon
Thursday, August 4, 2016
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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…

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My Feminist Twin: Why I Love Heather Young’s THE LOST GIRLS

Friday, July 29, 2016
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Heather Young is my twin sister in the world of Debut Novelists. Our books came out the same day–Tuesday, July 26, 2016, and both are novels of suspense. On the surface, one might think that was all we had in common. I’m writing a larger-than-life heist story of sexy urban fiction, while her book, THE LOST GIRLS, is a subtle, beautifully crafted thriller. But despite our differences, I fell in…

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Me & THE NY TIMES Agree: THE LOST GIRLS is Worth Reading!

Thursday, July 28, 2016
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I cracked opened Heather’s debut after having read her posts for six months, so I knew the writing would be strong and thought provoking. Still, I was apprehensive. Why? Because I tend to internalize what I’m reading– storylines invade my dreams and daily thoughts– so I avoid books with violence, especially when children are involved. But I am a dutiful Debutante, so I put on my big girl pants and jumped in….

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This is the Last Stop. It is time to Disembark the Gravy Train.

MODERN GIRLS Pub Day
Thursday, April 7, 2016
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Happy Publication Week to Jennifer S. Brown! MODERN GIRLS left me a little irked at Jenny because I had to stay up until one in the morning to learn Dottie’s fate, leaving me rather worthless the next day. Its compelling storyline made it my May book club choice, and should motivate you to pick up a copy. To celebrate this exciting week, Jenny asked us to share the expectations set in…

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Sona Is Inflicted With Overwhelmed Author Syndrome

Thursday, June 4, 2015
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Two weeks now, my Deb Ball post has been late. And I blame one thing: Overwhelmed Author Syndrome. Last week, TINY PRETTY THINGS officially hit bookshelves. It was also the week of Teen Author Carnival, Dhonielle’s birthday, BEA, and a big #WeNeedDiverseBooks book signing at the fabulous La Casa Azul. Plus, Kavya’s school picnic, and Navdeep and I celebrated our tenth Vegas wedding anniversary (by going to see Wicked!). It was…

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It’s Tiny Pretty Things Launch Week! Deb Sona Takes the Deb Ball Interview + GIVEAWAY

Saturday, May 30, 2015
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Many months ago, I finally had the opportunity — after reading this blog for nearly six years — to apply to be  a Deb myself. I was excited beyond belief. I love this community — the commiseration and the camaraderie, the fun and the friendships. And it’s been everything I imagined it to be. I’ve made friends for life hear, and it’s been a treasure to share this journey with Amy,…

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#TinyPrettyThings Launch Week: A Big Blur

Thursday, May 28, 2015
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Dhonielle and I have been working for this moment for nearly four years now — through countless drafts, a couple of agents, four editors, and endless edits. Also: new jobs, new apartments, a hurricane, a baby, and a hundred other little life events. So we should be relishing every moment right of launch week, right? But it doesn’t feel real. In fact, I still haven’t actually gotten to walk into…

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News Flash: Debut Launch, Book Events, Edits, and Perfect Drinks

Sunday, July 13, 2014
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Congrats to Larry, who won a signed copy of GRAND CENTRAL from Erica Robuck and Alyson Richman! From the 2014 Debs… Lori Rader-Day sends you all a postcard from New York City, from Thrillerfest, and from the other side of her launch date. This has been one crazy adventure, launching THE BLACK HOUR. Thanks to the Debs and to all of you for everything! Susan Gloss is eyeball-deep in edits on her…

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