Deborah Willis is a highly acclaimed Canadian literary fiction author, born and raised in Calgary. She debuted in the literary world with the publication of her short story collection "Vanishing and Other Stories" in 2009. This collection was an instant success, earning recognition from several prestigious sources. It was named the Best Book of the Year by NPR and the Globe and Mail, and it made the shortlist for the Governor General Award for fiction.
Willis's work has been praised for its unique storytelling and her ability to create compelling characters. Her writing has been described as "quiet, unassuming, and, at times, devastating" by The Globe and Mail. After the success of her first book, Willis continued to write and publish, further establishing herself in the literary world. Her second book, "The Dark and Other Love Stories," was published in 2017 and was also met with critical acclaim. It was longlisted for the Giller Prize, won the Georges Bugnet Award for best work of fiction published in Alberta, and was named one of the best books of the year by The Globe and Mail, the CBC public broadcaster, and Chatelaine Magazine.
In addition to her book-length works, Willis's fiction and non-fiction have been published in various esteemed literary magazines such as The Walrus, The Virginia Quarterly, The Iowa Review, Lucky Peach, and Zoetrope. Willis's work has been well received by both critics and readers, earning her a reputation as a skilled and thoughtful writer. Her ability to create engaging and memorable stories has solidified her place as a prominent voice in Canadian literature.