"There is no agony like bearing an untold story inside you.”
~Zora Neale Hurston
Deborah is a lawyer, blogger, and former homeschool parent with a passion for writing. Inspired by her son and young nieces and nephews, Deborah decided to turn her passion for writing short stories and poems into crafting children's books. This is how Zorah, a character named after Deborah's favorite author, Zora Neale Hurston, came to be. Zorah and her adventures are based on Deborah's own childhood, and Zorah shares her curiosity, thirst for knowledge and wonderful imagination.
Deborah didn't want to stop there. Understanding the importance of representation in children's literature and the need for diversity, she decided to create Leap Forward Publishing, LLC. Her vision is to bring stories that feature relatable, inspiring and diverse characters who like like them to the children in her life and children everywhere.
An avid reader, Deborah's love of words extends to editing the works of others and reading any thriller, historical fiction, and non-fiction novel she can get her hands on. In her spare time, she loves to laugh and spend time with her family. She also hopes to help other writers overcome their creative obstacles and tell the stories they have trapped inside.
Zorah and the Very Big Question is the first book in a series intended to follow Zorah on her journey to understand the world around her. The second book, Zorah, The Brave Ballerina is slated to be released in early 2022.
Contact Info:
deborah@leapforwardbooks.com
Social Media
Instagram: leapforwardbooks
Facebook: LeapForwardBooks
Twitter: LeapForwardBks
YouTube: Leap Forward Books
"Representation is not only important so that children can see themselves, but also so that they can see, learn about and appreciate those who are different from them."
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"There is no agony like bearing an untold story inside you.”
~Zora Neale Hurston
About Author, Deborah C. Mortimer
Deborah is a trademark attorney and former homeschool parent with a passion for writing. Born and raised in Brooklyn, New York, Deborah was inspired by her son, as well as her young nieces and nephews to turn her passion for writing short stories and poems into crafting children’s books. This is how Zorah, a character named after Deborah's favorite author, Zora Neale Hurston, came to be. Zorah and her adventures are based on Deborah's own childhood, and Zorah shares her curiosity, thirst for knowledge and wonderful imagination.
Deborah didn't want to stop there. Understanding the importance of representation in children's literature and the need for diversity, she decided to create Leap Forward Publishing, LLC. Her vision is to bring stories that feature relatable, inspiring and diverse characters to the children in her life and children everywhere. She also hopes to help other writers overcome their creative obstacles and tell the stories they have trapped inside through her coaching and publishing services.
Deborah’s debut book, Zorah and the Very Big Question, was released in June 2021 and is the first in the Zorah book series, which follows six-year-old Zorah on her journey to understanding the world around her. The second book, Zorah the...Brave? will be released in Fall 2024. Deborah also released When You Give a Girl a Puppy… in 2022 which was featured on Ryan Reynold's new show 'Bedtime Stories with Ryan'. Summer Island, which is a Caribbean adventure to meet her father's family, was released in 2023.
Deborah is also the founder of Mortimer Legal, PLLC, a trademark law practice specializing in protecting the brands of entrepreneurs, businesses, authors and other creatives. She has appeared on several podcasts and has been a guest speaker, speaking about brand development and protection for authors and the importance of diversity and representation in children's literature. She's also a member of SCBWI (Society of Children's Book Writers & Illustrators) , NAWBO (National Association of Women Business Owners), and a financial and active member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated.
Contact Info:
deborah@leapforwardbooks.com
Social Media
Instagram: leapforwardbooks
Facebook: LeapForwardBooks
Twitter: LeapForwardBks
YouTube: Leap Forward Books
"Representation is not only important to ensure that children see themselves in the world, but so that all children see, learn about and appreciate those who are different from them."
-Deborah C. Mortimer
For all media and public speaking requests, including podcasts or radio shows, you can contact Deborah at deborah@leapforwardbooks.com or use the contact form here.
Also, see my Media Kit for more info about me and my books.
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