BOOK SIGNING – Some details in Julia Heaberlin’s first novel, “Playing Dead,” may be familiar to North Texans. The story is set in Ponder with some parts in Wise County. Heaberlin will sign copies of the book at Decatur Public Library 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, June 21. Submitted photos by Jill Johnson
Nationally published author Julia Heaberlin, formerly of Decatur, will be signing copies of her novel, “Playing Dead,” at the Decatur Public Library this week.
The event is 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, June 21, and will include a book signing and question-and-answer session.
Librarian Cecilia Barham said it’s a unique opportunity to meet a nationally published author, especially since it’s someone from the local community.
“Playing Dead”
“The book is set in Ponder and part of Wise County,” said Barham. “… there are cute [details] in the book that if you live or work here you’ll catch. And it just feels like someone from Texas wrote it. The characters feel like someone you know.”
Heaberlin was interviewed on “Good Morning Texas” Tuesday, and she said that was one of her goals in writing the book – “to give a truer picture of Texas.”
The book was released at the end of May, and Heaberlin described her first novel to GMT viewers as a mixture of chick lit, Texas chick lit, psychological thriller and mystery.
“I tried to mix all the genres and make as many twists as possible,” she said.
Barham said there will be a reception with refreshments before an informal question-and-answer session with herself and Heaberlin. The author will take questions from the audience.
“I do think that this book will make her a successful and famous author,” said Barham, who has read the book. “This is an opportunity to meet a potential New York Times bestseller, and you can say, ‘I knew her when.’”
“Playing Dead” was published by Random House and has been released in print and audio. The publisher bought rights to her second book, “Lie Still,” to be published in summer 2013.
Heaberlin is an award-winning journalist who worked for the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, The Detroit News and The Dallas Morning News before starting her career as an author. She’s the daughter of Chuck and Sue Heaberlin of Decatur.
Copies of “Playing Dead” will be sold at the signing by the library foundation for $12. For information, call (940) 393-0290.
