{"id":3316,"date":"2024-07-03T15:59:32","date_gmt":"2024-07-03T19:59:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/debraparmley.com\/?page_id=3316"},"modified":"2026-09-27T17:48:50","modified_gmt":"2026-09-27T21:48:50","slug":"booksellers","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/debraparmley.com\/?page_id=3316","title":{"rendered":"Booksellers"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

A long-time supporter of Independent Book Stores, Debra Parmley’s first book launch party in 2009 was held at Burkes Books <\/strong>in Memphis, TN, the oldest independent bookstore in Memphis, TN,<\/strong> with a reading and a signing of her first novel, A Desperate Journe<\/em>y<\/strong>, published by Samhain Publishing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Today you can purchase her original story retitled as Gone to Texas: A Desperate Journey<\/strong><\/em>, in a special 2026 authors edition with bonus content,<\/strong> available in ebook, trade paperback, and large print hardcover. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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