The Authors Show When I opened the email that contained an invitation to be interviewed on The Authors Show (after I submitted an application), I had a flash of memory. Back in 2019, after the release of my first novel, … Continue reading An interview with me… where I wasn’t completely terrified…
My First Non-working Vacation Ever – Part 3 – Finale Aunt Debby and I awoke on Day 2 and had a disappointing breakfast at Imaginations Dining Room. The coffee was pretty good though. I fit easily into a much too big red swimsuit (looking ready to burst through a brick wall demanding artificially flavored fruity drinks), and covered it with a bright white top buttoned crooked. I dropped my shades over my glasses, unpacked my bright red cane (for balance when walking on sand) and we headed down to deck 3 to disembark in Freeport, Bahamas. We met the family … Continue reading Lolli, You’re Not in Bolingbrook Anymore!
My First Non-working Vacation Ever – Part 2 The JAXPORT Terminal So yeah… this is one of the oldest and smallest ships in Carnival’s fleet. It has 15 decks and, for this trip, accommodated more than 2800 guests and almost 900 staff. It has several bars and nightclubs, a good-sized theater, a smoky casino, a relaxing spa, and more and more! I don’t have a passport (don’t worry, I’m getting one!), so a week or so before the trip, I ventured to the county courthouse to get copies of my birth certificate and marriage license (you don’t need a passport … Continue reading What’s This… What’s This? I Can’t Believe My Eyes…!
My First Non-working Vacation Ever – Part 1 So… last Monday, the 10th, my son agreed to drive me to the train station to begin my journey to the JAXPORT dock in Jacksonville, Florida. He was then shocked and appalled to learn that I was going to the Amtrak terminal at Chicago’s Union Station… in downtown Chicago… and hour away. We took my car that had half a tank of gas. His phone was at 13% and he didn’t have his charger… and he refused to turn it off cuz he needed GPS to get to the station. MY phone … Continue reading Preparing to Step All Up Out of My Comfort Zones
They like me! They really like me! Mary Not Broken is the third book in The Bishop Women series. It takes place in Flora and Jackson Mississippi, and in Chicago, Illinois; with a brief stop in Harlem. In the story, Mary does a lot of cooking, and I included some of her recipes in the book. Tragedy, woes, and a loss of faith. Can she claw her way back into the light? In Depression Era Mississippi, fifteen-year-old Mary Johnson is determined to choose her own life. Furious when her parents agree to have her wed a wealthy old preacher, the … Continue reading I Love Book Clubs
… and another sign of aging… Please forgive the distortion. My friend was sitting a few yards away recording this. The audience laughter hid a few words, but you’ll get the gist of it. I only had 2 minutes, so … Continue reading Doritos…
… another year… another WTF… So yeah… Happy New Year has taken on a new meaning in my world. A year ago this week, I felt like all hell was breaking loose. I was having trouble breathing and eventually hospitalized twice in the first two weeks of 2024. This year, on the 27th, my baby brother was riding his bike to work in Chicago and he got hit by a bus. He’s banged up and has a slight brain injury, but he’ll be ok. Then on the 30th, I decided I should check on that 4-day sore throat and took … Continue reading 2025 is Here
… and the Terran High Holidays in general Merry Christmas and Happy Hanukkah! Whoa… where do I begin? Last year I wrote about gratitude, and bread, and The Bakening, and my annual holiday rituals; and if you’ve ever followed my personal Facebook profile, you surely got a glimpse of my psycho manic holiday mania. I give a play-by-play of my process… literally every single step… so the whole world knows that yeah… I do too much. Of course, it all starts in October… immediately after Halloween. I make a list of all the tasks I need completed by Christmas eve. … Continue reading Me & Christmas…
SO… THE PAGE TURNER BOOK AWARD CEREMONY WAS WEDNESDAY THE 13th. It was a pretty neat virtual gathering with a couple hundred attendees. An international event with guests from all around the world, the hosts were a fun British (I think) couple based in Spain. There was a speaker, and “celebrity” presenters. The big awards were presented during the ceremony to much virtual fanfare (with at least one unwieldy acceptance speech), and everything was displayed on screen with background music and fireworks. Anyhoo, here’re a few results… (cue dramatic music…) Every time my name was called, I just said “Wow!” … Continue reading And the winner is…
…and other stuff… (sorry, long post) Photo by Taylor Foss on Unsplash So earlier this week, Monday the 29th to be exact, the question in WBEZ’s The Rundown asked “What is your favorite Halloween memory?” I sent in my answer and received a 4-word response on the 30th “Thanks for sharing, Deborah!” Later that day, I’m skimming the afternoon edition of the newsletter and guess what’s posted…my Halloween memory! It’s way at the bottom… the last thing on the page, actually; and there’s no byline, just my first name; but yeah… it’s my story! My favorite Halloween memory is also … Continue reading My Favorite Halloween Memory…
… of life, the universe, and everything… Next Sunday at dawn, my daughter and I will hit the road to Iowa City. Waze says it’s a 3 hour and 15 minute drive. I’m thinking I’ll force her to listen to … Continue reading Newsletterish Stuff
Just an update… I’ve been a little busy lately… I’m calling it “too busy to write” but that’s not really true, now is it? Ok… fine… I could’ve been writing, but honestly, I have been kinda busy. I’m participating in … Continue reading Author Events and What-not
My Week at Writing Camp I just spent a full week at the Novel-in-Progress Bookcamp & Writing Retreat. It was awesome as usual. The 2024 bookcamp took place at Siena Retreat Center in Racine, Wisconsin, June 16th-22nd. The comfortable dormitory style facility … Continue reading Summer Camp for Grown-ups
Imposter Syndrome— the Thief of Joy Literary Global Independent Author Award Winners When I got the three emails yesterday, my first thought was that they were more spam contest emails, and then I vaguely remembered entering said contest. I opened and skimmed the email. It appeared to be an announcement letter, thanking and complimenting the judges and entrants. Then I remembered that I had entered all three books into that contest. I clicked the link and was greeted by a giant heart made of book covers, and there in the upper right quadrant was Mary Not Broken. Did this mean … Continue reading Woohoo!!
“How’s your next book coming along…?” I admit I almost panicked. I’ve been so focused on my existing books (ebooks, paperbacks, audio books, swag, launches, etc.) all because I’ve been feeling totally uninspired. It’s been at least six months since … Continue reading So I got a call from my publisher…
… and other news… Hi all… it’s been a minute since the drama of my New Year’s hospital stays. My blood pressure is stable, but still too high for the amount of medication I’m on. I just had a minor … Continue reading Health Update…
GLORY BISHOP and MARY NOT BROKEN are available on Spotify! Hi all! I know I said I post sparingly, but it seems my life and career has gotten a bit busy lately. First, the audio book for Mary Not Broken, the prequel to the Glory Bishop series was released on December 26th. It’s available for purchase wherever you get audio books and also on Spotify. Just search for Mary Not Broken and it’ll come up. Set in Mississippi, New York, and Chicago from 1935—1966, this historical women’s fiction, read by Lisa Renee Pitts, tells the story of Glory’s mother. Personally, … Continue reading AUDIO BOOK UPDATE!
Starting the year off… somehow… So, Tuesday, January 2nd, I went in to the office (I go in weekly…it’s fun). I was a little winded but I attributed it to my usual fat and laziness. When 5:00 came, I was a little more winded, but I let that go too. By 8:00 I started feeling tightness in my neck and shoulders and remembered that women’s heart attacks present differently than men’s. I told myself I was being silly and dramatic. I sat down at my computer, took my Klingon lesson on Duolingo, then took my meds, and went upstairs for … Continue reading Happy New Year
…of self-esteem, self-confidence, and hyper-humility… https://www.amazon.com/Audible-Mary-Not-Broken/dp/B0CPZXCQLG I hafta stop doing that… being surprised at my writing. I hafta stop doubting the myriad compliments, and uplifting the 2 or 3 negative reviews… but I’m more comfortable with the negative… it’s easier … Continue reading I Need to Stop…
Last weekend I made chocolate peanut clusters, caramel popcorn, peanut brittle, and cinnamon sugared almonds. It took all day, but in the end, I had enough of everything (a 5 gallon bucket of caramelcorn) to pack and ship 12 goodie boxes with quite a bit left over. I left town for 2 days and came back to an empty bucket and no more peanut brittle. Sigh. I got up this morning and after a quick 7am trip to the store and an agonizing decision about sausage, I started the pound cakes. It takes 30-40 minutes to mix. Given the size … Continue reading The “Bakening” Continues
…and Princess Dora’s Observation…or…When I Started Hurting Myself for My Family… Another long post… So, about 8 months after my homeless shelter epiphany (see previous post), my two youngest kids and I were invited to help provide early Thanksgiving dinner at the shelter. Of course we jumped at the chance because when it comes to helping the less fortunate, my kids understood the assignment. They looked forward to helping people. They would be making lunches, setting tables, and sweeping floors. I would be providing homemade dinner rolls for the meal…240 of them to be exact. Now my mother always taught … Continue reading More About Giving Thanks
…and a little something else… Years ago my kids and I spent a Sunday preparing and serving dinner at a homeless shelter. Our group made sloppy Joes, corn and mashed potatoes. While the adults cooked and set the tables, the young people prepared sack lunches for the residents to take with them the next morning. See… the shelter guests were allowed to enter at 7pm and had to leave by 7am the next morning. They were served dinner and breakfast, then they received a bag with a thin, dry sandwich, a bag of chips, a cookie, a box of raisins, … Continue reading Giving Thanks for the Blessing of Everything
Just in time to start the new year… I’m so excited! I just can’t hide it! I about to lose control and I KNOW I like it… Ok… I know I promised not to spam and to just share news … Continue reading OMG! Guess What’s Coming!
Long Post: Debriefing on the Launch of Mary Not Broken My heart is full. I feel like I say that a lot, but it is for real this time… I really mean it. I’d say the launch of Mary Not … Continue reading Saturday Was a Good Day
Ebook is Only $2.99 until October 10th If you happen to be in Chicago, join us for a reception to celebrate. Click here to get your free tickets. Share on Facebook Tweet Follow us Save Share this… Facebook Twitter Linkedin Pinterest Continue reading Mary Not Broken is Available for Pre-order
Tragedy, woes, and a loss of faith. Can she claw her way back into the light? In Depression Era Mississippi, fifteen-year-old Mary Johnson is determined to choose her own life. Furious when her parents agree to have her wed a … Continue reading Cover Reveal
Saturday is my Old Time Radio day, which includes 4 hours of classic radio shows, an hour of Big Band… and 11 hours of Blues. My son was near during the Blues shows and thought the music was weird, but … Continue reading I’m Wild About That Thing
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A couple of months ago, I wrote THE END on Mary Not Broken. The last episode posted this past Tuesday and the story is now marked COMPLETE on Amazon’s Kindle Vella. The story of Glory Bishop and her mother Mary … Continue reading The End
Glory Unbound is the second book in the series. I always worried that it could not stand alone… that one would have to read Glory Bishop and Mary Not Broken first. Apparently, the CWA thinks otherwise. 🙂 Share on Facebook Tweet Follow us Save Share this… Facebook Twitter Linkedin Pinterest Continue reading So yeah… it REALLY IS an honor just to be nominated…
The day before camp was my launch event for my second book. I had lists and notes of what to bring. I made a list of the lists I made so I wouldn’t forget which list to check. When I … Continue reading I Was Prepared
Saturday was a good day! I had the official IRL launch of GLORY UNBOUND and it was great! I was overjoyed to see Revelers there, as well as family, friends, and actual fans! Yes I was nervous and kinda freaked … Continue reading Saturday Was a Good Day
Now that spring has sprung in Chicagoland, I get to host a proper launch. YAAAY! There’ll be pretend champagne, fancy cookies, and birdcages full of chocolates! There’s even a few giveaways. Oh yeah, there’ll be signings and a reading or … Continue reading A Real Launch
GLORY BISHOP eBook on sale for just 99 cents thru March 17th!Amazon – B&N – Apple – Google – Kobo “Deborah King has written a compelling, thought-provoking novel that engages readers and made me wish the story would never end.” —Chicago Writer’s Association Windy City Reviews Out in the world, Glory Bishop reads novels, speaks her mind, & enjoys stolen kisses with JT; but at home, her overbearing mother will stop at nothing to keep her from worldly temptations. When the much older Malcolm Porter sets his sights on Glory, he gets her mother’s blessing & Glory must choose between waiting for JT and the freedom offered by … Continue reading GLORY BISHOP eBook $0.99
Mary’s out to have a lil’ innocent fun. Mary Not Broken Check out Mary’s story now on Kindle Vella! Share on Facebook Tweet Follow us Save Share this… Facebook Twitter Linkedin Pinterest Continue reading Coffee and Sweet Rolls
On December 15th, my good friend and writing cohort, Elyse Ribbons, hosted a virtual launch party for my second book Glory Unbound. The theme was Pound Cake which makes an appearance in both books. Elyse, the consummate professional, recorded and … Continue reading Glory Unbound Virtual Launch Party
So the package arrived today and here’s the video of me opening the box. I kept my composure throughout the beginning of the recording. When I stopped recording I laughed and skweeed for a full five minutes. My sister asked … Continue reading Guess Who’s Here Now!
It’s almost time!! Cover reveal is Tuesday the 16th. I’m excited. I hope you like it. I think it perfectly complements Glory Bishop and captures the essence of the story. I am a little worried that this one is a bit more intense than Glory Bishop… a lot more drama, I think. All of the favorite characters from book one are back… well, almost all of them. Right now, I’m doing layout designs for banners, postcards, and other swag. Do I really need swag… mugs and tote bags? I’ve got cute Glory Bishop bookmarks with a matching tassel with charms.. … Continue reading IT’S COMING!!
Coming soon: Book 2 of Glory Bishop! Watch for special pre-order pricing! Ok, yeah… I’m a little excited. I’ve always been a writer, but I had no delusions about being an author. I honestly never thought it would happen. Well… … Continue reading COMING SOON
In Depression-era Mississippi, when 15-year-old Mary is faced with an arranged marriage to an old man, she does the only logical thing: she elopes with the love of her life and heads north to the big city. Soon, tragedy of … Continue reading It’s Alive!!
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This is the second part of the Wine Down Readers discussion of GLORY BISHOP. I have a whole bottle of wine in this video too…but it’s in the cup. Share on Facebook Tweet Follow us Save Share this… Facebook Twitter … Continue reading Wine Down Readers— pt. 2
In the spring of 2013, I became an author. No…seriously…I did. I’d always been a writer and a storyteller, but I had never put pen to paper or sat at a keyboard with the intention of telling a story I … Continue reading Requiem for the Dream Makers
This is the first part of a book club discussion of GLORY BISHOP. Yes, I am the one drinking an entire bottle of wine. Share on Facebook Tweet Follow us Save Share this… Facebook Twitter Linkedin Pinterest Continue reading Wine Down Readers— pt. 1
This is me at a writer’s retreat in 2016 reading about the deliciousness that is Doritos. Yes, I’m wearing my contacts so I have on readers and shades. Here’s a link to the transcript: https://deborahlking.com/2018/07/11/doritos/ Share on Facebook Tweet Follow … Continue reading Look What I Found!
As a writer, I feel an obligation to lend my voice to the cause. I celebrate Kwanzaa every year and proudly espouse the Nguzo Saba (seven principles). I spend every MLK day teaching Black history to anybody who will listen. … Continue reading Living from Fear to Fear
A new look for the adult women’s literary fiction market. This is the new ebook cover. The paperback still has the purple cover for a while. Share on Facebook Tweet Follow us Save Share this… Facebook Twitter Linkedin Pinterest Continue reading Spring Make-over
March 13th was my last day working in the office. The day started off normal with all the usuals: coffee, email, good and bad news, etc. Throughout the day, we did our work, chit-chatted, worked on the psychedelic cat puzzle, … Continue reading Of Quarantines and Apocalyptic Things
So I decided to make a change to my blog and go for something a little lighter and brighter. I’d like to thank EVERYBODY who’s been so supportive and gracious during this exciting time for me. GLORY BISHOP is officially … Continue reading Housekeeping!
Semicolon Bookstore & Gallery and Author Deborah King Present BOOK DEBUT & SIGNING FOR “GLORY BISHOP” BY DEBORAH KING Saturday, October 12 from 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm Semicolon Bookstore & Gallery515 North Halsted StreetChicago, IL 60642 Stop by for … Continue reading Guess Who’s Here
