Katherine Pickett

On Saturday, July 26, 2025, I spent the afternoon at Barnes & Noble in The Mall of Columbia, in Columbia, Maryland. I brought a box of books with me to sign and sell to interested readers, and I was so happy to be able to come home with a lighter load than I had arrived with.

My table was set up at the entry, and I enjoyed watching as more and more people entered the store throughout the afternoon. The day was hot and oppressive, while the bookshop was cool and dry, which meant every person to walk through the doors immediately felt pleasant relief.

I was there to promote my debut novel, Debra Lee Won’t Break, which features a woman with multiple sclerosis who sets out to conquer a 150-mile bike ride. Speaking with readers, I discovered how much the book’s themes of perseverance, inspiration, and resilience resonated.

One of the highlights of the day was meeting a reader coincidentally named Debra Lee. As I was signing her copy, she confided that she actually goes by Deb. I laughed and said, “So does she,” tapping the book.

Several book buyers said they had a friend or relative with multiple sclersosis. The real-life Debra Lee was one such buyer. She retreated to the B&N café to read her new purchase. As I was signing another copy for someone else, she walked by and said, “I’m loving it already!”

My husband and daughters were also at the shop, getting ready for our late-summer vacation, and they were kind enough to take some photos and bring me a cool drink. I am so, so thankful for their support and good cheer, as always.

My thanks to Barnes & Noble for giving me space to sell my books and get the word out about Debra Lee. Thank you, as well, to Cherrie Woods for arranging the book signing. Most of all, thank you to the readers at Barnes & Noble who stopped by my table, chatted a while, and decided to take a chance on a local author.

Debra Lee Won’t Break is available in paperback and ebook versions. Prefer an audiobook? Donate to my GoFundMe today to help make it a reality!