Firsts

**BOOK UPDATE**
Well, it’s a developing story. And an exciting one at that. I will share details when I can. How’s that for leaving you hanging?

On another note… what do all these books have in common?

They’re all great, yes. But, besides that, they have something else in common. They’re all debuts, first (published) books by previously unknown writers.

I love to get my hands on a good debut. I feel for the writer. I assume it took years for the book to be written, and years for it to be published. I assume there is so much anxiety that goes with publication, putting yourself out there to the world. As a reader, it’s always magical to latch onto someone new. When I read A Heartbreaking Work of Staggering Genius, I fell in love with Dave Eggers. And I’ve been first in line every time he releases a new book. There’s something cool about being a long-time follower.

I think many readers assume a debut book is the writer’s first book. Sometimes that’s true. But sometimes it’s not. I’ve written a handful of books, and the latest one looks like it might be the first one I publish, my debut. I am insanely excited to revisit the old novels and apply all the things I’ve learned through this process to those stories. Because I’ve learned a lot…begrudgingly.

What’s your favorite debut book?