From Maine to Manuscripts

Hailing from Portland and Brunswick, Maine, Deborah Gould ’67 found her academic home at Colby-Sawyer before venturing to Boston for a stint with a major publishing firm. She had just three days of vacation between her graduation and her first day in the editorial department of Houghton Mifflin, Co. However, it didn’t take long for the call of her roots to draw her back to Maine, where she still resides.

Now a member of a writing group known as the Cumberland Street Writers, Deb is a decorated author. Her historical novel "The Eastern, Book One: The Early Years" earned her the 2014 Maine Literary Award for short fiction, and the sequel was a finalist in 2016. Her latest novel, "Kate Meader," adds another chapter to her literary journey. In the novel, the title character endures significant hardship, losing both her son and husband during the Civil War. Seeking stability, she becomes a live-in cook at Gardiner, Maine's almshouse, where she cares for the city's homeless and disadvantaged. In January 1900, Civil War veteran Nicholas Dale arrives at the almshouse and Kate’s life takes a turn.

Deb's impact goes far beyond her professional endeavors as a writer. A dedicated volunteer for domestic violence agencies in Maine, she facilitated support groups and served on the Board of Directors for The Family Violence Project in Augusta. Today, she actively participates in panels and discussions for Finding Our Voices, a nonprofit organization working to bring support to women and children in Maine.

Outside of her literary pursuits, Deb's life is filled with other passions. A lover of literature, she enjoys reading, daily walks, dancing, kayaking, and tending to her daylily and iris gardens. She is also deeply connected to The Society of Friends (Quakers). They have taught her simplicity, peace, integrity, community, and equality.

Deb credits Colby-Sawyer (then Colby Junior College) for shaping her early career, having learned typing at the college. Reflecting on her experience, she fondly remembers the support of notable educators like Hillary Cleveland and Cornelia Childs, who played pivotal roles in her journey. Deb's story embodies the spirit of a Colby-Sawyer alumna—a tapestry woven with professional triumphs, community service, and literary prowess. Her journey resonates as an inspiration for those who tread similar paths, a testament to the enduring impact of education and the pursuit of one's passions.