Deborah Goemans
Deborah June Goemans is a published writer, playwright, storyteller, and book editor with more than twenty years of experience across literary fiction, non-fiction, and stage work. Born and raised in South Africa during apartheid, Deborah’s diverse heritage—spanning Dutch, French, and Irish ancestry—combined with her life in five countries on three continents, informs the global perspective and cultural depth of her writing. She has written novels, essays, articles, and stage plays that explore themes of memory, inter-generational impact, and human connection, always emphasizing how our choices shape the world we leave for future generations. Deborah’s work has been recognized with numerous honors, including a 2025 New York State Council on the Arts (#NYSCA) artist grant for her full-length stage play Our Beloved Iago, performed at the Homer Center for the Arts, which was also nominated for a regional theater new-play award in Upstate New York. She has performed her one-woman play Call Me Baba Yaga, contributed essays to award-winning publications such as The Humanist, and worked for with major publishing houses including HarperCollins, Penguin Books, and Skyhorse Publishing as a ghostwriter, copy editor, and proofreader. Her literary fiction, including The Amaranth Bloom, demonstrates her commitment to exploring complex social issues through compelling storytelling. In addition to her writing, Deborah is a seasoned editor and motivational speaker, bringing meticulous attention to detail and a creative vision to every project she undertakes. She combines her knowledge of style guides, editing software, and publishing processes with her passion for narrative nonfiction and stagecraft to help authors realize their best work. Whether on stage, in print, or in public speaking, Deborah’s work reflects her belief in the transformative power of storytelling, her dedication to helping form a world without war, and her mission to illuminate the connections between past, present, and future generations.
• SUNY ESC - BS
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to persistence, consistent effort, and the practice of putting my work out into the world.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve received is to “ship your work,” from Seth Godin—don’t hold onto it, share it, and keep building momentum. I’m also inspired by people like Teasa Luke, who started as an untrained dancer but, through passion and persistence, became an incredible artist and community contributor. Watching her growth reminds me of the power of dedication and giving back.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering the industry is to follow your passion and share your work when it is ready. Life and career will bring challenges and conflicts, but ask yourself how you can make a difference and keep striving. Don’t operate from fear; use your voice, pursue your dreams, and keep sending your work—opportunities will come.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in my field is navigating the difficulty of moving screenplays from page to production. At the same time, there’s a tremendous opportunity for writers to engage with urgent societal themes—like war, ancestral memory, and the long-term effects of conflict—and help shape conversations about peaceful alternatives.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that guide me in both my work and personal life are respect for our ancestors and future generations, kindness, community, and supporting other women. These principles shape how I create, collaborate, and contribute to the world around me.
Locations
Private Company
Tully, NY 13159