The IMWA is excited to announce Debbie Russell, the author of “Crossing Fifty-One: Not Quite a Memoir,” as our November 2023 Member of the Month! Please take a minute to read Debbie’s interview with IMWA Board Member Janet Hafner.
- How did you first discover the IMWA?
I first discovered IMWA when it was still SDMWA. Jeniffer Thompson and I connected on what was then Twitter, and when I learned that she was in San Diego, I set up a phone call with her, and the rest is history! Because half of my book takes place in San Diego, I felt like the group would be perfect for me to make some connections.
- Have you always been a writer?
I’ve always been a writer, but creative writing took a back seat to all the legal writing I did as part of my job as a county prosecutor in Minneapolis. I started a blog back in 2014 to get back to creative writing, which I loved to do as a kid.
- What impact do you think writing classes have made on your writing?
I must admit, I’ve only taken one writing class, but it was fantastic! It was called “Writing Creative Nonfiction” and was offered through The Great Courses. I got the DVDs and watched the lectures during my commute on the train back. Through that course, I came to understand how to craft a compelling narrative within the realm of nonfiction. I also learned how to end chapters with cliffhangers!
- We’d love to hear about what you are presently writing.
I currently write a weekly essay through Substack, which keeps me busy. I plan to start my second book in the next few weeks. It will be about the biggest case I ever prosecuted, but I plan to turn it into a true crime travel adventure.
- Who are your favorite authors? Favorite memoirs?
Favorite authors include Joan Didion, Rosamunde Pilcher, Barbara Kingsolver, and Margaret Renkl. One of my favorite memoirs is The Tender Bar by J.R. Moehringer.
- Any advice for new writers?
My biggest bit of advice for new writers is to find early readers who will be HONEST with you. I learned that many of my friends felt uncomfortable being critical, no matter how hard I begged. So, I spent money on having my early drafts evaluated and developmentally edited by professionals. It was money very well spent. Also, there are all sorts of different publishing options, and knowledge is power!
- Debbie, please tell us about your most recent book, its launch, and what you’ve learned about the process.
My most recent book is entitled Crossing Fifty-One: Not Quite a Memoir. The short pitch is that it’s about three generations of midlife crises, all setting the stage for one dream to come true. I incorporate two narratives, the first being my grandfather’s. He was a successful surgeon who became addicted to Demerol and voluntarily admitted himself to a federal “narcotic farm” in late 1951. He wrote letters to the rest of the family and requested they be saved. I found the letters and was deeply moved by the love and support of my grandmother, dad, aunt, and uncle, which was a very different dynamic from my family unit. My mother was a very difficult person to live with, and she impacted us in significant ways. When my dad entered hospice, I panicked at the thought of losing him, so I spent a lot of time learning everything I could about his family. The second narrative is my own from late 2015 to June 2018 as I navigate therapy and the very challenging family dynamics around my dad’s last few years.
My launch party here in Minnesota was a wonderful success – over 90 people attended, and we had a short presentation around mental health. I also did a couple of events in San Diego and worked with Tricia Hedman, who did a fantastic job getting me interviews with newspapers and magazines. I’ve also been on some radio shows and podcasts. I love talking about the book and continue seeking opportunities to do so.
Launching a book, especially as a debut indie author, is a ton of work and can sometimes feel discouraging. But I’ve taught myself that if you don’t ask, the answer will always be NO! So, I’ve just plugged along, and the opportunities continue to present themselves. I’m grateful for all the connections I’ve made along the way and for all the new supportive friendships that have developed.
- Please let us know how we can reach you. Website? Social channels?
Website: https://debbie-russell.com/
Substack: https://debbierussell.substack.com/
Instagram and X: @debbiesstories
Facebook: Debbie Russell, author