Debut You is an interview feature on Our Stories Matter blog. Debut authors, who have released or have upcoming releases in 2022, are given five questions to answer about themselves and their book. Currently, the questions are the same for all authors. We hope you enjoy getting to know Courtne Comrie and can offer your support. Go here for past Debut You features.
BCBA is an Amazon and Bookshop Affiliate. Clicking on the book links will direct you away from this site, and BCBA may earn a small percentage on purchases.
Describe yourself in five words, then expound on one of them.
Observer, empathetic, loving, learner, and funny.
Learner: I love to learn new things, even though it can be scary sometimes. I’m also not a fast learner. But I do enjoy learning new information, especially if it’s helpful to myself or others.
Explain your book’s journey—how long did it take—from idea to publication?
I wrote the manuscript for Rain Rising on and off for about a year (2018–2019). I got my wonderful agent in October 2020 and the book deal in January 2021. The book was published in September 2022. It’s been a pretty quick process, and for that, I’m grateful.
Belief in oneself is important; besides you, who has been your cheerleader(s) throughout this process?
I love the “besides you” part. It’s so important to be your own cheerleader.
So besides me, I’d say my family and closest friends/mentors. They never told me I wouldn’t become an author. They believed it right along with me, without pushback. It’s important to be around those who dream with you or at least give you room to dream. It’s so important to dream and carry that sense of “why not me?”
Understanding your audience is essential. What do you know for sure about the audience you are writing for?
Although Rain Rising is a middle-grade novel, it was really written for the whole family. For children and adults. For schools and communities. And what I know about people is that everybody needs hope, healing, and a sense of community. And I hope to bring that to each reader.
Tell us about your book.
Rain Rising is about a 13-year-old girl named Rain, who is struggling with her mental health, amongst other things. Although she feels isolated in her struggle, her older brother Xander aka X, gives her big moments of joy. When Xander becomes a victim of violence, Rain and her family’s lives begin to spiral downward. During this time, her favorite teacher invites her to an after-school Circle Group at her school. This then kicks off her and her family’s journey toward healing.
YOU did it, congratulations! Your story is going to be read by children or teens, educators, parents, librarians, book bloggers, etc. How do you feel, and are there any other projects in the works—that you can discuss?
I feel really ecstatic, blessed, emotional, calm—everything in one. It truly feels like a dream to see my biggest childhood dream come true! Me? An author? Is this real? *Screams into pillow*
Next up: The sequel to Rain Rising to debut in 2023!
Rain Rising
HarperCollins | September 27, 2022 | MG | 336 Pages | Amazon | Bookshop
Courtne Comrie is a poet and writer who prefers tackling heavy topics through simplistic and beautiful verse. Raised in Mount Vernon and the Bronx, New York, she graduated from CUNY Lehman College with a BA in creative writing through TheDream.US scholarship for undocumented students. She is an educator, mentor, and aunt to three amazing humans.
Connect with Courtne Comrie: Website | Instagram | Twitter
If you enjoy the new releases announcements, book lists, and other features on our blog, go here to support BCBA with a tax-deductible donation and here to subscribe to our newsletter. Thanks for your support!
