Special Series
Dept. of Congrats Spotlight: Yu-Mei Balasingamchow
GrubStreet is thrilled to congratulate instructor Yu-Mei Balasingamchow. Yu-Mei's debut novel, Names Have Been Changed, was published on June 23 by Tiny Reparations Books. It is one of Debutiful’s Most Anticipated Debut Books of 2026, one of E! News’ Books to Read This Summer, and one of Marie Claire’s Best Mystery/Thriller Books of 2026.
We asked Yu-Mei how her time at GrubStreet influenced her accomplishments:
"I couldn't have completed my debut novel without the community I've found at GrubStreet. Teaching and taking classes here has been a wonderful way not only to meet fellow writers but also to have serious, sustained conversations about writing, art and imagination. I'm inspired by our shared sense of commitment to the craft of words and to helping each other on our creative journeys."
Do you have writing news and want to be featured in the Department of Congratulations? Every Thursday, we feature the good news of GrubStreet community members in our newsletter, Spreading the Love. To be included, please fill out this form. Not only will you be featured in our weekly newsletter, you may be featured in a blog post on our website!
Keep reading in this series
Interview with Katherine A. Sherbrooke