This Queen of Breakovers is your best girl expert in the school of love. With years of dating and breakup experience, including one crushing breakup at eight months pregnant (which evolved into a supportive divorce and loving friendship) – Debra Rogers has earned her relationship MBA. She’s been there, done that, got the T-shirt.

Experience is knowledge. Knowledge is power. And Debra’s here to pass the girl power onto you with her book, He Did You a Favor. In her book, Debra helps you discover how a breakup can be used as fuel to reach goals and how to conquer life-long fears by sharing true stories from her experience and from other women. 

So how did Debra get to where she’s at? We asked her a few fun questions so you can get to know the woman behind the advice…

What was the most challenging part of writing your personal story in He Did You a Favor?

Having to revisit and articulate the most painful moments of my breakup.  I also struggled with how to talk about my ex, who although he was the catalyst for our breakup, ultimately did me a favor.

What was your biggest inspiration while writing He Did You a Favor?

My biggest inspiration came from hearing other women’s stories, who also experienced great pain and challenges from their breakup. These women immediately responded to the title and purpose of this book, which is to see breakups as a favor.

Which real-life stories in He Did You a Favor were your favorites?

Definitely the story about the girl who found out the guy she was dating actually had other girls for sex – It’s so nonsensical and still makes me laugh.  

Also, the story where the woman found out her boyfriend was cheating with his ex-girlfriend and poured salsa over his head before she dumped him, then went on to have a multitude of adventures around the world and met and married the love of her life. They just had twins.

And I love the story about the woman who’s rebuilding her life with her daughter after her husband had an affair. I think the things she says are so poignant and mirror my own experience in many ways. 

All the stories are honest and heartfelt. I’m so grateful to the women who shared them.

What was your own personal soundtrack while writing He Did You a Favor?

I always make a playlist on every project I work on.  Some of the artists on this playlist were: Katy Perry, Rihanna, Taylor Swift, Alicia Keys, Kelly Clarkson and Christina Aguilera.

Where is your favorite place to write?

My home office. After my divorce I created my writing space in my new home, with built-in bookcases, special lighting, and my all-time favorite piece: an antique French desk that I got in New York.