A long-time supporter of Independent Book Stores, Debra Parmley’s first book launch party in 2009 was held at Burkes Books in Memphis, TN, the oldest independent bookstore in Memphis, TN, with a reading and a signing of her first novel, A Desperate Journey, published by Samhain Publishing.
The manuscript was in the American Tittle II contest put on by Dorchester Publishing and Romantic Times Booklovers Magazine in 2005. Ten authors competed online for one publishing contract, while readers voted online, each month losing two authors until one would win. Debra’s manuscript made it to the second round. This contest launched Debra’s career, landing her an agent and a traditional publishing deal in 2007. In 2008, the book came out in ebook and in March 2009 in print. These first editions, long since out of print after the publisher closed are now collectors items.
Today you can purchase her original story retitled as Gone to Texas: A Desperate Journey, in a special 2026 authors edition with bonus content, available in ebook, trade paperback, and large print hardcover.
This book launch party is Debra’s favorite memory of her publishing career. Despite it being a rainy night in March, readers came out to hear Debra read from her book, and to purchase signed copies. The phone at the store kept ringing as readers who wanted signed copies phoned their orders in. One reader even bought eight copies to give as Christmas gifts. Some of Debra’s favorite pictures are posted below. Homemade chocolate cowboy hats made by Debra were served along with punch. All Photography by Monica Parks.
Recent Bookstore Signings in 2026:
Debra celebrated Indie Book Store Day, Saturday, April 25, 2026, with a book signing at Flutterbuy Books and More in Cape Coral, FL. She signed her latest romantic suspense, To Catch an Elf: Pennsylvania Fighter Pilot which has a serial killer villain. (She shopped as well and came home with a bag full of books.)
Debra enjoyed spending time with Finn (Finnegan) Flutterbuy Books and More’s golden retriever who reminds her of Trixie, Debra’s golden retriever of 14 years, who sat by her side as she wrote her first novel, A Desperate Journey.
*** Debra’s Favorite Bookstores***
Memphis, TN: https://www.burkesbooks.com
Coral Gables, Florida: https://www.flutterbuybooksandmore.com
To be added to this list, the store must have hosted a book signing for Debra at least once.
“All good relationships have mutual respect, some give and take instead of all give, and a degree of synchronicity. I believe in supporting those who support me and my work.” – Debra Parmley
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Debra loves bookstores, and she loves to meet readers and bookstore owners in person.
Readers, if your favorite store is not carrying one of Debra’s books that you would like to read or add to your collection, they can be ordered using the ISBN # from any bookstore which uses the Ingram system. Older out of print editions might be available from used booksellers.
Stores, please note that Debra’s books are available through Ingram, with a typical discount and are returnable.
To schedule a meeting, a signing appearance, or to request promotional materials such as bookmarks, please use the contact form on this website.
Debra is available for virtual visits.
If you are a reviewer for a store or website, please use the contact form to request a review copy.
If you’re a bookseller looking for more information about Debra for an event, a new media page is in the works or just ask Debra.
For the latest news on Debra’s books, please join her newsletter via the sign-up on this website.
If your store has a reader group or book club interested in reading Debra’s books, please let her know what you might need to make your group event a success.
Thank you for all you do!
“Books are treasures, and whether you find them via a bookstore which carries and can order new books, or a used out of print book in a store that carries used books, there is always the thrill of discovering a new to you book, and a new story to read. I wish you the best of luck discovering those treasures and hope that one of my books might be among them.” – Debra Parmley