This month, my featured author is Deborah Heiligman whose biography, Charles and Emma: The Darwins' Leap of Faith was recently named a National Book Award Finalist. The book along with thoughts on writing from Deb will be the focus of my November blogs, but this week's post is all about Deborah.The first time I met Deborah was at the home of a mutual friend and author, Pat Brisson. There must have been close to twenty authors squashed together around Pat's dining room table. We were there to talk about writing and manuscripts, publishing and marketing. At the time, Deb was working on a new biography about JFK and mentioned that she had attended Brown University with his son, John John. I went into silent shock and awe. Could I, a farm girl from Lookout, touch elbows with someone who went to school with royalty? Apparently!
Over time, I've shared many wonderful moments with this amazing author and friend. Deb is brilliant and witty, but also self-deprecating in a way that puts other people at ease. She can even turn a series of trips to the dentist for root canal into something like a comedy, stand-up routine. It is such an honor to share my friend, Deborah Heiligman, with all of you.
Deborah Heiligman majored in religious studies in college. Then she married a science writer and fell in love with science, too. She has written twenty-five books for young people, many of them about science and religion. In Charles and Emma: The Darwins' Leap of Faith, Deborah combines her interests in science, religion, and her belief in the importance of human connection. Deborah was born and raised in Pennsylvania. She and her husband, Jonathan Weiner, winner of a Pulitzer Prize for The Beak of the Finch, now live in New York City.
Learn more about Deb's thoughts on writing, the environment, and more by visiting:
http://www.DeborahHeiligman.com
http://deborah18.livejournal.com/
http://www.twitter.com/dheiligman
Also, Deb is donating an autographed copy of her new book: Charles and Emma: The Darwin's Leap of Faith http://www.amazon.com to one of you lucky readers. Simply by leaving a comment, your name will be placed in my Thanksgiving cornucopia. The drawing will be just before Thanksgiving.
I'll be back next week to share my thoughts about Charles and Emma followed by an interview with Deborah about the writing of the book along with her Writing Wisdom and Tips just for all of you!
Please join me in welcoming this gifted author: Deborah Heiligman
With that intriguing e-mail, I couldn't not come look at your blog today! I'm looking forward to learning more about Deborah.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Marileta!
ReplyDeleteSo thrilled that you'll be tuning in all month for updates about this exciting book and fantastic author!
Good morning, All!
ReplyDeleteI just put a hold on Deborah's book and hope to hear from my library soon! I read the NY Times review and it does sound very good, indeed. I am looking forward to reading more about Deborah this month. Thanks, Clara.
Kate
Hi Kate,
ReplyDeleteSo delighted that you've requested Deb's book from your library! I know you're going to love it. I'd say more about its charm, but I'll save that for the post that's all about the book.
Your name is in my Thanksgiving Cornucopia for the drawing!
HI Clara,
ReplyDeleteI will have to look and see what books I in our library that are by Deborah!
Susan
Thanks for writing in, Susan! I'm adding your name to my cornucopia for a chance to win Deb's autographed book. Btw-I love this book, and I know you would too. More about that tomorrow when I post the book reviews.
ReplyDelete