About Me

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spacer If you’d asked the ten-year-old me what she was going to be when she grew up, she’d have answered:

Elizabeth Wakefield. Writer. Rabbi. First female Pope (or co-Pope, to be precise, with my also not-Catholic just-younger sister). President of the United States. Doctor. Lawyer. Super hero. How long do I have to answer this question?

I’m 33 years old now. I’ve done only one of the things I originally set out to do. (You guessed it. I became Elizabeth Wakefield. “Deborah Bryan” is my spy name.) I’ve also researched killer whales in British Columbia, taught English in South Korea and Japan, finished law school, done extra work on some of my favorite shows, run a couple of marathons and written some books. I’ve become a mom–the one thing most decidedly never on any of my to-do lists–and discovered I really enjoy negotiating contracts.

Life moves a little more slowly now than it used to, but it’s infinitely more beautiful and complex than it was before. I’m writing and editing almost every day, even if I giggle when forced to actually label myself a “writer.” I’m finally learning to cook. (Thank you, VegWeb!) Most of all, I’m loving every minute of motherhood, which is so, so very much more than soiled diapers, sleepless nights and endless exhaustion.

So far, my life hasn’t gone at all according to my plans. I hope I’ll be able to say the same at 66!

Interviews

  • Literary Escapism (November 10, 2011)
  • My New Favorite Day (October 27, 2011)

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    Comments (64) Trackbacks (3) Leave a comment Trackback
    1. spacer
      The_Observationalist_NYC
      April 14, 2011 at 5:55 pm | #1
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      As someone who grew up in the suburban, maybe rural, fields of Indiana; I can so appreciate the paths that life takes us through…

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        Deborah the Closet Monster
        April 16, 2011 at 7:34 pm | #2
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        I hope the paths ahead of us are even more delightful than the ones we’ve traveled thus far!

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      savesprinkles1234
      April 15, 2011 at 7:06 pm | #3
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      I just subscribed to your blog. You’ve led a very exciting life. spacer Sometimes it’s those unexpected twists and turns that make our lives the richest!

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        Deborah the Closet Monster
        April 16, 2011 at 7:38 pm | #4
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        First, thanks! I wasn’t thinking clearly enough to comment in-depth on your posts yesterday, but I loved everything I saw. I can’t wait to read more. Second, it’s so true about the unexpected twists! Every time I look on my little son sleeping, I smile and wonder at the weirdness of these turns. When I met my son’s dad–one time before leaving for Japan–I’d never have supposed he would one day be an intrinsic part of the greatest gift of my life . . .

        So excited to see what other surprises are in store! And, of course, to learn more about those ahead of you. spacer

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      Patricia DeWit
      April 21, 2011 at 4:30 pm | #5
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      Thanks so much for taking the time to read my post today, and especially for sharing your story too. I’m really looking forward to following your updates.

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        Deborah the Closet Monster
        April 22, 2011 at 7:29 pm | #6
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        Thanks for stopping by here and saying hello. I’m so glad I stumbled across your beautiful entry yesterday. I look forward to reading those yet to come!

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      l0ve0utl0ud
      April 24, 2011 at 9:39 am | #7
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      This sounds wonderful. I look forward to reading your future posts!

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        Deborah the Closet Monster
        April 24, 2011 at 7:57 pm | #8
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        Thank you! I’m likewise looking forward to reading your future posts, including one I was about to read when my son awakened from his nap earlier. spacer

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      pissykittyslitterbox.com
      April 24, 2011 at 3:58 pm | #9
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      Your bio is so cool! What an interesting person you must be beyond the cyber-world. Wow! And to think my only claim to fame is one year of college, managing a bar, and raising three kids. Hey, I can make a mean drink though, if that counts;) And you know…it’s all about cocktail time!!
      I’m going to have to take a peek/see at your book. I have dozens of manuscripts started, a few just a chapter away from being finished, and absolutely no balls to complete them and send them in. Sadly, I’m lacking what they call, umm…self-confidence. Oh well, my dream is to be a ‘real’ girl when I grow up–I stole that from ‘Pinocchio’…gotta watch that plagiarism shit–so I guess I better learn how to crawl before I can walk, huh?
      It was so nice meeting you on my blog, Deb!

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        Deborah the Closet Monster
        April 24, 2011 at 8:05 pm | #10
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        My old bio was fairly ridiculous, although it did include some humorous excerpts about me as described my brother-in-law Nick. spacer

        I don’t think anyone who’s raised three kids can speak of their “only” claim to fame like it’s small! So that’s three full-time jobs–each of which is so much more and more awesome than a regular “job”!–and a few other interesting experiences knocked off, with more yet to come. I’m excited to see the part that’s yet to come!

        Speaking of drinks, know how many I’ve made in my life? I think I’ve mixed some Dr. Pepper and Captain Morgans. I might’ve even done the same with Coke and Captain Morgans! I love a good drink, but I sure haven’t made any myself. Maybe I should work on that?

        The books! OH, the books! Trick yourself into writing 100 words a day when you’re not really “looking.” (Like flying in The Hitchhiker’s Guide, since we’re citing sources here!) You’ll accidentally stumble across the finish line and not-so-accidentally relish the feeling of having done it! Once you’ve done it that once, you’ll find it much easier the next time around.

        Thank you so much for stopping by and commenting. I look forward to more discussion in the future!

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      centraljerseyworkingmoms
      April 25, 2011 at 11:33 am | #11
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      Just wanted to pop in to say hello! Looking forward to following your posts.

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        Deborah the Closet Monster
        April 25, 2011 at 9:41 pm | #12
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        Thanks for saying hi! Also? Ditto!

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      Spectra
      April 27, 2011 at 2:15 pm | #13
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      Well I just had to stop around and visit – is this a new site for you? I’ll have to look around. I get the feeling I will not be disappointed.

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        Deborah the Closet Monster
        April 28, 2011 at 5:33 am | #14
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        It is! The site’s just a couple months old. It used to be darker overall, but that got tired fast!

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      April
      May 2, 2011 at 7:55 pm | #15
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      Thanks for stumbling upon my blog! You had me sold on Elizabeth Wakefield! I’m looking forward to spending more time on here.

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        Deborah the Closet Monster
        May 2, 2011 at 8:30 pm | #16
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        Glad to hear it (re: Elizabeth Wakefield spacer ). Thanks for having a blog for me to stumble upon! I lost track of time and didn’t have as much time to read as I’d like, but there’s plenty of time yet to remedy that.

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      anewstage
      May 3, 2011 at 12:34 pm | #17
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      Thanks for popping in and reading my blog! I am really enjoying reading your posts–and looking forward to more! I certainly connect with you in your loss. My mother is often mentioned in my posts, and though I lost her several years back, I could feel her sitting with me as I wrote the post, “A Mother’s Pearls.” I know my daughters will connect with you over your YA novel! All the best–Mary

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        Deborah the Closet Monster
        May 3, 2011 at 9:29 pm | #18
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        Thank you for stopping by here, and for your kind words! After reading “A Mother’s Pearls,” I’m likewise looking forward to reading more of your posts.

        I’m so thankful for the “parenting” and “life” global tags on WordPress, by the way! They’ve led me to such thoughtful, articulate people. Yeah!

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      vixter2010
      May 4, 2011 at 5:01 am | #19
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      Thanks for liking my post, led me here yay!

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        Deborah the Closet Monster
        May 5, 2011 at 5:29 am | #20
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        I’m glad to see the “yay!” at the end of that spacer

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      Triplicity
      May 6, 2011 at 5:18 am | #21
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      What a great way to describe the ‘journey’ we take only to admit that writing is in our blood. Great blog. I will be returning more often.

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        Deborah the Closet Monster
        May 7, 2011 at 8:24 pm | #22
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        Thank you! I’m getting a little more comfortable–maybe on a monthly basis as opposed to something so small as a “daily” one!–describing myself as a writer. I think my compulsive need to write is probably as good an indicator of being a writer as anything else spacer

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      Lindsay
      May 6, 2011 at 1:32 pm | #23
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