Event Details
Debut Night at Book Society is a celebration of firsts—first books, first pours, and the stories that bring them to life.
Join Kate Crane, Portia Elan, and Eric Scot Tryon as we raise a glass to their debut novels and introduce Book Society’s new house wines, crafted in collaboration with Berkeley-based Broc Cellars.
Throughout the evening, each author will share their journey to publication, offering a behind-the-scenes look at how an idea evolves into a finished book. From an investigative memoir to a genre-bending adventure spanning 600 years within a video game, to a moving exploration of grief and the unexpected relationships it reveals, these stories promise a rich and varied conversation.
Bring your curiosity—and your questions—for an evening designed to spark connection, discovery, and a deeper appreciation for the art of the debut.
Your ticket includes:
- A lively conversation with three debut authors—Kate Crane (What Ever Happened to Eddy Crane?), Portia Elan (Homebound), and Eric Scot Tryon (I’m the Undertow)
- A first taste of Book Society’s new house wines
- Book signing, conversation, and community mingling
About the Authors & Their Books
Eric Scot Tryon
San Francisco–based writer and editor Eric Scot Tryon makes his debut with I’m the Undertow (Central Avenue, May 2026), a haunting and tender novel exploring guilt, grief, and the unexpected relationships that form in the wake of loss. His short fiction has appeared in more than 50 literary journals, including Mid-American Review, Indiana Review, Ninth Letter, The Florida Review, Glimmer Train, and The Los Angeles Review. He is represented by Carleen Geisler of Britt Siess Creative Management and is the founding editor of the literary journal Flash Frog.
Portia Elan
Bay Area native Portia Elan brings a poet’s sensibility to her debut novel, Homebound, a sweeping and imaginative story that begins with a queer game designer in the 1980s and echoes into the 26th century—shaping the lives of a scientist, a sentient robot, and a desperate ship captain. A meditation on storytelling, identity, and belonging, the novel reflects Portia’s deep literary roots. She holds an MFA in Poetry from the University of Victoria, is a former Lambda Literary Fellow, and has worked as both a teacher and public librarian. She lives in the Bay Area with her wife and an abundance of cats.
Kate Crane
Writer and editor Kate Crane draws on her background in journalism and publishing for her debut, What Ever Happened to Eddy Crane?, an investigative memoir that blends personal narrative with rigorous reporting. When she was twelve, her father disappeared from his Baltimore trucking business and never returned—twenty years later, she set out to uncover the truth. Kate began her career with an NYC alt-weekly and later worked with Wall Street Journal publications. A Baltimore native and longtime New Yorker, she now lives in California.
About Broc Cellars
Broc Cellars is a Berkeley-based winery dedicated to producing fresh, vibrant wines meant for everyday enjoyment. Founded in 2002 by winemaker Chris Brockway, Broc works with organically farmed grapes and native fermentations to create wines that are expressive, balanced, and alive. Crafted with intention, these are wines designed to lift you up—never weigh you down.