Panel: The Debut Novel & Autofiction

In honor of the paperback release of by Emily J. Smith, three debut authors with highly personal, plot-driven novels discuss whether or not the debut is really a self-insert.

"Write what only you can write," the saying goes, but how does one balance the pull to capture their own experience with the need to craft a propulsive plot and a cohesive narrative? Emily J. Smith, Ali Kriegsman, and Courtney Preiss will discuss all the blurry lines of mining life for plot-driven fiction.

Tickets and books are available both on eventbrite and at the door. Doors open at 6:30 with the talk starting around 7:00pm.

ABOUT THE PANELISTS:
Emily J. Smith is a writer based in Brooklyn. Her debut novel, Nothing Serious, was published by William Morrow. Her writing has appeared in The Rumpus, LitHub, Curbed, Hobart, Slate, Vice, The Washington Post, and elsewhere.

Ali Kriegsman is an exited technology entrepreneur, marketing consultant, writer and author based in Brooklyn. Kriegsman's company sold in 2022 for eight figures, and her first book, How to Build a Goddamn Empire, was published to acclaim by Abrams in 2021. Named one of Fast Company's "Most Creative People in Business," Ali's work has been featured in The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, Beauty Independent, Business of Fashion, and more. Her debut novel, The Raise, was featured by Reese’s Book Club and named one of the best books of fall 2025 by Bustle.

Courtney Preiss is the author of Welcome Home, Caroline Kline, an instant USA Today Bestseller. A Brooklyn native, she now lives in Asbury Park, New Jersey with her husband, their son, and their rescue dog, Barry.

• This is a ticketed in-store event with limited amphitheater-style seating.
• Doors open at 6:30pm, with the talk starting around 7:00pm.
• Books will be available for purchase at the event.
• Cost of a book bundle ticket reflects the total cost of the feature event book (MSRP plus tax). Each book bundle ticket guarantees ticket holders one (1) copy of the feature event book.
• The talk will be followed by a book signing. Books signed at P&T Knitwear events must be purchased from P&T Knitwear.
• If you would like a signed copy and cannot attend the event, we're happy to take your pre-order. We ship most places!

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