Meet Author Donna M. McDine!
E-mail: dmcdine@optionline.net
Blog: The Golden Pathway
Blog: Write What Inspires You!
Website: Donna M. McDine
Bio:
Donna McDine is an award-winning children’s author, Honorable Mention in the 77th Annual Writer’s Digest Writing Competition and two Honorable Mentions in the 78th Annual Writer’s Digest Writing Competition. Donna’s stories and features have been published in many print and online publications, and her first book, The Golden Pathway, will be published through Guardian Angel Publishing. Ms. McDine is a member of the SCBWI, Musing Our Children, and The National Writing for Children Center. Learn more about Donna at http://www.donnamcdine.com. If you sign the guestbook, you’ll receive a FREE e-Book Write What Inspires You: Author Interviews, and http://www.donna-mcdine.blogspot.com and http://www.thegoldenpathway.blogspot.com.
Featured Book: The Golden Pathway
By Donna M. McDine
Illustrated by K. C. Snider
Published by Guardian Angel Publishing
Release date: Summer, 2010
Be transported through time to the Underground Railroad. David befriends a slave, Jenkins, owned by his Pa. Fighting against extraordinary times and beliefs, David leads Jenkins to freedom with no regard for his own safety and possible consequences.
Interview:
Q: Describe a highlight for you personally while you were writing this book.
A: Terrific question! In the early stages I shared one of my latest drafts with my dear friend Dawn (of over 20 years) and her two boys. The oldest being an avid reader enjoyed it, but felt “it needed more meat.” Her youngest, a reluctant reader, said “David is so brave, I can’t wait to read more.” These two distinct feedbacks provided me the personal affirmation to keep writing and write well to keep the interest of both sides of the reading spectrum.
Q: Share the journey from book idea to published book while working with this particular publisher.
A: The Golden Pathway started out as a writing assignment for the Children’s Writers’ Coaching Club and after several critiques with director, Suzanne Lieurance, I took the plunge and submitted my manuscript to the 77th Annual Writer’s Digest Writing Competition and placed 12th in 1,17 entries. While not first place it is an honor I am quite proud of. From there I attended the Muse Online Writers Conference and met publisher, Lynda Burch of Guardian Angel Publishing. Lynda encouraged attendees of her workshop to submit and I found myself taking yet another plunge. Isn’t that what it is all about for writer’s, taking the chance and submitting?
While Lynda liked the story her professional opinion was to expand the story with specific points since I was no longer under a strict word count from the contest. I took all her suggestions into serious consideration and hired professional editor, Lea Schizas for further development. Once Lea and I were satisfied the manuscript was at its best, I resubmitted to Lynda Burch for reconsideration, resulting in an acceptance. Working with Lynda and K.C. Snider (illustrator) has been a rewarding and exhilarating experience and I am anxiously awaiting to announce the release date.
Q: What is one goal you have as a children’s writer and what are the steps you are taking to achieve it?
A: I have come to realize as writers we have numerous goals we want to reach. My main goal at this time is to finish the edits to my historical fiction manuscript and submit to the publishing houses I have researched. Three to be exact, but will submit in order of preference since none accept simultaneous submissions. My work outside my writing career has been busier than ever so I tackle these edits before anything else on my agenda for the day.
Q: Share one tip you would like to give someone who is just starting out as a writer for children.
A: Don’t spread yourself too thin, especially in Social Media Networking. Keeping social media profiles up to date and interesting is a full time job in itself even with pinging. Write first, then everything else. You’ll feel much better by the end of the day if you get your writing session in first.
Nancy, thank you for interviewing me, it has been a pleasure!
Good morning Nancy:
I’m thrilled to be here today. I look forward to checking-in throughout the day.
Best wishes,
Donna
By: Donna McDine on June 18, 2010
at 2:07 am
It’s great to have you here today, Donna! Best wishes on your book’s success! -Nancy
By: nancyisanders on June 18, 2010
at 6:13 am
Great interview and great advice. I absolutely agree that social media networking is a full-time job, so it’s important for writers to prioritize and get in that writing time! 🙂
All the best,
Lori
By: Lori Calabrese on June 18, 2010
at 2:47 am
Great interview, Nancy and Donna!
Donna, you must be so excited at the upcoming release of your book. I look forward to reading it!
By: Mayra Calvani on June 18, 2010
at 3:21 am
Great advice, and an interesting interview. I look forward to seeing more work from Donna, and can’t wait to read her books. Thanks for sharing.
By: Terri Forehand on June 18, 2010
at 4:44 am
Lovely interview. Nice job, Nancy and Donna. :o)
Great advice to write first, then do everything else, Donna.
By: Beth Bence Reinke on June 18, 2010
at 5:31 am
This is a great interview. Congratulations on your book Donna.
By: Kristi Bernard on June 18, 2010
at 5:37 am
Nancy, thanks for posting this interview. Many times I’ve let petty things take the time of writing.
Your book, Yes You Can Build a Successful Writing Career has really helped me get organized. Since reading the book, I read your blog regularly and find your thoughts and advice helpful. You’ve become my mentor from afar, so thanks-Mitzi
By: mrswordsmith on June 18, 2010
at 7:14 am
Dear Mitzi, thank you for your kind words. It’s a joy to have you in my circle of writer friends! -Nancy
By: nancyisanders on June 18, 2010
at 7:45 am
Hello Mitzi…thanks for stopping by today. Best wishes to your success.
Regards,
Donna
P.S. Nancy…I’m getting the hang of wordpress…I see now you can respond individually to people’s comments!
By: Donna McDine on June 18, 2010
at 8:18 am
Lori, Mayra, Terri, Beth, and Kristi:
Thank you very much for stopping by today and for your lovely comments and wonderful support. I truly appreciate.
Best wishes to you all,
Donna
By: Donna McDine on June 18, 2010
at 7:25 am
Great interview! Always nice learning more about authors through the interviews. Wish Donna much success with her books. Great tips!
Susanne Drazic
http://susannedrazic.blogspot.com/
By: Susanne Drazic on June 18, 2010
at 9:50 am
Hi Susanne: Thanks for stopping by and for your well wishes. I appreciate your interest!
Best wishes,
Donna
By: Donna McDine on June 18, 2010
at 11:53 am
Donna,
I can’t wait to see the finished book.
Blessings,
J. Aday Kennedy
The Differently-Abled Writer
Children’s picture Book Klutzy Kantor
Coming Soon Marta Gargantuan Wings
By: J. Aday Kennedy on June 18, 2010
at 11:10 am
Hi Jessica:
Thanks for visiting, much appreciated.
Warm regards,
Donna
By: Donna McDine on June 18, 2010
at 11:53 am
A wonderful interview for a wonderful lady! Thanks so much for sharing!
By: Nancy Carty Lepri on June 18, 2010
at 12:34 pm
Hi Nancy: Awww…thanks for your lovely note. You’ve made my evening and weekend!
Best wishes,
Donna
By: Donna McDine on June 18, 2010
at 1:13 pm
It’s been so great having you here on my blog, Donna! What a great group of pals you have stopping by. With all our good wishes, you’re sure to have such a wonderful experience with the launch of your book. Keep us all posted when you learn of its release date! -Nancy
By: nancyisanders on June 18, 2010
at 1:23 pm
Nice interview, Nancy.
It won’t be long, now, Donna. Waiting to see your lovely book.
Have a good weekend, ladies.
Bev
By: rebelinbluejeans on June 18, 2010
at 1:13 pm
Hi Bev (cyberspace mom):
Thanks for stopping by and for your ongoing support.
Best wishes for a wonderful weekend,
Donna
By: Donna McDine on June 18, 2010
at 1:36 pm
Nancy:
It’s been a terrific day! Nice way to end the week and begin the weekend!
Warm regards,
Donna
By: Donna McDine on June 18, 2010
at 1:37 pm
I just discovered this interview, and I’m glad I did. I enjoyed the interview and knowing Donna better.
Vivian
By: Vivian Zabel on June 18, 2010
at 10:22 pm
Hi Vivian:
Thanks for stopping by and for your lovely note. Have a wonderful weekend.
Best wishes,
Donna
By: Donna McDine on June 19, 2010
at 4:40 am
Great advice … taking the time to write first, because it’s so easy to get involved with so many other things throughout the day that you might not ever get around to it otherwise.
Donna, congratulations on your upcoming publication and I not only look forward to reading it but getting my copy signed by the author!
Kindest regards,
Patricia Shirra
By: Patricia Shirra on June 19, 2010
at 2:31 am
Patricia:
Thanks for your never ending support and critiques over the years. I look forward to getting back in the saddle again after our summer break!
Warm regards,
Donna
By: Donna McDine on June 19, 2010
at 7:37 am
Best wishes for much success with The Golden Pathway, Donna. I know it’ll be only the first of many for you.
By: Earl Staggs on June 19, 2010
at 3:18 am
Hi Earl:
Thank you for your kind and supportive words. The writing community is the best!
Best wishes,
Donna
By: Donna McDine on June 19, 2010
at 7:38 am
This is a wonderful interview, Donna and Nancy. I am so encouraged by knowing more about your writing adventure, Donna! Congratulations on “The Golden Pathway!”
~Heidi
By: Heidi Sisto on June 19, 2010
at 10:04 am
Hi Heidi:
Thank you very much for stopping by and for your kind words.
Best wishes to your success,
Donna
By: Donna McDine on June 19, 2010
at 10:11 am
Thanks for sharing the great interview, Nancy! Donna, best wishes to you with The Golden Pathway!
By: Connie Arnold on June 29, 2010
at 11:14 am
Connie:
Thanks for stopping by! Your support and kind words are much appreciated.
Best wishes,
Donna
By: Donna McDine on June 30, 2010
at 2:11 am