Debi Graham-Leard

The short version: I was born and raised in Smyrna, Delaware, then moved to southern New England in my twenties. After several relationships and several moves, I have settled in Norton, MA, living with my husband Vinnie and our cat Kali.

The longer version:I cannot imagine kicking off my shoes anywhere else, although I do enjoy visiting other parts of this great country! We are close enough to the mountains, even closer to the ocean and less than an hour from Boston whenever Vinnie and I get the urge to hop on the MBTA and spend the day walking the Freedom Trail.

Debi Graham-Leard

I like nothing better than meandering the back roads of New England with a book-on-tape in my CD player! Most often, my destination is a library in one of the surrounding towns. Many of them are interesting historic buildings, perfect to wander around all their nooks and crannies.

Back in the summer of 2008, I decided to try my hand at writing my first novel. At that point in my life, I was working full-time, so could not devote a lot of hours to the project. At first, I was busy creating characters, assigning names, and dreaming up the plot. When I look back now on my first draft, I’m humbled by my bad writing!

Luckily for me, my company decided to eliminate my department after nearly 19 years of loyalty, and I became unemployed in January, 2010. Oh, goodie, I said after getting over the shock of dismissal! Now I will have more time to write! I joined the Cape Cod Writers Center, then signed up for a writing course at Massasoit College at their Canton campus.

Since then, I have attended the CCWC Conference in Hyannis, MA; Crimebake in Dedham, MA; a weekend writer’s retreat in Madison, CT. and the New Hampshire Writers Project. Each time I participate in a workshop or attend a seminar at a local library, I learn something new about the craft of writing, dash home to my computer, and apply the technique to my story.

Since my ill-fated first attempt, I have edited my novel several times. The basic story has not changed, only the telling.

Two writers groups–one in Stoughton, MA, and the other in Plymouth,MA–have become central to my writing career.  Although these two groups are dynamically different, each member brings a fresh perspective as they provide constructive criticism.

In addition to writing a novel, I discovered a volunteer project that fits me perfectly! Each Monday afternoon, I drive to the Perkins School for the Blind in Watertown, MA, and narrate recorded books. These are not only for blind students at Perkins, but are shipped to other schools across the nation. This has been a satisfying and rewarding venture. I would recommend you explore this volunteer option in your own state. If you’ve ever been told you have a nice speaking voice, this might be for you! The blind students so appreciate the books on tape!

Contact Me

Email: debi-lee [at] comcast [dot] net