It’s hard to believe this is the very last day of 25 Days of Debs. Where did November go? Our very last, but certainly not least, Deb is Jenny Moss, a former NASA engineer and author of three terrific books.

Jenny’s Firsts:

Anthology story: Evan and Penny

First line: 

“Didn’t you say this was your stop?” he asks me.

A really sweet story of “first like” and the perfect way to end The First Time anthology.

2009 Debut: Winnie’s War

Most recent: Taking Off

Wow! Even more cover love! This story centers around  Christa McAuliffe and the space shuttle Challenger accident.

Catch up with Jenny: visit her blog.

Remember, The First Time is available for Kindle and Nook.

It’s Thanksgiving here in the US and I’m thankful for many things. When it comes to writing and publishing, I’m unbelievably thankful for the 2009 Debs. This community of authors is so caring and helpful and awesome and I’m always a little astonished that I’m somehow included in this group. I can’t imagine navigating the world of publishing without them.

Today, on our second to last day of 25 Days of Debs we have Teri Hall, author of a very interesting YA dystopian novels.

Teri’s Firsts:

Anthology story: The Corridor

First line: 

Pho’s waiting in the corridor, just like he said he would be.

This story is set in the same world as Teri’s books The Line and Away. If you’re a fan, you’ll want to read this one for sure. If you haven’t read Teri’s books yet, I have the feeling you’ll want to after sampling the world of this story.

2009 Debut: The Line (debuted in 2010 ~ Teri is another Deb who had her release pushed into 2010)

Most recent: Away

Remember, The First Time is available for Kindle and Nook.

Hard to believe we’re nearly done with our 25 days of Debs! Day 23 features a really terrific story from Janet Gurtler, author of three terrific YA novels.

Janet’s Firsts:

Anthology story: Two of a Kind

First line: 

Fab glances down at the feet of the girl lying on top of him.

Okay. It’s not what you think. Then again, maybe it is. This story is a little bit edgy wrapped up in the sweetness of two young people finding each other.

2009 Debut: Waiting to Score (written as J. E. MacLeod)

Most recent: If I Tell

Catch up with Janet: visit her blog.

Remember, The First Time is available for Kindle and Nook.

Today we have Kirstin Cronn-Mills, terrific YA author with one book on the shelves and one set to come out next year. A couple of years ago, I was lucky enough to do a book signing with her at my local Barnes & Noble. I can’t remember how many books I sold (maybe six?), but I remember the conversation I had with Kirstin.

Kirstin’s Firsts:

Anthology story: The First Time I Got Stranded In The Really Big Empty

First line: 

You know how graduation parties normally are–cake, ham sandwiches, picture boards full of kid-in-bathtub photos, with a few confirmation and fishing shots thrown in for variety?

Per Kirstin’s blog, this is an epilogue to her debut novel. But the story works as a standalone story as well. No matter where you live, you’ll feel that really big empty.

2009 Debut: The Sky Always Hears Me and The Hills Don’t Mind

Up Next: Beautiful Music for Ugly Children ~ coming in 2012!

Catch up with Kirstin: visit her blog.

Remember, The First Time is available for Kindle and Nook.

Is there a better way to start off a holiday week (well, in the US) with a Deb? I don’t think so. This Monday gives us C. Lee McKenzie, author of two fantastic YA novels.

Lee’s Firsts:

Anthology story: Premeditated Cat

First line: 

When Nikki stepped into the classroom, Lysol and polish and just a hint of last semester stirred in the air.

A terrific, startling story that will have you on the edge of your seat.

2009 Debut: Sliding on the Edge

Most recent: The Princess of Las Pulgas

Catch up with  Lee: visit her blog, The Write Game.

Remember, The First Time is available for Kindle and Nook.

Up today is middle grade author Kurtis Scaletta, who has three terrific middle grade novels to his name. Just ask Kyra. She loves his most recent release.

Kurtis’s Firsts:

Anthology story: Azalea

First line: 

Dennis Erikson had penciled lines on the doorjamb of his bedroom at every quarter inch between four feet, nine inches and five feet high.

A warm, heartfelt story that takes place in a garden center. Missing summer on this blustery November day? Then curl up with this story of many firsts.

2009 Debut: Mudville

Most recent: The Tanglewood Terror

Love that retro cover! This is a book both girls and boys really love. Kyra’s teacher is reading it right now as the read aloud book for their class and the kids just can’t get enough. This would make a great holiday gift or the middle grade reader in your life.

Catch up with Kurtis: visit his off-topic blog.

Remember, The First Time is available for Kindle and Nook.

Ah, the weekend. And what better way to relax than with another great story from one of the Debs? Up today is Sydney Salter, YA and middle grade author. She is also the Regional Advisor for SCBWI Utah/Southern Idaho.

Sydney’s Firsts:

Anthology story: The First Goldfish of McKinley High

First line: 

Maybe I spaced out for fifteen seconds in US Government class or something, but I’m pretty sure that cheerleaders flashing block letters on their asses doesn’t have much to do with democracy.

Bwhahaha! This is a story after my own heart. Geeky girl. Adorable nerd boy love interest. And of course, that goldfish. A great read for a lazy Saturday afternoon.

2009 Debut: My Big Nose and Other Natural Disasters

Most recent: Swoon At Your Own Risk

Catch up with Sydney: visit her blog.

Remember, The First Time is available for Kindle and Nook.

Moving on to day 17 with another awesome guy story, this one by J. A. (Jon) Yang.

Jon’s Firsts:

Anthology story: Perfect Firsts

First line: 

You’d think it gets easier each time, but you know what that song says: breaking up is hard to do.

The premise of this story is incredible. And the ending … aw, *sniff*.

2009 Debut: Exclusively Chloe

Catch up with Jon: visit his blog. And when you do, make sure to read his post on The Game of Publishing.

Remember, The First Time is available for Kindle and Nook.

On day 16 we’re featuring Jackson Pearce, multi-published YA author and video blogger extraordinaire.

Jackson’s Firsts:

Anthology story: Turn Here

First line: 

This crown is way too heavy.

And this story? Incredible. Even though the main character doesn’t have a love interest, and the story features Jimmy Carter’s head, this is one of the most romantic stories ever. It’s a must read.

2009 Debut: As You Wish

Most recent: Sweetly

Oh, more cover love: beautiful and creepy.

Be sure to visit Jackson and listen to her video blog posts.

Remember, The First Time is available for Kindle and Nook.

Up today is Lauren Bjorkman!

Lauren’s Firsts:

Anthology story: The Shark King

First line: 

My phone pings–a text from my friend Emilia: Caught a boy yet?

Oh, you will not believe what she does catch! Another sweet story that will make you want to book airline tickets to Hawaii.

2009 Debut: My Invented Life

Forthcoming: Miss Fortune Cookie ~ look for it in 2012!

Catch up with Lauren: visit her blog

Remember, The First Time is available for Kindle and Nook.