This Writer’s Life: Some Great News!

But I digress...October, 2025

As I write this newsletter, the winds are howling, but it’s already 60 degrees, and headed to a high of 67. This Minnesota fall has been warm and dry, which most people tend to favor, but the trees are stressed and the colors are muted. Sort of like many of us feel in this moment.

But I digress…

I want to share some exciting news with you all!

I’ve been awarded an artist career development grant through the Central Minnesota Arts Board, with funding from the McKnight Foundation! Woo-hoo! I don’t know about you, but I’ve felt so discouraged by the news of federal funds being slashed for public radio and television, as well as the elimination of the creative writing fellowship through the National Endowment for the Arts, and the proposed revamping of our national museums to erase parts of history the administration doesn’t want us to see.

That’s why—especially now—I’m deeply grateful to live in a state (and in a region within this state) that supports artists through private funding. The McKnight Foundation states: We envision a world that recognizes the dignity of every human being, a world where we celebrate the creativity of the arts and sciences and come together to protect our one and only Earth.

Now who can’t get behind that?

I spent most of July working on my grant application, and the most challenging part was describing myself as an artist and how I make my art. Creative writing is not like the visual arts, and so much of my writing is not based in any sort of “process.” It’s more like thoughts and concepts escaping the confines of my brain!

Thankfully, I was able to take advantage of an opportunity to receive feedback on my application so that I was able to better understand what the prospective panel would find most compelling. I am transitioning from a hybrid-published non-fiction author to a traditionally published fiction author, and the funds from this grant will help me hire an editor for my novel, as well as continue to promote and market Crossing Fifty-One.

One of the biggest and least expensive ways to promote a book is through ratings and reviews! If you haven’t yet left a rating, you can do so right here. I only need two more to reach 100 ratings!

Most importantly, having some funding to support my writing gives me an enhanced sense of purpose. My old job was very good for that, and I was honored to serve the public as an assistant county attorney. These days, I believe that art serves an equally important function as it has the capacity to lift us up, touch our souls and provide a little respite from the darkness that can hover around us.

This weekend, I took Billy the Travel Trailer to his winter storage place, conveniently right across the street! While chatting with Brenda, who was checking me in, I mentioned our epic trip to Texas, which included talking about my book presentation and she said “how can I get your book?”

I was thrilled. After I dropped off Billy, I zipped back home and returned with a copy for Brenda! Not only did I make a sale, I gained another reader! She’ll be taking her copy with her on a plane trip next week, and, when she’s finished, will lend it to her daughter. They trade books, like so many readers do.

What a fun, serendipitous experience!

Until next month,

~ Debbie

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OCTOBER BOOK RECOMMENDATIONS

NONFICTION: Unmapped: Solo Women Travelers on Bold Journeys of Healing, Resilience, and Self-Discovery Anthology Collected by Lizbeth Meredith

October is Domestic Violence Awareness month, and I was honored to have my essay included in this lovely anthology. Half the profits from royalties will go to the YWCA, whose programs provide housing and crisis support for survivors of domestic violence, as well as youth and family development activities, after-school care, and opportunities for education, health, and leadership.

FICTION: Black Cake by Charmaine Wilkerson

I continue to read family saga fiction as research for my novel. So much of it is secret based and this fine book is no exception. So many good themes of survival, resilience and perseverance. And regret.

Do you have a favorite family saga book? Reply to this email, or let me know in the comments!