Meet Guest Author Donna M. McDine

Posted on by Chris The Story Reading Ape

 Donna McDine

Thinking Outside the Box and Grabbing the Opportunity to Create

I have always found it easier to promote and chat up fellow authors rather than myself. I fear coming off conceited or having the all about me complex I find so annoying from reality television. I consider myself lucky that my parents were always supportive for their children to think outside the box of mainstream and for us to explore what put a spring in our steps and imagination. For as long as I can remember I have always enjoyed immersing myself in an exciting book and loosing the track of time. I fondly remember watching the Lou Grant Show with my dad growing up and dreamed about becoming a reporter. Even from a young age it intrigued me the research it took for a reporter to put a perfect column together. For one reason or another, I ended up working in administration for Fortune 500 companies for many many years (way too many than I’d like to admit to) and then finding myself as a virtual assistant as I had my children (way before it become mainstream). After longing to get my creative juices flowing beyond the corporate world I eagerly completed the Institute of Children’s Literature aptitude test and happily I was accepted. This was back in 2006-07 and I haven’t looked back since, a place of creativity that I wish I had not squashed so long ago.

Donna 02

 

Story ideas come to me in different ways… my imagination, daily life, news articles, and movies. Yes, I carry a small notebook and pen with me at all times for those wonderful times of eavesdropping and jotting down dialogue. Especially when it comes to little ones and teenagers. What better way to stay authentic to writing for children than from their own words? A Sandy Grave came about from a newspaper article I read about a dead whale washing ashore on a California beach and how the authorities had to protect it from poachers.

ASG

 

The anticipation of summer vacation can put anyone in a great mood with the excitement of the adventures to be had, especially at the beach. But what is a group of friends to do when they find themselves thrown into discovering the identity of the mysterious men at the beach?

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I’m pleased to share A Sandy Grave has been bestowed the following awards in the last two months…

  • Purple Dragonfly 2014 Award First Place Picture Books 6+
  • Story Monster Approved 2014
  • Beach Book Festival Honorable Mention 2014

When not eavesdropping on conversation I spend as much time with my family and friends, taking daily walks on the Piermont Pier along the Hudson River and of course curled up with a good book.

I’d love to hear what puts the spring in your step and gets your creative juices flowing.

Chris, thanks for the opportunity to visit with you and your readers today, it’s been a true pleasure!

HA PM TGP

Website – Blog – Facebook – Twitter

Pinterest – LinkedIn – Google+ – Goodreads – Shelfari

Amazon

UK – USA – Canada – Australia

Barnes & Noble

 

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20 thoughts on “Meet Guest Author Donna M. McDine”

    • Hi, thanks for stopping by and for your lovely congratulatory note. I’m surfing on over to your site now. Best, Donna

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    • Hi Susan, thanks for stopping by and for your congratulatory note. Your support means the world to me 🙂 Best, Donna

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      Reply

  6. Hi Chris,

    I’m delighted to be here today! Thank you for this wonderful opportunity. I look forward to engaging with visitors throughout the day.

    Best,
    Donna

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

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