Picture a Canadian storyteller whose tales of love, loss, and human quirks have captivated readers worldwide—meet Deborah Willis! Born in Calgary, Alberta, this literary gem has carved a niche in contemporary fiction with her poignant short stories and a debut novel that’s out of this world—literally. From her award-nominated collections to her sharp, witty prose, Willis is a voice you’ll want to know.
With a style often compared to Alice Munro, Willis weaves narratives that feel both intimate and universal, exploring the messy, beautiful corners of human relationships. Whether it’s a pot-dealing slacker or a woman vying for a one-way trip to Mars, her characters linger long after the page is turned. Let’s dive into her journey, works, and why she’s a must-read in Canadian literature.
The Making of Deborah Willis
Born in 1982 in Calgary, Deborah Willis grew up in a city framed by the Rockies, a backdrop that subtly shapes her grounded yet expansive storytelling. The daughter of Pauline and Gary Willis, she later moved to Victoria, where she studied at the University of Victoria. Her early career as a bookseller at Munro’s Books wasn’t just a job—it was a literary apprenticeship. Surrounded by books, Willis honed her craft, eventually catching the eye of Penguin Canada, a rare feat for a young short-story writer. Her debut, Vanishing and Other Stories, arrived in 2009, earning praise and a nod from the legendary Alice Munro herself.
Willis’s path wasn’t all smooth sailing. She’s spoken candidly about the pressure to follow up her debut, poring over other authors’ bibliographies and battling self-doubt. Yet, her persistence paid off, leading to residencies at places like Joy Kogawa House and the University of Calgary, where she refined her voice as a master of short fiction and, later, a novelist.
Deborah Willis’s Unforgettable Stories
Willis’s debut, Vanishing and Other Stories (2009), is a collection of 14 tales that explore absence—be it a missing father, a lost love, or a faded dream. Shortlisted for the Governor General’s Award and named one of The Globe and Mail’s Best Books of 2009, it’s a masterclass in understated emotion, translated into Hebrew and Italian for global readers. Stories like “Sky Theatre” capture fleeting connections, while her unflashy prose draws you into characters’ quiet struggles.
In 2017, The Dark and Other Love Stories solidified her reputation. Longlisted for the Scotiabank Giller Prize and winner of the Georges Bugnet Award, this collection delves into love’s darker shades—obsession, complacency, even a man’s bond with a crow. The standout story, “Girlfriend on Mars,” inspired her 2023 debut novel of the same name. This satirical gem follows Amber Kivinen, who joins a reality show to win a trip to Mars, leaving her boyfriend Kevin and their weed business behind. Longlisted for the 2023 Giller Prize, it’s a funny, poignant take on love, eco-anxiety, and billionaire-funded space races.
Willis’s style blends realism with subtle magical elements, like a mysterious hole in a living room floor. Her stories, published in outlets like The Walrus and Zoetrope, are sharp yet tender, balancing humor and heartache. Whether exploring female friendships or interplanetary dreams, she captures the human condition with precision and wit.
Why Deborah Willis Matters
Deborah Willis is more than a storyteller—she’s a chronicler of our times. Her work tackles timely issues like climate change and corporate greed while staying rooted in personal, relatable struggles. In Canada’s literary scene, she’s a vital voice, blending the short-story tradition of Munro with a modern, satirical edge. Her ability to make readers laugh, cry, and think has earned her a devoted following and critical acclaim.
As an editor at Freehand Books and a mentor to emerging writers, Willis shapes the next generation of storytellers. Her stories resonate globally, offering insights into love, loss, and resilience that transcend borders. In a world of fleeting attention spans, her work demands we slow down and feel.
About Deborah Willis
- Born: 1982, Calgary, Alberta
- Key Works: Vanishing and Other Stories (2009), The Dark and Other Love Stories (2017), Girlfriend on Mars (2023)
- Awards: Shortlisted for Governor General’s Award (2009), Longlisted for Scotiabank Giller Prize (2017, 2023), Georges Bugnet Award (2017)
- Fun Fact: She worked at Munro’s Books for seven years, surrounded by literary inspiration.
Snag Girlfriend on Mars or her short story collections and dive into Deborah Willis’s witty, heartfelt world. Trust us, her stories are a journey worth taking!