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Meet Donna L. Martin. She’s the newest member of the Tennessee critique group. To join an established writing group, you must work your way in. Here’s how Donna did it.  She met Rick and Debbie at a writing event last February. She asked about our group so we three talked and invited Donna to our March meeting. In April, we asked her to return, this time to critique our work. In May she reviewed our words again, and we critiqued her for the first time. In June Donna officially joined the group. It was hard work, but worth it! Being new is hard too. When Donna first came, I was midway through a middle grade chapter book. Donna didn’t know the back story from earlier chapters. I started at the beginning of hers. Much easier!  This is Donna’s day job. She has a 4th Degree Black Belt in TaeKwonDo. Weekdays she’s busy teaching kids of all ages, all skill levels. She doesn’t stop for summer vacation either. Donna applies her ninja skills to writing most nights and weekends. Sunday is her favorite day…she can spend all day writing.
This is Donna at a book party for The Story Catcher, her 2nd book, but first solo story. I can’t imagine how she felt, getting that first book published. Holding it in her hands! It must be an incredible experience! Looking at those pictures, I can’t tell who’s more excited…Donna with a reader, or the girl with an autograph and photo op. What a great day for both of them! And this book store, wowsers! It says come in and read. Come in and buy a great book!  Here’s the link to Donna’s website. Link: https://storycatcherpublishing.com/ Click on it, and you’ll find yourself inside Donna’s website and publishing company. This is where the magic happens. It’s where she’s building her brand, and what she can do for you. Read on for the details!  If you want to read Donna’s writing, check out her blog. It’s free! She has special features each day to keep you coming back for more. I’m glad I waited to post this. Donna just added in a new blog for Mondays. Monday is Indie Author’s Journey day. For the next 12 weeks Donna's sharing her publishing story. She’s also starting a contest, The 12 Weeks of Lunadar to celebrate her new book. Every Monday Donna's doing a give away. Correction: The contest starts on Monday, September 24th. This week is bookmarks (Sept. 24th). Next week, Fairy House Birdfeeders (Oct. 1st). Stay tuned for details, on Monday of course! Next up is Flash Fiction Tuesday. Donna will begin a story and let you finish it. What a great opportunity to use your imagination, whether you’re 6 or 60. Last week’s story was The Dragon’s Curse. The plot, a boy and girl sneak out at night. Everything's fine, till they meet sharp claws and wings that cover the sun. Write on!  Book Nook Wednesdays come next. That’s when Donna will pick out a book, give you the synopsis, and tell why you should read it. Click on ‘Book Nook Reviews,’ and you’ll discover some great new books. Last week she reviewed Jane Yolen’s A Plague of Unicorns. Thoughtful Thursdays are up next. Donna spends her week looking for something that catches her eye. She writes about it and posts it on Thursdays. Last week Donna wrote about dog paddling and swimming. The week before she wanted to join the circus. I wonder what will catch her attention this week!  Writerly Wisdom Fridays are perfect for me and for anyone who wants to write. Last week was all about deadlines. If you’re a writer, you should read this! If you’ve missed one, check the archives. They go back through last March. That’s when Donna came up with her new website. I’ve known her since then, but I’ve learned so much already! Donna’s mentoring me through self-publishing a book. My goal, to have the book in my hands by next May. I don’t need the force. I’ve got Donna!  If you’re a teacher or a home-school parent, Donna offers links that include: Comprehension Reading Writing Classroom Tips If you can’t find what you need, message Donna. She loves to research and share her results. Really! She's been so generous to me, sharing her self-publishing notes. I’m grateful for her expertise.  Here’s her writing timeline: In 2013 Donna got her 1st writing credit. She contributed one of the 101 inspirational stories in Chicken Soup for the Soul. Correction: Donna said her first publishing credit was some poetry that was accepted into an anthology about 35 years ago.  In 2015 Donna got her next credit. In The Story Catcher, Addie struggles with letters that wiggle and trick her, but with a little faith she becomes a Story Catcher, just like everyone else in her family.  In 2017 Donna scored again with Are YOU the Missing Piece. 189 writers contributed to this journal. The daily readings offer support and encouragement to help you find creativity and success.  This fall Donna will get her next credit for My Journey My Journal. It’s a lot like the one above, probably because it’s by the same company. The publishing date is Fall 2018. So soon!  This is Donn’as final writing credit, so far. The Kindle edition of Lunadar is already out, You can buy it now! If you’d like a paperback copy, you’ll have to wait till October 15th. Coming soon, two more Lunadar book! A sequel followed by a prequel. Go, Donna, go! Write on!
3 Comments
9/8/2018 04:58:13 am
Thanks for shining the spotlight on my little corner of the world...😉 Your comment will be posted after it is approved.
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AuthorWhen I write, I can only have one voice in my head, mine. A little noise is fine. But too much, or worse yet, WORDS, and I must change rooms or pull out headphones. Then I can write on! Categories
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