Janice Deal

It was a privilege to chat with author Sharon White, whose most recent novel, “If the Owl Calls,” was released by Betty Books (an imprint of WTAW Press) in November 2025. Sharon and I talked mystery, music, and the poetry of grief; thanks to Betty for connecting us, and to The Masters Review for sharing our conversation:
https://mastersreview.com/a-conversation-with-sharon-white-author-of-if-the-owl-calls/

“Well crafted and paced, this is a beautifully told story of loss and escape”: thank you, Shamana Ali; it is an honor for my novel “The Blue Door,” released this year by New Door Books, to be included on Literary Hub’s 100 Notable Small Press Books of 2025!

100 Notable Small Press Books of 2025 The idea of 100 Notable Small Press Books was born November 2024, after The New York Times’s annual 100 Notable Books list featured eighty-two books from the Big Five publishing houses (Pengu…

So excited to be vibing with Lynn Sloan and Erica Stern at the Printers Row Lit Fest on Sunday, September 7! We’ll be talking about Women on the Verge: specifically, the themes mined in Erica’s memoir/ghost story “Frontier,” and my novel “The Blue Door.” What does it mean when a woman doesn’t hew to the expected female narrative? Come join us in lively discussion at the North Stage at 5:00 p.m.

Printers Row Lit Fest The 40th Annual Printers Row Lit Fest, the largest free outdoor literary event in the Midwest, returns to Printers Row on September 6-7, 2025.

“Written with emotional depth, ‘The Blue Door’ is infused with empathy”: warm thanks to Wendy Fox for including my novel “The Blue Door,” from New Door Books, in an Electric Literature roundup of fifteen small press books to read this summer. I’m honored to be part of this list, and to have my work associated with Wendy Fox's premise: art has value, perhaps especially during challenging times. As she points out, books can remind us to resist complacency, to embrace a broader view of life—and in so doing inform our own humanity.

15 Small Press Books You Should Be Reading This Summer - Electric Literature Resistance is a theme in these new indie titles you won’t want to miss

What a beautiful week of conversation, connection, and discovery! New Door Books and Philadelphia welcomed me and “The Blue Door” with tremendous warmth and heart. During the course of three book events that New Door made possible, David and I had the joy of connecting with people we already know and love, and meeting new friends. We were uplifted by the city’s art; walked The Towpath along the Manayunk Canal and the Schulykill River, the intrepid Ann de Forest as our guide; and devoured sweets ranging from pink cookies to the best tres leches cake I’ve ever eaten. Throughout, we were warmed by the epic support of the New Door team.

Huge thanks to Head House Books, Main Point Books, the Faithfull Book Club, moderator Ann de Forest, and authors Kate Brandes and Elise Juska for creating spaces in which conversation flowed and insights flourished. Thank you to everyone who came to cheer on “The Blue Door” last week; your interest and enthusiasm mean the world to me. And special thanks to Doug and Peggy Gordon for hosting us with their trademark kindness, generosity, and hospitality.

Huzzah, New Door Books and Philadelphia!