Where I pick my face up off of my keyboard and still can’t stop smiling… So yeah… At Houston Christian University, English 3381 – Introduction to African Literature is an African American literature class. At the suggestion of a friend, … Continue reading The Syllabus
ENG-190 Research and Persuasion 2025 (Oct – Dec) In this introduction post for my first college English class, I had to introduce myself and then discuss my history with researching by answering a few questions. The opening paragraph might seem … Continue reading Another Introduction Post in My Pursuit of Knowledge
What I’m Up to Monday Afternoon Escape the Plot Forest Summit My talk is Monday, the 20th at 2pm CST. About this Talk Join us for a LIVE discussion of adding food and place to your novel. I discuss how … Continue reading I Can't Believe I Didn't Mention This!
Introducing myself and my top 3 social identities Hi, I’m Deborah (she/her)! I’m a graphic designer by trade, and a writer by passion. So much so that 20+ years after getting my design degree, I’m back at school for a … Continue reading My First Homework Assignment in 20+ Years
…the dream that came true… At age 10, toward the end of fifth grade, when other girls were budding, I was skinny and bony with not an ounce of even baby fat. I was as flat as a boy. At … Continue reading My Cleavage
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…
Saturday, March 29th, 2025, 2:00pm – 4:00pm Ring out Women’s History Month and celebrate Spring at a fun event hosted by the awesome Harlette Smith Washington! Dr. Cheryl (aka romance author Tería Robens) and I will answer questions and chat … Continue reading Meet the Authors
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 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 … Continue reading What's This… What's This? I Can't Believe My Eyes…!
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 … Continue reading Preparing to Step All Up Out of My Comfort Zones
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, … Continue reading I Love Book Clubs
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…
… 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 I read fast. This was at the open mic event at a writer’s retreat in 2016 (at least I think it was 2016). I had just finished a bag of Doritos and couldn’t think of anything to read for the open mic, so I started scribbling something about cheesy deliciousness. I loved Doritos then and I still love them now… … 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
… 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 … 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…
… 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 … 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…
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…) Culture Award – Mary Not Broken Best Fiction Book Award … Continue reading And the winner is…
…and other stuff… (sorry, long post) 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 … Continue reading My Favorite Halloween Memory…
…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
… 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
THE BISHOP WOMEN—PREQUEL IN 1930s MISSISSIPPI, Mary Johnson hates the oppressive heat, working on her family farm, and having to attend her minister father’s church several times a week. But she loves Mason Carter, her musician boyfriend. Both fantasize about … Continue reading MARY NOT BROKEN
THE BISHOP WOMEN—BOOK 2 IN THIS SECOND BOOK of the series, Glory Bishop has finally broken free of her mother’s oppressive grasp and is offered a new life by a seemingly altruistic Chicago socialite, but there may be more than … Continue reading GLORY UNBOUND
THE BISHOP WOMEN—BOOK 1 GLORY BISHOP LIVES HER life in pieces. At work and with her friends, she reads novels, speaks her mind, and enjoys slow dances and stolen kisses with her boyfriend, JT. But at home, Glory follows strict … Continue reading GLORY BISHOP
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
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
Hi everybody! I love to talk to readers. Please feel free to drop me a line! Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/deborahloiwriter/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/deborahloi/Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/3610436-deborahloiBook Bub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/4289089942Email: DeborahLKingWriter(at)gmail(dot)com Share on Facebook Tweet Follow us Save Share this… Facebook Twitter Linkedin Pinterest Continue reading Contact Me
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
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 featured cozy rooms with private baths, Wi-Fi, lakefront access, paths for walking and biking, plenty of nooks to curl up and write, all meals, and 24-hour beverage and continental breakfast service. And the wine flowed freely. I admit, I didn’t avail myself of the outdoor activities because signs everywhere warned that it’s tick season; but I thoroughly enjoyed the writing … Continue reading Summer Camp for Grown-ups
Imposter Syndrome… the thief of joy… 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 … Continue reading Woohoo!!
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!!
BOOK 1 GLORY BISHOP Available in paperback, eBook, and audio book or get a SIGNED COPY of Glory Bishop here! Want the full series signed… click here! BOOK 2 GLORY UNBOUND Available in paperback, eBook, and audio book or get a SIGNED COPY of Glory Unbound here! Want the full series signed… click here! PREQUEL MARY NOT BROKEN Available in paperback, ebook, CD, and audiobook or get a SIGNED COPY of Mary Not Broken here! Want the full series signed… click here! Universal Book Link: https://books2read.com/ap/ngklBz/Deborah-L-King … or get a signed set here! Share on Facebook Tweet Follow us Save … Continue reading Shop for Books by Deborah L. King – Writer
“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…
“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…
… 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…
I can’t believe I forgot to post this! The ebook of my debut novel (and first book in the series) is free on Amazon. Today is the last day. And if you want a free review copy of the audio … Continue reading Oops!
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!
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, … 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
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… 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 to believe I’m a bad writer. I just returned from a short road trip… about 5 hours… with my kids and my brother. I had an awesome time with my favorite Aunt and my cousin-goddaughter-sister-friend and family. There was little talk of my writing or books. All-in-all, it was a relaxing, work-free visit… except for the quiet, alone times where I … Continue reading I Need to Stop…
…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…
My Christmas Baking Extravaganza 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 … Continue reading The "Bakening" Continues
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
