Debbie Macomber
Debbie Macomber is a bestselling author known for her contributions to the romance genre and her extensive body of work, which includes novels, cookbooks, and children's books. Born in Yakima, Washington, in 1948, she faced significant challenges during her education, particularly with dyslexia, which went undiagnosed until later in her life. Despite early discouragement, Macomber pursued her passion for writing, leading to the publication of her first novel, *Heartsong*, in 1984. Since then, she has achieved remarkable success, with many of her works appearing on prestigious bestseller lists and being adapted for television, particularly by the Hallmark Channel. Macomber is also recognized for her philanthropic efforts, serving as an ambassador for Big Brothers/Big Sisters and supporting various charitable causes, including literacy campaigns and women's shelters. In addition to writing, she operates a café in Port Orchard, Washington, and engages in public speaking and teaching writing workshops. Her annual Christmas novels have become a cherished tradition for many readers.
On this Page
Subject Terms
Debbie Macomber
- Born: October 22, 1948
- Place of Birth: Yakima, Washington
Biography
Debbie Macomber was born in Yakima, Washington, in 1948. She struggled in school because she had trouble reading but graduated from high school in 1966 and attended community college. When she became determined to become a writer, people tried to discourage her because she was a young mother of four with dyslexia. She did not know she had dyslexia until her children were diagnosed with the learning disability. For five years, she wrote at her kitchen table, using a rented typewriter. Many of her manuscripts were rejected, but finally, in 1984, she received a letter from Silhouette Books stating that they were interested in purchasing her story. Her first novel, Heartsong, was published in 1984.
Since that time, Macomber has become a major force in romance writing. In 1997, her book This Matter of Marriage was adapted as a movie. Five of the books from her Heart of Texas series were listed on The New York Times best-seller list. Also, in 1998, another of her novels made the best-seller list, and it was named an alternate feature for the Doubleday Book Club.
In 1999, Macomber’s novel Promise, Texas, achieved the triple crown of publishing by appearing on The New York Times, Publishers Weekly, and USA Today best-seller lists. Since that time, many more of her books have accomplished the same feat. Macomber is a three-time winner of the B. Dalton Award, and she also won a Lifetime Achievement Award from Romantic Times Magazine, and in 2010, she received the Nora Roberts Lifetime Achievement Award from the Romance Writers of America
In addition to writing, Macomber was appointed an ambassador for the national office of Big Brothers/Big Sisters in 1997. She is actively involved in fund-raising for women’s shelters, literacy campaigns, and for medical research. Macomber is also an active supporter of the World Vision Knits for Kids program. She serves as the program's spokesperson and has traveled to Kenya to promote it and distribute hand-knitted gifts.
In 2017, Macomber published the novels If Not for You, Any Dream Will Do, and Merry and Bright. Other fiction collections include regional series, such as her Alaska series or the Cedar Cove series. Her publishing activity also includes writing best-selling cookbooks, knitting books, adult coloring books, and works for children. She is known for her publication of an annual Christmas novel, such as Jingle All The Way (2020), Dear Santa (2021), and The Christmas Spirit (2022). Several of these novels have been produced as television movies shown on the Hallmark Channel. Her Cedar Cove series was also adapted into a Hallmark series that ran for three seasons. In addition to her prolific publishing, she also operates—in Port Orchard, Washington—The Grey House Café; she is also a public speaker. Macomber also teaches writing workshops and has taught on cruise ships.
Bibliography
"Author Debbie Macomber Shares Her Triumph Over Dyslexia." CBN, 10 Dec. 2022, cbn.com/article/not-selected/author-debbie-macomber-shares-her-triumph-over-dyslexia. Accessed 11 Oct. 2024.
Chang, Yin. "Debbie Macomber: Learning To Be the Writer and Challenging Ourselves to Grow." Podcast. 88Cupsoftea, 2017, 88cupsoftea.com/debbiemacomber/. Accessed 11 Oct. 2024.
Cowles, Gregory. "Inside the List." The New York Times, 4 March 2016. Review of A Girl's Guide to Moving On, by Debbie Macomber, www.nytimes.com/2016/03/13/books/review/inside-the-list.html. Accessed 11 Oct. 2024.
Macomber, Debbie. Website of Debbie Macomber. debbiemacomber.com/updates. 11 Oct. 2024.
Mayer, Petra. "Fans Are Like Friends to 'Reigning Queen' of Women's Fiction." NPR, 18 Aug. 2013. www.npr.org/2013/08/18/195883859/reigning-queen-of-womens-fiction-holds-court-at-fan-retreat. Accessed 11 Nov. 2024.
Strawser, Jessica. "Debbie Macomber on Writing Romance: "I've Never Felt Alone." Writer's Digest, 1 Nov. 2016, www.writersdigest.com/online-exclusives/jan-17/debbie-macomber. Accessed 11 Nov. 2024.
"Why Debbie Macomber Knits for Kids." World Vision, www.worldvision.org/blog/why-debbie-macomber-knits-for-kids. Accessed 11 Oct. 2024.