Sign up for our emails to never miss an interview, book excerpt, cover reveal, or book review. Jared Lemus, author of Guatemalan Rhapsody, joined the podcast to discuss how Guatemala inspires him, being a pantser with a belt, what he means by "the fundamental level," and the difference between writing a short story and a novel. You can purchase a c…

Sign up for our emails to never miss an interview, book excerpt, cover reveal, or book review. On every First Taste Reading Series episode, a writer will introduce their book and read a selection from it. Sarah Lyn Rogers, author of Cosmic Tantrum, reads three poems from her debut poetry collection. You can purchase a copy of the book here: https:/…

Sign up for our emails to never miss an interview, book excerpt, cover reveal, or book review. Alejandro Heredia, author of Loca, joined the podcast to discuss the interiority of characters, why he wrote about the Dominican Village in the Bronx, immigration, and queerness. You can purchase a copy of the book here: https://bookshop.org/a/339/9781668…

Sign up for our emails to never miss an interview, book excerpt, cover reveal, or book review. On every First Taste Reading Series episode, a writer will introduce their book and read a selection from it. Freda Epum, author of The Gloomy Girl Variety Show, reads a short excerpt from her debut memoir. You can purchase a copy of the book here: https:…

Sign up for our emails to never miss an interview, book excerpt, cover reveal, or book review. Olufunke Grace Bankole, author of The Edge of Water, joined the podcast to discuss the power of coffee, taking an untraditional path to publishing, and why embracing the unknown can lead to success. You can purchase a copy of the book here: https://booksh…

Sign up for our emails to never miss an interview, book excerpt, cover reveal, or book review. On every First Taste Reading Series episode, a writer will introduce their book and read a selection from it. Kyle Paoletta, author of American Oasis: Finding the Future in the Cities of the Southwest, reads a short excerpt from his debut nonfiction book.…

Sign up for our emails to never miss an interview, book excerpt, cover reveal, or book review. Aria Aber, author of Good Girl, joined the podcast to discuss always wanting to be an artist of some kind, writing in English vs German or Farsi, and figuring out how to find her characters' desires. You can purchase a copy of the book here: https://books…

Sign up for our emails to never miss an interview, book excerpt, cover reveal, or book review. On every First Taste Reading Series episode, a writer will introduce their book and read a selection from it. Maria Zoccola, author of Helen of Troy, 1993, reads three poems from her debut poetry collection. You can purchase a copy of the book here: https…

Sign up for our emails to never miss an interview, book excerpt, cover reveal, or book review. Karissa Chen, author of Homeseeking, joined the podcast to discuss how her MFA at Sarah Lawrence gave her confidence as a writer, how being a lit mag editor helped shape her own writing, and how she explores that romantic and familial love can endure desp…

DISCOVER THE BEST DEBUT BOOKS OF 2024! DISCOVER THE MOST ANTICIPATED DEBUT BOOKS OF 2025! Sign up for our emails to never miss an interview, book excerpt, cover reveal, or book recommendations. Welcome to the First Taste Reading Series on Debutiful. This is a series in which writers read a short excerpt from their book so readers can whet their app…

Welcome to the First Taste Reading Series on Debutiful. This is a weekly series in which writers read a short excerpt from their book so readers can whet their appetites with delicious writing. Today, MARGUERITE SHEFFER reads an excerpt from their debut book, The Man in the Banana Trees! You can purchase a copy of the book here: https://bookshop.or…

Maya Kessler, the author of Rosenfeld, joined the podcast to discuss being a perfectionist, writing sex, and what is and isn't lost in translated literature. You can purchase a copy of the book here: https://bookshop.org/a/339/9781668053454 Maya Kessler on the Internet: https://www.mayakessler.com/about/ Maya Kessler on Instagram: https://www.insta…

Marie Tierney, the author of Deadly Animals, joined the podcast to discuss bleak endings, whodunnit vs whydunnit books, and why animals fascinate her. You can purchase a copy of the book here: https://bookshop.org/a/339/9781250357595 Debutiful on the Internet: https://www.debutiful.net Debutiful on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/debutiful Deb…

Welcome to the First Taste Reading Series on Debutiful. This is a weekly series in which writers read a short excerpt from their book so readers can whet their appetites with delicious writing. Today, PATRICIA CORAL reads an excerpt from their debut book, Women Surrounded By Water! You can purchase a copy of the book here: https://bookshop.org/a/33…

Ruthvika Rao, the author of The Fertile Earth, joined the podcast to discuss a career pivot, letting her characters drive the story, and how to crystalize time on the page. You can purchase a copy of the book here: https://bookshop.org/a/339/9781250899903 Ruthvika Rao on the Internet: https://www.ruthvikarao.com/ Ruthvika Rao on Instagram: https://…

Welcome to the First Taste Reading Series on Debutiful. This is a weekly series in which writers read a short excerpt from their book so readers can whet their appetites with delicious writing. Today, CAMERON WALKER reads an excerpt from their debut book, How to Capture Carbon! You can purchase a copy of the book here: https://bookshop.org/a/339/97…

Mike Fu, the author of Masquerade, joined the podcast to discuss how studying across the globe influenced his reading and writing, how he wrote and edited his debut novel, and where he wants to take his writing next. You can purchase a copy of the book here: https://bookshop.org/a/339/9781959030843 Mike Fu on the Internet: https://www.mikefu.me/ Mi…

Welcome to the First Taste Reading Series on Debutiful. This is a weekly series where writers will read a short excerpt from their book so readers can whet their appetite with delicious writing. Today, CHERRY LOU SY reads an excerpt from their debut novel Love Can't Feed You! You can purchase a copy of the book here: https://bookshop.org/a/339/9780…

Amy Stuber, the author of Sad Grownups, joined the podcast to discuss publishing in her fifties, why short stories are the purest form of writing, and how she gets inspiration from the people around her. You can purchase a copy of the book here: https://bookshop.org/a/339/9780996981668 Amy Stuber on the Internet: https://www.amystuber.com/ Amy Stub…

Welcome to the First Taste Reading Series on Debutiful. This is a weekly series where writers will read a short excerpt from their book so readers can whet their appetite with delicious writing. Today, BRITTANY ROGERS reads an excerpt from their debut novel GOOD DRESS! You can purchase a copy of the book here: https://bookshop.org/a/339/97819590308…

Bruna Dantas Lobato, the author of Blue Light Hours, joined the podcast to discuss her translation work, why connections across continents matter, and how Zoom conversations helped her write her book. You can purchase a copy of the book here: https://bookshop.org/a/339/9780802163776 Bruna Dantas Lobato on the Internet: https://www.brunadantaslobato…

Welcome to the First Taste Reading Series on Debutiful. This is a weekly series where writers will read a short excerpt from their book so readers can whet their appetite with delicious writing. Today, TAMMY ARMSTRONG reads an excerpt from their debut novel PEARLY EVERLASTING! You can purchase a copy of the book here: https://bookshop.org/a/339/978…

Rae Garringer, the author of Country Queers: A Love Letter, joined the podcast to discuss being an oral historian, why rural stories matter, and how we can support Appalachia when the region needs us the most. To support support rural disaster relief please consider donating to the following mutual aid funds recommended by Rae: Western North Caroli…

Welcome to the First Taste Reading Series on Debutiful. This is a weekly series where writers will read a short excerpt from their book so readers can whet their appetite with delicious writing. Today, Lilliam Rivera reads an excerpt from their debut novel TINY THREADS! You can purchase a copy of the book here: https://bookshop.org/a/339/9780593600…

Ledia Xhoga, the author of Misinterpretation, joined the podcast to discuss K-Drama recommendations, combining humor and suspense, and finding inspiration in hearing conversations. You can purchase a copy of the book here: https://bookshop.org/a/339/9781959030805 Ledia Xhoga on the Internet: https://www.lediaxhoga.com/ Ledia Xhoga on Instagram: htt…

Welcome to the First Taste Reading Series on Debutiful. This is a weekly series where writers will read a short excerpt from their book so readers can whet their appetite with delicious writing. Today, Benjamin Resnick reads an excerpt from their debut novel NEXT STOP! You can purchase a copy of the book here: https://bookshop.org/a/339/97816680666…

Jessica Elisheva Emerson, the author of Olive Days, joined the podcast to discuss how libraries helped mold her and why she writes about Los Angeles. Plus, she gives book recommendations! You can purchase a copy of the book here: https://bookshop.org/a/339/9781640096530 Jessica Elisheva Emerson on the Internet: https://www.elishevaemerson.com/ Jess…

Welcome to the First Taste Reading Series on Debutiful. This is a weekly series where writers will read a short excerpt from their book so readers can whet their appetite with delicious writing. Today, Nora Lange reads an excerpt from their debut novel US FOOLS! You can purchase a copy of the book here: https://bookshop.org/a/339/9781953387516 Emil…

Katherine Packert Burke, the author of Still Life, joined the podcast to discuss the books she wrote before her debut, writing close to her real life, and the future of trans writing. You can purchase a copy of the book here: https://bookshop.org/a/339/9781324076360 Katherine Packert Burke on the Internet: https://katherinepackertburke.com/ Katheri…

Welcome to the First Taste Reading Series on Debutiful. This is a weekly series where writers will read a short excerpt from their book so readers can whet their appetite with delicious writing. Today, Emilie Menzel reads an excerpt from their debut novel THE GIRL WHO BECAME A RABBIT! You can purchase a copy of the book here: https://bookshop.org/a…

Gina María Balibrera, the author of The Volcano Daughters, joined the podcast to discuss turning a short story into a novel, finding inspiration in the past, and why ghost stories are so appealing. You can purchase a copy of the book here: https://bookshop.org/a/339/9780593317235 Gina María Balibrera on the Internet: https://ginabalibrera.com/ Gina…

Welcome to the First Taste Reading Series on Debutiful. This is a weekly series where writers will read a short excerpt from their book so readers can whet their appetite with delicious writing. Today, Komail Aijazuddin reads an excerpt from their debut novel MANBOOBS! You can purchase a copy of the book here: https://bookshop.org/a/339/97814197738…

Sam Sax, the author of Yr Dead, joined the podcast to discuss poetry, finding inspiration, and what the process was like for writing their debut novel. You can purchase a copy of the book here: https://bookshop.org/a/339/9781952119996 Sam Sax on the Internet: https://www.samsax.com Sam Sax on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/samsax1/ Sam Sax on…

Kendra Winchester, the founder of Read Appalachia, to discuss the Appalachian literature she loves, why reading as much as we do isn't a recommendation, and how she has created two of my favorite podcasts of all time: Read Appalachia and the now-finished Reading Women. Plus, listen to me on Kendra's podcast, where we discuss the importance of debut…

Anamely Salgado Reyes, the author of My Mother Cursed My Name, joined the podcast to discuss finding herself and following her dreams, learning the publishing process on the fly, and what makes her happy. You can purchase a copy of the book here: https://bookshop.org/a/339/9781668038000 Anamely Salgado Reyes on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/…

Welcome to the First Taste Reading Series on Debutiful. This is a weekly series where writers will read a short excerpt from their book so readers can whet their appetite with delicious writing. Today, Holly Baxter reads an excerpt from their debut novel CLICKBAIT! You can purchase a copy of the book here: https://bookshop.org/a/339/9780063375765 H…

Lena Valencia, the author of Mystery Lights, joined the podcast to discuss being playful with her writing, why connective tissue is important for story collections, and finding inspiration to start writing. You can purchase a copy of the book here: https://bookshop.org/a/339/9781959030621 Lena Valencia on the Internet: https://http://www.lenavalenc…

Welcome to the First Taste Reading Series on Debutiful. This is a weekly series where writers will read a short excerpt from their book so readers can whet their appetite with delicious writing. Today, Kat Tang reads an excerpt from their debut novel FIVE-STAR STRANGER! You can purchase a copy of the book here: https://bookshop.org/a/339/9781668050…

Ruben Reyes Jr., the author of There is a Rio Grande in Heaven, joined the podcast to discuss growing up in a house of non-readers, using high concepts as a launching point for stories, and using political events to generate ideas. You can purchase a copy of the book here: https://bookshop.org/a/339/9780063336278 Ruben Reyes Jr. on the Internet: ht…

Welcome to the First Taste Reading Series on Debutiful. This is a weekly series where writers will read a short excerpt from their book so readers can whet their appetite with delicious writing. Today, Alisa Alering reads an excerpt from their debut novel SMOTHERMOSS! You can purchase a copy of their book here: https://bookshop.org/a/339/9781959030…

Jordan Kopy, the author of Theodora Hendrix and the Monstrous League of Monsters, joined the podcast to discuss Middle Grade fiction, how to write for young people, and the childhood classics that inspired her. You can purchase a copy of the book here: https://bookshop.org/a/339/9781665906838 Jordan Kopy on the Internet: https://jordankopy.com/ Jor…

Welcome to the First Taste Reading Series on Debutiful. This is a weekly series where writers will read a short excerpt from their book so readers can whet their appetite with delicious writing. Today, Chris Koslowski reads an excerpt from his debut novel KAYFABE! You can purchase a copy of his book here: https://bookshop.org/a/339/9781952119859 Ch…

Alana Saab, the author of PLEASE STOP TRYING TO LEAVE ME, joined the podcast to discuss cats, mental health, and empowerment through writing. You can purchase a copy of the book here: https://bookshop.org/a/339/9780593686782 Alana Saab on the Internet: https://www.alanasaab.com/ Alana Saab on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alana.saab Alana Sa…

Welcome to the First Taste Reading Series on Debutiful. This is a weekly series where writers will read a short excerpt from their book so readers can whet their appetite with delicious writing. Today, Samuel Kọ́láwọlé reads an excerpt from his debut novel THE ROAD TO THE SALT SEA! You can purchase a copy of his book here: https://bookshop.org/a/…

Marcela Fuentes, the author of MALAS, joined the podcast to discuss growing up in a border town in Texas, her career as a writer/educator and how they intersect, and what teaching has taught her about writing. You can purchase a copy of her book here: https://bookshop.org/a/339/9780593655788 Marcela Fuentes on the Internet: https://www.marcelafuent…

Welcome to the First Taste Reading Series on Debutiful. This is a weekly series where writers will read a short excerpt from their book so readers can whet their appetite with delicious writing. Today, Sarai Johnson reads an excerpt from her debut novel GROWN WOMEN! You can purchase a copy of her book here: https://bookshop.org/a/339/9780063294431 …

August Thompson, the author of ANYONE'S GHOST, joined the podcast to discuss the Boston Celtics, metal music, and writing sad books. You can purchase a copy of the book here: https://bookshop.org/a/339/9780593656563 August Thompson on the Internet: https://www.august-thompson.com/ August Thompson on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/augustpthomp…

Isabel Banta, the author of HONEY, joined the podcast to discuss early-2000s pop, reading across genre, and writing a coming-of-age novel. You can purchase a copy of her book here: https://bookshop.org/a/339/9781250333469 Isabel Banta on the Internet: https://www.isabelbanta.com/ Isabel Banta on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/isabel.banta/ De…

Welcome to the First Taste Reading Series on Debutiful. This is a weekly series where writers will read a short excerpt from their book so readers can whet their appetite with delicious writing. Today, Manuel Betancourt reads an excerpt from his debut book The Male Gazed! You can purchase a copy of her book here: https://bookshop.org/a/339/97816462…

Santiago Jose Sanchez, the author of HOMBRECITO, joined the podcast to discuss finding yourself in your writing, writing stories vs writing novels, and why time was needed to finish the debut. You can purchase a copy of the book here: https://bookshop.org/a/339/9780593542187 Santiago Jose Sanchez on the Internet: https://www.santiagojosesanchez.com…