Welcome to my first Author interview. I’m hoping this is the first of many to come. Thank you to Donna McDine for being my "guinea pig" for this project.
Please read through the interview, and feel free to leave any questions you have for Donna. She will be popping in throughout the day to answer questions.
Terrie: Please tell us a few things about yourself.
Donna: I am a wife, mother, and writer. Married for 20 years and raising now 14 and 11 year old daughters certainly has its roller coaster moments. Fortunate enough to work from home the last 11 years, first as an administrative assistant and since January 2010 as the Marketing Manager at Stories for Children Magazine, I cherish the moments I’m available for my girls, especially when they come home from school.
Terrie: Why and when did you start writing?
Donna: I first came across the Institute of Children’s aptitude test in 2006 and longing for something more fulfilling for a career I took the plunge, completed the test and mailed it in. I graduated in 2007 and haven’t looked back since. My first publishing credit was July 2007 with Stories for Children Magazine. Needless to say having VS Grenier offer me the marketing manager position definitely brought my writing career full circle.
Terrie: What genre do you like writing the most, and why?
Donna: At the beginning of my writing career I felt I wanted to write for the young adult, but my research and ideas lead me to the early reader and middle grade range. I’ve finally finished the first draft of my historical fiction manuscript and now I must get my editor hat on and begin the next task in accomplishing a finished manuscript for submission.
Terrie: What is your best age group to write for?
Donna: Hmm. This is hard to say. This may sound like I’m avoiding the question, but it depends what topic I’m brainstorming on. For example, for several of my non-fiction articles I originally envisioned them for the 12 plus range and after research and staying within the word count guidelines I find myself writing more in the 5-8 year old range.
Terrie: Is there any particular reason for this?
Donna: I believe this is the age range I’m most comfortable with.
Terrie: Thinking of books you've read, which one stands out, and why?
Donna: This is a tough one. I’ve read so many books over the years it truly is hard to pick one. So I’m going to name a few:
Victory by Susan Cooper. The author seamlessly transports the reader back and forth from current and past eras and you almost forget you are reading about two different main characters.
The Rock of Realm by Lea Schizas. I have never been one to pickup and enjoy a fantasy novel, but with the superb writing talent of Schizas I found myself mesmerized from the onset.
Caves, Cannons, and Crinolines by Beverly Stowe McClure. I’ve always been fascinated by history and McClure expertly brings you into this fascinating era. You can practically hear the echo of the cannons from within the caves, and the rustling of the crinoline skirts. Now that’s great writing.
Terrie: Is there another writer that you have aspired to be like, or have you always enjoyed your own unique writing style and methods?
Donna: I really can’t say who I’d aspire to be like without sounding like a stalker. LOL. With all seriousness, there are many who I admire especially with all the juggling they do with not only their writing careers, but always taking the time to help others. I’m not going to list names in fear of missing someone. And as my wise Nana used to say, “Be yourself my dear, no one else sees the world as you do, take your dream and soar.”
Terrie: If you were ever stranded on a deserted island, what are the three things you would like to have with you, and why are they important to you?
Donna: Husband, Nicole & Hayley, Graf Von Faber-Castell Pen & Refills, a trunk load of writing pads, and my best girlfriend. Why? Without family I’m not whole, without my writing I may explode, and without my best girlfriend I may become an emotional mess. I’ve gone outside the guidelines (and I know in the writing world that’s a no-no), but my choices are imperative.
Terrie: If you hadn't become a writer is there anything else you would have wanted to do?
Donna: Web design.
Terrie: You started a writers newsletter. What inspired you to take on this project, and what are you looking for as contributions to the newsletter?
Donna: In the midst of attending the 2008 Muse Online Writers Conference I began to learn about platform. One of the main points of platform is to get your name known before your book deal. I was then inspired to publish a monthly newsletter of interviews from the children’s publishing industry and include one book review (normally tied into one of the interviews), proclaim your successes column, and a submission based Reflections or Dreams column. This is a non-paying market at this time. Submissions can be either fiction or non-fiction up to 500-words on any aspect of one’s life whether it be writing or not.
Terrie: Can you give us one highlight of your writing career?
Donna: One highlight? What’s with the tough questions? Not to sound like a cliché, but each publishing success holds a special meaning. I’ll narrow it down to three: Entering the 77th Annual Writer’s Digest Contest and placing 12th in the Children’s/Young Adult category; Meeting Lynda Burch, publisher of Guardian Angel Publishing at the 2008 Muse Online Writers Conference and submitting my Writer’s Digest winning manuscript The Golden Pathway and have it accepted by GAP resulting in my first book contract, and unexpectedly being offered the Marketing Manager position at Stories for Children Magazine by VS Grenier.
Terrie: Is there anything else you've never been asked, but would love to tell others?
Donna: Go with your inspiration and instinct. If you feel something is NOT right steer clear, if something FEELS right, go for the adventure and bloom!
Terrie: Donna, thank you so much for taking the time to answer these questions. I’m sure my readers will have questions for you. I would like to take the opportunity to wish you great success with your new book.
J. Aday Kennedy – Interviews Children’s Author, Donna M. McDine
Offering writers of all levels an opportunity to learn from veteran authors with personal interviews, virtual book tours, book reviews and valuable writing information links to writer’s resources.
Donna McDine is an award winning children's author, placing 12th in the 77th Annual Writer’s Digest Writing Competition and recently signed her 1st book contract with Guardian Angel Publishing and she is the Marketing Manager for Stories for Children Magazine.
VBT Host Interview Questions Donna McDine
Donna is a regular host of virtual book tours. Let’s see what we can learn about being a host.
Hi Donna. Thanks for dropping in and sharing your thoughts. Let’s jump right in.
J. Aday: What are the benefits of hosting a virtual book tour?
Donna: I enjoy hosting virtual book tours because it provides me with the opportunity to meet authors. I not only learn about their current books, but I also take the chance to learn from them.
J. Aday: What’s can a blog host do to boost exposure?
Donna: To boost the exposure of the visiting author, I blog and social network about the impending visit at least 1-2 days prior. I also send out a 2-3 sentence announcement to my writing network.
J. Aday: What would your ideal virtual book tour guest do? Describe the things that make a great virtual book tour guest.
Donna: Participation is key for the guest author. It is important for both the host and guest to encourage not only comments from the visitors, but for them to ask questions of the guest author. Of course the guest author can’t stay online all day, but it should be noted the guest author will check-in periodically through the day to field answer questions.
J. Aday: Can you make some suggestions for the types of posts a person can make on a virtual book tour?
Donna: The three main posts I’m familiar with consist of an article on children’s writing by the guest author, a book review or Q&A post. There have been times where I host the author on two different days and we go with a combination of the book review and Q&A. Again, both posts encourage comments and questions.
J. Aday: How can someone track the blog visits to a virtual book tour post?
Donna: Personally I use Statcounter at http://www.statcounter.com for my blog and web pages. I am able to access the stats via my account at any time of the day. Statcounter gives you the capability of breaking down your stats in many different formats and categories. It is up to the user. I do share the visit stats for the week with the guest author so they can get a feel of how many people were interested in their visit.
J. Aday: Have you hosted virtual book tours for people that have and have not used a virtual book tour planner? If yes, what was the difference?
Donna: I have hosted virtual book tours directly through the author and through virtual book planners (such as Pump Up Your Book Promotion and Author Marketing Experts). On my end hosting responsibilities are no different. I would suggest speaking with authors who have promoted their books through virtual book tours what their experience has been as an author.
J. Aday: Is there anything else you’d like to share with virtual book tour hosts and authors?
Donna: Hosting virtual book tours are a win-win situation for the host and guest author. In my experience any exposure an author can get is crucial to their success. It’s like the hold Herbal Essence Shampoo commercial, I’ll tell one friend, you tell one friend, and they’ll tell one friend, etc. As for the host, you make a personal connection with you guest author and you receive the added traffic and interest at your blog.
Interview of Donna McDine by Mayra Calvani at Suite101.com
Donna McDine has been a cashier, a personal assistant, a web designer, and now is finally where she belongs... in the world of children’s literature. "My mind, body, and soul soar to amazing depths of creativity that make my words and world sing," says Donna. "My previous careers have been so different, each I gave my all, but I’ve always ached for something more fulfilling."
It wasn’t until she read an ad by the Institute of Children’s Literature for their aptitude test in 2006 that she took the plunge. She filled it out and to her pure delight she was accepted into the program. She hasn't looked back since.
Distribution Method: Email with .PDF file attached
Length of Existence: One month
Coming off the inspiration of The 2008 Muse Online Conference, Donna is embarking on the maiden voyage of her debut FREE newsletter, “Write What Inspires You!” to be published December 2008 and monthly thereafter. It is my intent to deliver to you on a monthly basis a combination of:
Author, Illustrator, and Editor Interviews
Book Reviews
An essay column entitled, Reflections or Dreams (which can be non-fiction or fiction)
Proclaim Your Successes! Section, so we all can cheer one another on.
Audience: Peers in the Children Publishing Industry
Donna M. McDine Editor/Children’s Author
Donna M. McDine ~ is a native of Rockland County, New York and lives with her husband and two daughters. She writes, moms, and is a personal assistant from her home in Tappan. Donna is a 2007 graduate of the Institute of Children’s Literature, Writing for Children and Teenagers program and is currently enrolled in the ICL’s Advanced Book Course. She is also a member of the SCBWI and Musing Our Children Group. Donna’s publishing credits include over 15 print and online ezines. She placed 12th in the 77th Annual Writers Digest Writing Competition in the category Children’s/Young Adult Fiction and her cover letter to Boys’ Quest for ice-fishing article is published as a sample in the 2009 Magazine Markets for Children’s Writers issue.In addition, she has two accepted non-fiction articles pending publication with Boys’ Quest, December 2012 and Hopscotch for Girls, April 2014. She is also a children’s book reviewer for the Muse Book Reviews, The National Writing for ChildrenCenter, and the Stories for Children Magazine.
Learn more about Donna’s writing career at: http://www.donnamcdine.com, sign her guest book and receive a FREE copy of “Write What Inspires You! Author Interviews,” compiled by Donna M. McDine.
Although her background is in office management, she focuses her creative energies on writing for children and young adults. Using her children, extended family, and their friends as inspiration, she consistently studies the children’s magazine markets for submitting of articles and short stories. Donna also continues to participate in children and young adult writing workshops, conferences, and critique groups on an ongoing basis to sharpen her writing skills.
J. Aday: Donna, I have to admit I’ve considered writing a newsletter. It seems like a daunting task. What was your biggest concern about pulling it off and how did you lay that concern to bed?
Donna: My biggest concern at first was why would someone want to subscribe to my newsletter, what makes me worthy of putting out such a newsletter. I’m a list person and immediately wrote out my pros and cons. The pros heavily outweighed the cons. My gut told me, what do you have to lose…so I went for it. I went ahead and sent out Media Releases and posts to children writer discussion boards and my writing groups and my efforts resulted in positive responses. Even before the debut issue in December 2008 was released my opt-in subscriber list stood at a little more than 75 subscribers. To tell you the truth I was quite shocked and pleased. As of this interview I’m at 90 subscribers and momentum continues to build. Not as much at first, but steady enough. I feel like a child receiving the perfect gift and shout out a YIPPEE every time I receive in opt-in request.
J. Aday: In an email to me, you mentioned your copy editor. What is their job? How did you choose them?
Donna: I attended the Eastern NY SCBWI conference in June 2008 and without prior knowledge of her attendance, I met fellow Muse It Up Club member, Lori Calabrese. We immediately bonded face-to-face, after knowing each other through cyber-space and to our delight we met Stephanie Hoina at the conference. The three of us forged a positive bond quickly and we started up our own critique group. Since June we are continually in touch critiquing one another’s work and supporting one another in writing and personally. Stephanie is not a copy editor by trade, but her attention to detail is in-depth and concise. She not only suggests a change, but why…making it much clearer and positive for the change. Stephanie’s job is to read through the newsletter with a fine tooth comb before its release to make sure no sneaky typos find their way in and the flow of writing is understandable.
J. Aday: What purpose will your ezine serve your readers?
Donna: The purpose of my ezine newsletter is to provide interviews on a monthly basis from authors, editors, and illustrators, giving the reader a glimpse into the daily musings of the children publishing industry. Also, included is a submission column entitled, Reflections or Dreams (more detail below), one book review per month usually tied in with the author or illustrator interviewed and of course a Proclaim Your Successes column for fellow writers to announce their accomplishments. I’m currently booked through June and a sneak peak for the February 2009 issue includes interviews with author Lori Calabrese, editor Jon Bard of Children’s Book Insider, illustrator Jeff Miracola, book review of Welcome to Monster Isle, and Reflections or Dreams article by author L. Diane Wolfe.
J. Aday: How are you generating subscribers?
Donna: I am learning the marketing techniques as I go along and to date I have been successful with Media Releases, posting announcements at children writers discussion boards, including the newsletter in my signature line of my emails, having an opt-in selection at the top of my website, and of course word of mouth. Over the past several months I am becoming more comfortable with my abilities as a writer and have discussed my writing career and my newsletter more openly. Networking IS key!
J. Aday: Will you accept submissions from writers?
Donna: At this time I accept submissions for the Reflections or Dreams column. The guidelines for submission are: select to write a poem or an article (fiction or non-fiction) around the topic of “reflections of your writing” or “dreams for your writing.” No more than 500 words. The column will not include more than one article or a combo of one poem and one article for the Reflections or Dreams column. This is a non-paying market.
J. Aday: How will you determine its success or failure?
Donna: The best way to gauge the success of the newsletter is continued momentum of opt-in subscribers, interview subjects, and submission to the Reflections or Dreams column.
J. Aday: What goals have you set for 2009, the first year of publication?
Donna: The main goal set for 2009 is to continue with marketing, contacting interviewees, and growing the opt-in subscriber list on a consistent basis. I’d like to see the opt-in list grow to at least 200.
Jessica, thanks for the opportunity to be interviewed. I enjoyed your questions and look forward to our continued contact in 2009!
It sounds like you're primed for success. Good luck with your new venture. I hope it lives up to all of your hopes and dreams.
Donna M. McDine is one of the most supportive, enthusiastic and energetic authors I know. As busy as she is with her writing, she takes the time to promote and inspire other writers, including me. I am delighted to interview Donna and have her share with us the exciting things that are happening in her career.
Bev: You are now the Marketing Manager at Stories for Children Magazine. How did this come about?
Donna: In the last several years I have attended numerous in-person writers’ conference and the last two Muse Online Writers Conferences. The success stories that I've been privy to when a writer finds success in finding an agent or publisher are exhilarating. I have often wondered: How can I make this happen? Are these events pipe dreams? I'm here to tell you, you can make these special connections happen and they do not need to be pipe dreams, but reality. While coasting through the cyber-space hallways at the 2008 Muse Online Writers Conference, I received a virtual tap on my shoulder and an unexpected surprise was presented to me. VS Grenier, founder and editor of Stories for Children Magazine presented me an offer to join her team, starting January 2009 as Marketing Manager.
Your attendance at conferences is indeed crucial to be put into the right place at the right time. You never know who has been watching your writing career from afar and may present themselves to you and offer a wonderful opportunity.
Go for it...market your writing career...the break you've been striving for may just be right around the next corner!
Bev: What are your responsibilities in this job?
Donna: My responsibilities include researching and contacting children’s writers and illustrators for the monthly Featured Guest interview, Media Releases, cross promotional and marketing efforts, and customer service inquiries.
Bev: In December, 2008, you also started your Write What Inspires You! Newsletter. What was your inspiration to publish this newsletter and what are your plans for future issues?
Donna: Since embarking on my writing career in 2007 I have continually read and heard about creating your platform.Not fully understanding what a platform is and how it can benefit your writing I began to pick many established writer’s brains via email and at conferences…particularly The Muse Online Writers Conference.After becoming inspired from the wealth of positive information I began to brainstorm ideas for creating my platform.I kept coming back to a newsletter.Since I have always been interested what other writers have to say I thought why not interviews with writers, but to expand it to interviews with editors and illustrators.The topics of the newsletter started to take a life of its own on and I expanded it to Book Reviews, Proclaim Your Successes Column and Reflections or Dreams column before the first issue debuted in December 2008.The Reflections or Dreams column is submission based and non-paying at this time.If you are interested in more details of the column please email me at: dmcdine@optonline.net with any questions you may have.
Bev: The Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators Bulletins have mentioned many of your successes. Where do you get all of your ideas for these articles?
Donna: Many of my non-fiction articles have derived from a publications needs or theme list.Several of my fictional short stories are based on my children also…sssh…don’t tell them.Now that my oldest is a teenager she doesn’t appreciate it as much.
Bev:Do you have a favorite story or article you’ve written?
Donna:Hmm.The one non-fiction article that holds a special place in my heart is “The ‘Ghosts’ of the Night.” The idea came from a family vacation in The Outer Banks, NC.Each night the adults and children would head to the beach with flashlights to find ghost crabs.
Bev: Which do you prefer to write, fiction or non-fiction?
Donna: Tough question. Depending on my inspiration and the topic determines this for me.For non-fiction I enjoy the research process and discovering details I didn’t know before. For fiction when an idea and conflict comes to me I immediately begin writing my ideas and develop it from there.My notes and first draft are always written in long hand with my favorite Graf von Faber-Castell pen my family gave to me for my 40th birthday.I guard it and my family knows not to use it…it’s a quirk I have. Once I find a pen I love to write with, it’s mine only.I know, I know…we also tell our children not to be selfish…too bad on this one kids.
Bev: Besides your personal writing and your position as Marketing Manager, you have a couple of blogs. Can you give your readers a hint at how you organize your time?
Donna: Organization has always been a positive factor to me…even though my family and friends call me an “organization freak”.Hey, I could be called worse.I believe it comes from my 16 plus years working in Corporate America and juggling multiple bosses at any given time.I am a lists person by nature and I breakdown my To Do lists in categories, Must Do Today, Follow-up Today, Weekly Goals, Monthly Goals.At first in my writing career I did not follow suit and I did not write out my goals, but with the encouragement of an established author I began to.Once I did, my dreams and goals became clearer, which provided me with a focus for the day, week and month.Now to expand it to 6 months and yearly…haven’t gotten that far.You’ll see by Bev’s next question I needed to reflect on it for yet another tough question…just kidding Bev...your questions are terrific.Another important factor to stress is to treat your writing time as a job and show up.
Bev: What are your goals/plans for 2009?
Donna: Now that Bev has forced me to set my goals/plans for 2009…LOL…here goes:
üIncrease my opt-in subscriber list for my Write What Inspires You! Newsletter to 200.
üEdit and resubmit my historical fiction manuscript entitled, “The Golden Pathway” for further consideration by the publisher.
üFinally complete my middle grade manuscript, edit, submit.
üBecome an instrumental team member at Stories for Children Magazine
üNetwork, network, network
Bev: Where can we learn more about your adventures in the writing and publishing world? Web site? Blog?
Donna: To find out more about my writing career please visit me at:
Sign my guestbook and receive my Free e-book “Write What Inspires You! Author Interviews”
Bev:Thank you, Donna, for always taking that extra step to help other writers. I’m looking forward to hearing more good news about your writing.
Donna: Thanks to you too, Bev, for interviewing me…I enjoyed our time together.I look forward to staying in touch in 2009 and beyond.
Interview with Children's Freelance Writer Donna McDine
Written by
Mayra Calvani Published May 21, 2008 Donna McDine is a freelance children's fiction writer with a first book in the works. Balancing her family life, day job, and writing career isn't easy, but as she herself stresses, setting boundaries and having a private writing space helps. In this interview, she talks about her writing environment, habits, and she offers aspiring writers some useful advice.
Why don’t you begin by telling us a little about yourself?I'm a native of Rockland County, New York and live with my husband and two daughters. I write, moms, and I’m a personal assistant from my home in Tappan. I’m a 2007 graduate of the Institute of Children’s Literature, Writing for Children and Teenagers program. I’m also a member of the SCBWI (Society of Children's Book Writers & Illustrators), The Children’s Writers Coaching Club at The National Writing for Children Center, and Musing Our Children Group. I have been published in Stories for Children Magazine, Kid Magazine Writers, Long Story Short, Institute of Children’s Literature Rx for Writers, SCBWI Metro NY Newsletter, and Once Upon A Time. And a forthcoming non-fiction article with Boys’ Quest to be published in December 2012. I’m also a children’s book reviewer for Musing Our Children Group, The National Writing for ChildrenCenter, and Stories for Children Newsletter.
When did you decide you wanted to become an author? Do you have another job besides writing? I married 18 years ago and with the strong desire to be home (after contending with the rat race of sending Nicole to daycare and running off to my corporate job) I found myself pregnant with Hayley 10 years ago and armed with a Bachelor’s Degree in Office Management and 11 years as an Administrative Assistant in the corporate world I successfully landed a job working for a Fundraising Consultant working primarily from my home. This position has been a Godsend, since worrying about the endless responsibilities of what to do with the children at the end of the school day, illnesses, etc. I was now home to deal with them. And the gentleman I work for is a doll - he respects the fact that family comes first. However, over the years I have yearned for something more challenging and rewarding. Then suddenly one day in the mail, info on the Institute of Children’s Literature found its way to me. I haven’t looked back since - even though I still hold my “day job” (it helps pays the bills). I continue to make progress in achieving my writing goals (even if they are baby steps).
Were you an avid reader as a child? What type of books did you enjoy reading?I always enjoyed reading from a young age and you could always find me immersed in a Nancy Drew mystery. I still have my collection (that my mom saved, in hopes of passing them down to her future granddaughters) that my daughters have been enjoying. To this day I still love a great mystery. In the past year I have read The Garden of Eve by K.L. Going, The Haunting of Frances Rain by Margaret Buffie, and Victory by Susan Cooper, plus many others.
Describe your working environment. It has finally been confirmed that I’m a writer! The room that I had my computer in for years did not have a fourth wall - not until the day my husband surprised me that he had contracted a friend to put in a wall with a pocket door as a Christmas present to me. Having him acknowledge the fact that it is very important for me to be able to shut out the world when need be when I’m writing is a tremendous support. When the door is shut it tells my husband and daughters that a creative writing session is in progress and I shouldn’t be interrupted at this time. I feel validated! My computer desk is adorned with a picture of my daughters in a Precious Moments frame that reads “There’s Always a Place in My Heart for You!” This helps me stay focused on the greater picture of life and family. I have writing and spiritual affirmations posted around my computer screen to help me to stay on track in my writing career. Morning is definitely my best creative time. I face a paneled wall and above that there are three 10”x10” quilts framed in oak frames (from Amish Country, PA) with a metal cut out sign that reads: "Write" (picked that up at an antique shop in Hunter Mountain, NY). I feel that it is very important that you designate some area in your home that is your space alone where you can let the creative juice flow. Go ahead… create your own oasis!
As a writer, what scares you the most? Everyone says rejection, but I’d have to say acceptance of my manuscript and then having to come up with another idea for another manuscript. I’ve spent so much time with my current characters it probably would be odd not to have them rambling around my head anymore. It’s scary for me at times to have my words out there for all to judge, but I know publication and acceptance is the golden reward for our fruits of labor.
When it comes to writing, are you an early bird, or a night owl? I rise about 5:30 am, read through my spiritual affirmations, check email and get a Pilates session in before the girls and hubby rise. Once the girls are off to school I make sure that I’m organized for my “day job” and then hit the ground running with my writing. This way when my boss calls late morning/early afternoon it’s not difficult to switch gears. Morning is definitely my best creative time.
What is the best writing advice you’ve ever received? So many people that I’ve met over the last two years have given me very sound advice. The one that stands out from early on is from Gayle Jacobson-Huset, Assistant Editor, Stories for Children Magazine: “Don't worry about your writing so much ... your girls are young yet and need you ... your time for writing more and more will come sooner than you think ... just try to write something -- even if it's an email or a letter to somebody, or even a journal entry -- every day to keep your skills up, and also read, read, read children's books in the genre you hope to specialize in ... the rest will come in due time. I think you're doing great!”
Do you have another book on the works? Would you like to tell readers about your current or future projects?I am working on my first book through the Institute of Children’s Literature Advanced Book Course. Tentatively entitled, “Images of the Past,” includes historical events of General George Washington and Major John Andre. However, the long ago occupants, Nicole, and company are purely fictional.
The town I live in Tappan, NY is listed on the New York State Historical roster and I live down the street from the DeWint House, which was once occupied by General George Washington. Major John Andre attempted to deliver the secrets of West Point to the British, but was later tried, convicted and hung as a traitor. SYNOPSIS: Nicole Sloan has moved to the east coast of the United States with her mother and sister and finds herself immersed in discovering the identity of the long ago occupants of their new home and proving their innocence of treason. While the move is difficult for Nicole, especially since her parents recently divorced (because of wife abuse), she is intrigued to solve the mystery from over 200 years ago. With the help of her sister, Hayley, and her two new friends, they are working against forces beyond their control. Yet their determination leads them down a road they never thought possible.
Do you have a website/blog where readers may learn more about you and your work?I have developed a blog and a website in conjunction with my writing and use them as a tool to provide information and maintain relationships with fellow writers. I blog at least 2-3 times per week and update my website on a monthly basis, or sooner if necessary.
Thanks for being my guest, Donna! Good luck with your writing career.Mayra Calvani is a multi-genre author and book reviewer. She's the author of The Slippery Art of Book Reviewing, Dark Lullaby, and Embraced by the Shadows. Her children's titles include The Magic Violin and CRASH! Check out her blogs: Mayra's Secret Bookcase, The Dark Phantom Review, and Violin and Books. Subscribe to her free monthly newsletter, The Fountain Pen.
