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 78th 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
You can find out more about Donna McDine, her books and
World of Ink Author/Book Tour at http://tinyurl.com/3tv4jgf
