Deborah Lee Luskin

Rosefire Writing Circle
2026-04-10 13:00 - 16:00, 2026-04-17 13:00 - 16:00, 2026-04-24 13:00 - 16:00, 2026-05-15 13:00 - 16:00 (America/New_York) | Deborah Lee Luskin, United States
Write in community with support in the Rosefire Writing Circle, on-going since 2016. Meets most Fridays from 1-4. Read about Writing Circles here, or Contact me for more information.

Cousins in Conservation
2026-04-23 18:00 - 20:00 (America/New_York) | Keene Public Library, 60 Winter St, Keene, NH, 03431, United States
Join cousins and writers Susie Spikol and Deborah Lee Luskin in conversation about their work and recent publications.
Cousins Susie Spikol and Deborah Lee Luskin were both born in New York, both grew up on pavement, and have now been living in northern New England for decades, Susie in New Hampshire and Deborah in Vermont. Susie is a writer, educator, and naturalist; Deborah is writer, educator, and deer hunter.
Susie is the author of three books: The Animal Adventurers Guide, Forest Magic for Kids, and The Book of Fairies. Deborah is the author of two: Reviving Artemis: The Making of a Huntress, a memoir, and Into the Wilderness, a novel.
These two word-loving and wise women invite you to join them at the Keene Public Library for “Cousins in Conservation,” where we discuss our different paths to similar ends: a deep love for the northern forest, language, and stories.

Book Group Author Visit
2026-04-30 15:30 - 17:30 (America/New_York) | Private Event
Author visit to Book Group. Private Event.
Would you like me to facilitate a discussion about one of my books at your book group? Contact me. In your email, tell me about your book, where and when you meet, and which book you want discuss. We’ll work together to plan an author visit, either in person or by video.

Deborah Lee Luskin to Visit Lathem Library in Thetford, Vermont
2026-04-30 18:00 - 19:00 (America/New_York) | Latham Library, Thetford, 16 Library Road, Thetford, 05074
Deborah Lee Luskin will facilitate a book discussion about her memoir, Reviving Artemis: The Making of a Huntress.

"Second Chances in Fiction & LIfe" at Tusten Social's Sage Session
2026-05-07 13:30 - 15:30 (America/New_York) | DVAA, 37 Main Street, Narrowsburg, NY, 12764, United States
I will speak about how the freedom of aging has allowed me second chances to do what I’d always dreamed of, using examples from my life and both my published books.
Lunch, Socializing, Talk, Q&A, Books for sale & signing.

Nature-Based Memoir Writing Circle in Narrowsburg, NY
2026-05-08 17:00 - 20:00 (America/New_York) | Private Home – Revealed upon Registration, Narrowsburg, NY, United States
Join me in a Nature-Based Memoir Writing Circle, Friday, May 8, from 5-8 in Narrowsburg, NY.
Writing Circles help writers of any ability to overcome the fear, loneliness, and procrastination by writing in community with support. I create a safe space and provide prompts for timed writing exercises designed to prime the creative pump.
Participants focus and fly, letting loose the unknown in the wonder of words. Those who wish may read this new work aloud while all participants bear witness to the strange and wonderful stories that emerge. I teach a positive response practice that engenders a synergy where participants invariably write more, write better, and write with greater confidence.
This nature-based writing circle will use prompts from the natural world to poke memory and provide imagery. We will spend some time outdoors, and a light meal will be served.
Registration and payment information here.

Book Talk: Reviving Artemis with author Deborah Lee Luskin
2026-05-09 14:00 - 16:00 (America/New_York) | the 108, 108 Main Street, Narrowsburg, 12764, United States
The Making of Huntress, Author Talk with Deborah Lee Luskin
Join One Grand Books at the 108 for a special afternoon with Deborah Lee Luskin, author of Reviving Artemis: The Making of a Huntress, a memoir of transformation, risk, and later-in-life awakening. This was an unquestionably heroic journey–both walking into the woods in the dark with a rifle and writing this deeply personal story. And the journey isn’t over: Luskin is now an Artemis Ambassador for the National Wildlife Federation, “committed to building a community dedicated to Artemis’ wild spirit and conservation ethos.”
This program is co-sponsored by the 108 and One Grand Books. It will take place at 108 Main Street, Narrowsburg, NY. One Grand Books will have books for sale and signing.
Free. Reservations made at Event Website below.

Three Authors Explore Jewish Identity in Their Fiction
2026-05-28 13:00 - 14:30 (America/Los_Angeles) | Congretation Chochmat HaLev, 2215 Prince St, Berkeley, CA, 94705, United States
3 Authors Explore Jewish Identity in Fiction
JOIN authors Valerie Stoller, Pamela Reitman, and me, speaking about our historical novels starring Jewish women.
Valerie Stoller is the author of Shipyard Gals. Set in 1944, it follows a Latina journalist, a Jewish nurse, and a Black riveter all working at the Chicago shipyard and facing danger and prejudice of all kinds.
Pamela Reitman is the author of Charlotte Salomon Paints Her Life, a fictional retelling of the real life artist whose monumental work, “Life? Or Theater?” survived the Holocaust. Charlotte did not.
I will be introducing Rose Mayer, a twice-widowed New York Jewish woman and star of my award-winning novel, Into the Wilderness set in 1964 Vermont. Into the Wilderness is a silver love story, a story about starting over again in new place.
Light refreshments will be served, and books will be available for purchase and signing.

Bay Area Book Festival 2026
2026-05-31 11:00 - 17:00 (America/New_York) | Bay Area Book Festival, 2061 Allston Way, Berkeley, CA, 94704, United States
I’ll be at the Bay Area Book Festival 2026!
Stop by and say hello at the Bookworm Block Party! I’ll be at the Sibylline Booth, meeting, greeting, and signing books. Read on!

Into the Wilderness with Rhoda Goldman Book Group, San Francisco
2026-06-01 14:00 - 15:30 (America/New_York) | Rhoda Goldman Plaza, 2180 Post St, San Francisco, CA, United States
“a perfectly gratifying read”
Into the Wilderness, hailed as “a fiercely intelligent love story,” is an award-winning novel about two sixty-somethings at inflection points in their lives.
Rose Mayer has just buried her second husband and wonders what she’s going to do with the rest of her life. Reluctantly, she visits her son’s summer place in Vermont, where there are neither sidewalks, Democrats, nor other Jews. She meets Percy Mendell at the Orton Fourth of July book sale and takes an immediate dislike.
Percy’s a born and bred Vermonter who has never married, never voted for a Democrat, and never left the state. After a satisfying career as the county’s agricultural agent, he’s facing retirement and doesn’t know what he’ll do unmoored from work. He meets Rose again at the Marlboro Music Festival, where music becomes their common language. Set against the backdrop of Vermont’s changing politics and seasons, Into the Wilderness is testament to the endurance of the human heart.
This story of silver love is set in small-town Vermont in 1964, where “Luskin weaves together an enchanting tale of solitude, friendship, and romance.” ~The Jewish Advocate

Book Discussion of Into the Wilderness
2026-06-01 18:00 (America/Los_Angeles)
“a perfectly gratifying read”
I will be facilitating a discussion of Into the Wilderness for a private book group in Petaluma.
Interested in learning about how Vermont shifted from deep red to deep blue? Let’s talk about Into the Wilderness, set in 1964, when Vermont started to tilt left. Lots happened in 1964 that continues to be pertinent today: Who gets to vote? How do we welcome that stranger? Is it ever too late to fall in love? Learn more about this award-winning love story here. And contact me to speak to your book group, historical society, library, or social club.
I’m available to speak about Reviving Artemis to your book group, conservation organization, or women’s group? We can make it happen. Contact me!
Join or sponsor a writing circle. More information here.
Subscribe to Living in Place on Substack, where I post News from the Word Shop about where I’ll be the first Wednesday of the month.

Author Deborah Lee Luskin brings INTO THE WILDERNESS to Norwich Bookstore
2026-06-23 19:00 - 20:00 (America/New_York) | The Norwich Bookstore, 291 Main Street, Norwich, VT, 05055, United States
“a perfectly gratifying read”
Author Deborah Lee Luskin will talk about her award-winning political novel, INTO THE WILDERNESS, at The Norwich Bookstore on June 23 at 7 pm.
In 1964, Rose Mayer buries her second husband and wonders what she’s going to do with the rest of her life. Reluctantly, she visits her son’t summer place in Vermont, where there are neither sidewalks, Democrats, nor other Jews. There is, however, the Marlboro Music Festival. It’s there that she meets Percy Mendell, and it’s dislike at first sight. Percy’s a born and bred Vermonter who has never married, never voted for a Democrat, and never left the state. After a satisfying career as the county’s agricultural agent, he’s facing retirement. He’s also struggling with his long-help political beliefs: Barry Goldwater is too extreme for the Vermont GOP. Both Percy and Rose are 64-years old and have given up on love. Set against the backdrop of Vermont’s changing politics and seasons, INTO THE WILDERNESS is a testament to the endurance of the human heart.

Author Deborah Lee Luskin brings INTO THE WILDERNESS to Phoenix Books, Burlington
2026-06-24 19:00 - 20:00 (America/New_York) | Phoenix Books, Burlington, 89 Church St, Burlington, VT, United States
“a perfectly gratifying read”
Author Deborah Lee Luskin will talk about her award-winning political novel, INTO THE WILDERNESS, at Phoenix Books in Burlington on Wednesday, June 24 at 7 pm.
In 1964, Rose Mayer buries her second husband and wonders what she’s going to do with the rest of her life. Reluctantly, she visits her son’t summer place in Vermont, where there are neither sidewalks, Democrats, nor other Jews. There is, however, the Marlboro Music Festival. It’s there that she meets Percy Mendell, and it’s dislike at first sight. Percy’s a born and bred Vermonter who has never married, never voted for a Democrat, and never left the state. After a satisfying career as the county’s agricultural agent, he’s facing retirement. He’s also struggling with his long-help political beliefs: Barry Goldwater is too extreme for the Vermont GOP. Both Percy and Rose are 64-years old and have given up on love. Set against the backdrop of Vermont’s changing politics and seasons, INTO THE WILDERNESS is a testament to the endurance of the human heart.

Author Deborah Lee Luskin brings INTO THE WILDERNESS to Wild Book Co, Newfane
2026-06-28 17:00 - 18:30 (America/New_York) | Wild Book Company, 47 West St, Newfane, 05345, United States
“a perfectly gratifying read”
Author Deborah Lee Luskin will talk about her award-winning political novel, INTO THE WILDERNESS, at Wild Book Company, June 27 at 5 pm.
In 1964, Rose Mayer buries her second husband and wonders what she’s going to do with the rest of her life. Reluctantly, she visits her son’t summer place in Vermont, where there are neither sidewalks, Democrats, nor other Jews. There is, however, the Marlboro Music Festival. It’s there that she meets Percy Mendell, and it’s dislike at first sight. Percy’s a born and bred Vermonter who has never married, never voted for a Democrat, and never left the state. After a satisfying career as the county’s agricultural agent, he’s facing retirement. He’s also struggling with his long-help political beliefs: Barry Goldwater is too extreme for the Vermont GOP. Both Percy and Rose are 64-years old and have given up on love. Set against the backdrop of Vermont’s changing politics and seasons, INTO THE WILDERNESS is a testament to the endurance of the human heart.

Luskin to Lead Book Discussion of Into the Wilderness at MFL
2026-07-06 10:30 - 12:00 (America/New_York) | Moore Free Library, 23 West Street, Newfane, VT, 05345, United States
“a perfectly gratifying read”
Deborah Lee Luskin will be facilitating a discussion of her award-winning novel, Into the Wilderness, for the Moore Free Library Book Group. Contact Deb Barry for more information.
When a group of people come together to discuss a common text, it’s the contemporary equivalent of a clan gathering around a fire to tell stories or discuss issues. With nearly forty years’ experience facilitating book discussions for the Vermont Humanities Council across the state, Deborah is highly skilled at helping groups have meaningful discussions about shared reading.
Now working as a book author, Deborah is available to facilitate your book group’s discussion of Reviving Artemis: The Making of a Huntress and/or Into the Wilderness, her award-winning political love story set in Vermont in 1964. She can appear in person or via Zoom. Contact her to discuss availability and fees.

Music into Words at Marlboro
2026-08-01 15:00 - 17:00 (America/New_York) | Marlboro Community Center, 524 South Road, Marlboro, VT, 05344, United States
“a perfectly gratifying read”
Author Deborah Lee Luskin will speak about Music into Words at Marlboro, the setting for key scenes of her award-winning novel, Into the Wilderness.
“Music is central to Into the Wilderness… Luskin is convincing in translating the aural, physical, and emotional power of music into words on paper. The result is a wonderful novel.” Deborah Lee Luskin will discuss some of the musical passages her characters listen to, including the debut of the Guarneri Quartet on August 2, 1964 at the Marlboro Music Festival. Rose Mayer and Percy Mendell, both 64 years old, have nothing good to say to one another until they find a common language in music. Here is the playlist of the music in this “fiercely intelligent love story.”

OWAA Conference - 2026 in Madison, Wisconsin
2026-08-22 - 2026-08-24
I’ll be attending the Outdoor Writers Association of America in Madison, Wisconsin. Looking forward to meeting writers and editors, learning about new outlets for my work, and – always – advocating for women in the outdoors.

Becoming A Huntress at Doe Camp Nation
2026-09-11 - 2026-09-13 | Jackson’s Lodge, Canaan, VT, PO Box 843, Canaan, VT, 05903, United States
I will speak about “Becoming a Huntress” at Doe Camp Nation on Saturday, September 12 at Fall Doe Camp.
The weekend is sponsored by Doe Camp Nation, a group of women who volunteer their time to enable “women broaden their horizons and pursue their passions in the great outdoors.” It takes place at Jackson’s Lodge in Canaan, Vermont.
Doe Camp is where I had my first exposure to deer hunting more than a decade ago. Since then, I’ve learned so much about being outdoors in the untracked woods. And I’ve written a book about how becoming a huntress introduced me to Artemis, a powerful goddess who protects women and wildlife, a goddess who has taught me my place in the natural world, where even older women belong. I’m thrilled to return to Doe Camp as a volunteer to help others discover where they stand in the natural world.

Cousins in Conservation to Speak at Wild Wilderness Weekend
2026-09-27 16:00 - 17:30 (America/New_York) | Wild Book Company, 47 West St, Newfane, 05345, United States
Cousins Deborah Lee Luskin and Susie Spikol to speak at the Wild Book Company’s Wild Wilderness Weekend on September 27. Please join these two word-loving and wise authors as they trace their different paths to similar ends: a deep love for the northern forest, language, and stories.
Susie Spikol and Deborah Lee Luskin were both born in New York, both grew up on pavement, and have now been living in northern New England for decades, Susie in New Hampshire and Deborah in Vermont. Susie is a writer, educator, and naturalist; Deborah is writer, educator, and deer hunter.
Susie is the author of three books: The Animal Adventurers Guide, Forest Magic for Kids, and The Book of Fairies. Deborah is the author of two: Reviving Artemis: The Making of a Huntress, a memoir, and Into the Wilderness, a novel.

Nature Writing Circle at The Sparkle Bookstore
2026-10-03 15:00 - 16:30 (America/New_York) | The Sparkle Bookstore, 642 Main Street, Sparkill, 10976, United States
Join me for a Nature Writing Circle the will use prompts from the natural world to poke memory and provide imagery.
Writing Circles help writers of any ability to overcome the fear, loneliness, and procrastination by writing in community with support. I create a safe space and provide prompts for timed writing exercises designed to prime the creative pump.
Participants focus and fly, letting loose the unknown in the wonder of words. Those who wish may read this new work aloud while all participants bear witness to the strange and wonderful stories that emerge. I teach a positive response practice that engenders a synergy where participants invariably write more, write better, and write with greater confidence.
Deborah Lee Luskin is the author of Reviving Artemis: The Making of a Huntress, a memoir about following the deer off-trail into the forest.

Deborah Lee Luskin Brings Political Love Story to The Sparkle Bookshop
2026-10-04 15:00 - 16:30 (America/New_York)
“a perfectly gratifying read”
Author Deborah Lee Luskin will speak about Into the Wilderness, a political love story set in Vermont in 1964.
In 1964, Rose Mayer buries her second husband and wonders what she’s going to do with the rest of her life. Reluctantly, she visits her son’s summer place in Vermont, where there are neither sidewalks, Democrats nor other Jews. There is, however, the Marlboro Music Festival. It’s there that she meets Percy Mendell, and it’s dislike at first sight.
Percy’s a born and bred Vermonter who has never married, never voted for a Democrat, and never left the state. After a satisfying career as the county’s agricultural agent, he’s facing retirement. He’s also struggling with his long-held political beliefs: Barry Goldwater is too extreme for the Vermont GOP. Both Percy and Rose are 64-years old and have given up on love.
Set against the backdrop of Vermont’s changing politics and seasons, Into the Wilderness is a testament to the endurance of the human heart.

Meet & Greet Deborah Lee Luskin at the Boston Book Festival
2026-10-17 10:00 - 17:00 (America/New_York) | Boston Book Festival, Copley Square, Boston, MA, United States
Deborah Lee Luskin will meet & greet readers at the Boston Book Festival at Copley Square on Saturday, October 17 from 10-5. She will gladly sign copies of both Into the Wilderness, an award-winning historical novel, and Reviving Artemis: The Making of a Huntress, her memoir about aging and finding her place in the natural world. If you’re in the Boston area, please stop by the Sibylline booth to say hello
Reviving Artemis: The Making of a Huntress by Deborah Lee Luskin
Deborah Lee Luskin has been living and writing about Vermont for over 40 years.
“a perfectly gratifying read”
