Interview Friday with Award-winning Children's Author Donna McDine

Donna McDine is an award-winning children’s author. Her stories, articles and book reviews have been published in over 100 print and online publications. Her interest in American History resulted in writing and publishing "The Golden Pathway."

She writes, moms and is a personal assistant from her home in the historical hamlet Tappan, NY. McDine is a member of the SCBWI, Children’s Literature Network and Family Reading Partnership.

VS: What do you do to help balance your writing life with your family life?

Donna: I try my best to write when my family is off doing their “thing” and then meditate for 10-15 minutes prior to their return so I’m refreshed for them.

VS: How long have you been writing?

Donna: Since 2007

VS: What is a typical writing day like for you?

Donna: No day is the same. I grab my writing time when I get it. Whether 15 minutes or 30 minutes at a time. As many authors we hold full time or part time jobs and we jump on the chance when it comes. I always keep my To Do list with me, a pad of paper and pen. Yep, I’m old fashioned. I don’t like to rely on technology. When a thought or inspiration comes to me I want to write it down immediately and not wait for technology to start up.

VS: Is your family supportive of your writing?

Donna: Yes.

VS: If this isn’t your first publication, what was the first thing you ever had published?

Donna: The Golden Pathway – August 2010

VS: Can you share with us a little about your current book(s)?

Donna: Hockey Agony: Peer Pressure and Honesty many times go hand-in-hand. What is Larry to do when his teammate asks him to cheat when he is given the responsibility to run the clock during the big hockey game? Outwardly, it may seem he will follow suit, but his conscious tells him otherwise at the moment of truth.

Powder Monkey: Forced into a life at sea by the Royal Navy Press Gangs, 12-year-old Tommy Kitt finds himself in a floating sea of misery. Poor living conditions and beatings occur daily. Despite his runt like size, Tommy must summon the courage and physical ability to prevail in a situation he cannot escape.

VS: What tips can you give writing parents with children at home to help them see publication?

Donna: Persistence is key and have at least 2-3 short stories in the pipeline.

VS: What do you feel as parents we need to do to help our children see success?

Donna: Supporting them in their dreams and getting them involved in activities that are related to their interests. Such as, science clubs, sport camps, art classes. You name, there is something for everyone.

VS: You are an award-winning author. Can you share what awards have received for your writing?

Donna: Honorable Mention in the 77th and two Honorable Mentions in the 78^th Annual Writer’s Digest Writing Competitions (The Golden Pathway, Hockey Agony and Images of the Past)

Literary Classics Silver Award & Seal of Approval Recipient Picture Book Early Reader ~ The Golden Pathway.

Readers Favorite 2012 International Book Awards Honorable Mention ~ The Golden Pathway.

Global eBook Awards Finalist Children’s Picture Book Fiction ~ The Golden Pathway.

Preditors & Editors Readers Poll 2010 Top Ten Children’s Books ~ The Golden Pathway

VS: Where can the readers of The Writing Mama find out more about and your writing?

Donna: www.donnamcdine.com

www.donna-mcdine.com

You can find out more about Donna McDine, her books and World of Ink Author/Book Tour at http://tinyurl.com/3tv4jgf

VBT-Guest Author Spotlight Donna McDine

Donna McDine is an award-winning children's author, Honorable Mention in the 77th and two Honorable Mentions in the 78 th Annual Writer’s Digest Writing Competitions. Her stories have been published in many print and online publications and her interest in American History resulted in writing and publishing The Golden Pathway. Donna has two more books under contract with Guardian Angel Publishing, The Hockey Agony and Powder Monkey . She writes, moms and is the Editor-in-Chief for Guardian Angel Kids and Publicist for the National Writing for Children Center from her home in the historical hamlet Tappan, NY. McDine is a member of the SCBWI and Musing Our Children. What excites you most about your book’s topic? Why did you choose it? The Underground Railroad was a pivotal time in American history, one that should never be repeated. It is my hope by keeping history alive for each generation that these huge mistakes will never reoccur. Q. How lon

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Interview Friday with multi-talented author, Cheryl Malandrinos

Cheryl Malandrinos is a freelance writer and editor from Western Massachusetts . A regular contributor to Writer2Writer, her articles focus on increasing productivity through time management and organization. A founding member of Musing Our Children , Ms. Malandrinos is also the Editor-in-Chief of the group's quarterly newsletter, Pages & Pens . Cheryl is a Tour Coordinator for Pump Up Your Book Promotion , a book reviewer, and blogger. Guardian Angel Publishing will release her first children’s book, The Little Shepherd Boy, in 2010. VS: Cheryl, I want to thank you for being my guest here on The Writing Mama today. I know being a parent and writer can be hard and I find myself asking if I am giving my three children enough attention throughout the day. I am sure you have been in my shoes from time to time. So to start here is the first question, how many children do you have and what are their ages? Cheryl: Thanks for having me at The Writing Mama, Virginia. I’m thril

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