Q&A with Debra Dean

Debra Dean’s best-selling debut novel, “The Madonnas of Leningrad,” was a New York Times Editors’ Choice, a #1 Booksense Pick, a Booklist Top Ten Novel, and an American Library Association Notable Book of the Year. It has been published in 20 languages. Her collection of short stories, “Confessions of a Falling Woman,” won the Paterson Fiction Prize and a Florida Book Award. Her new novel, “The Mirrored World,” is a breathtaking tale of love, madness, and devotion set against the extravagance and artifice of the royal court in 18th Century St. Petersburg. A native of Seattle, Debra lives in Miami and teaches at Florida International University.

What are the best books you’ve read recently?
My new favorite is Jennifer Cody Epstein’s novel “The Gods of Heavenly Punishment,” set in Japan just before and during WW2. Its treatment of war is just so devastating and sensitive, and the writing is gorgeous. It’s a perfect choice for book clubs.

What was your favorite book as a child?
One? Seriously? When I first started reading, it was “Where the Wild Things Are.” And “The Velveteen Rabbit.” And “Bedtime for Frances.” Oh yes, and the “Lad: A Dog” series.

Why do you enjoy attending book festivals, either as a presenter or audience member?
Before I published my first book, going to the annual book festival in Seattle was like going to fantasy camp and seeing my literary heroes in the flesh. I was such a geeky fan. Actually, that hasn’t changed much. It’s just that now I have a backstage pass.

What is the most difficult, or challenging, aspect of being a writer?
No question about it: for me, it’s finding enough hours in the day. I’m so slow that if I want to finish a book, everything else has to go out the window. It’s hard to be a writer and have a life. Not that I’m complaining, mind you.