Our Story so Far
Deborah Fruchey attempted her first novel when she was 8 years old. She published her first novel, The Unwilling Heiress, (Walker & Co.) in 1987. This comedy romance was chosen by the American Booksellers’ Association as a Best Book. In that same year, however, she learned for the first time that she had Bipolar Disorder and alcoholism. She had to learn how to live all over again in a new way.
In 2005 Deb married musician Robert Hamaker. She is now the author of eight books, and runs a micro-press, Last Laugh Productions, which produces both books & music.
2024 produced the 300 page poetry book The Nearest Place Distant by Stephen Francis Cosgrove (known to many by his pen name, Steve Arntson). This collection featured illustrations and a stunning wraparound cover by Elizabeth Ockwell.
2025 has already produced the romance Madams Wear Black, by Gregory Montoya, a steamy book which deals in faithful detail with a veteran's PTSD. Forthcoming are a collection of memoir stories from Nancy Margulies; a memoir by Anna Wolfe; another collaboration with Steve Arntson; and possibly a tribute poetry book, Mastodons, by unknown but seasoned poet Daphne Rose Ewing. There is also the glimmer of another collection from Deborah herself, tentatively titled Sleep to Forget.
Deborah edits a local poetry website, Strictly East (www.strictly-east.org), and has been included in many anthologies (including Poets from Hell, Trafford Press, 2005).
She has worked as a banker, file clerk, library aide, reader for the blind, and other unsuitable things. She no longer understands why she ever bothered with anything but writing & publishing. Her dreams in life include a small cult following and a flat stomach.