Why I decided to write ~ After bringing up my child by myself, I decided to write a book about teenagers and how parents can bring them up without going ballistic. When my editor went through the manuscript, he told me that the stories (testimonials) that I had provided were written well, and that I should consider writing for children and teens. Based on that recommendation, I decided to write a book targeted towards young adults growing up and all the conflicts they faced and decisions they had to make whether good, bad, or indifferent. I noticed that there weren't too many books out there for girls with positive messages, and they usually were the sidekicks to boys. Wanting to change that, I decided after speaking to parents and librarians alike, to write a multi-cultural paranormal mystery for young adults that spoke to girls and boys alike. The first and foremost message I wanted to get out was 'You're fine the way you are. It's the rest of the world that's out of whack!"
How I Write ~ I don't have any typical days for writing. When the siren calls, when the muse demands, or when I think of something, then I write like the wind. Scheduling a writing period for me is dicey so I write at least one chapter a day, but writing can take place in the middle of the night, in the bathroom, treading the mill, driving the car (yes, I put the car in park first). For me to sit down at the same time each day is impossible for me. Is the first draft written in one month? Yes, it is. Usually within a three to six month period, the book is edited and finished and readied to go out to make the rounds.
Follow Day 3 of Ms. Cauldwell's tour tomorrow at http://www.melangeofcultures.wordpress.com/. Leave a comment and your name will automatically be entered to win a Three Angels Gourmet Co mug and a package of Divine Dill Dip Mix - at the end of the month, provided by the National Writing for Children Center.
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Best wishes,
Donna M. McDine
Award-winning Children's Author
The Golden Pathway ~ August 2010 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc.
http://guardianangelpublishing.com/pathway.htm
How wonderful that you started writing with such a clear and positive message in mind.
ReplyDelete:-)
L.S., I also wrote my YA novel for the same reason as you did. I wanted a book out there that had a positive image of a girl who could solve her own problems.
ReplyDeleteDonna, you have been given the Life is Good Award. Please come to my blog to see all the details:
ReplyDeletehttp://barbaraehrentreu.blogspot.com/
Lillian:
ReplyDeleteIt's a pleasure hosting you today.
Best wishes for your continued success,
Donna
I like the underlying theme in your book and providing positive messages to girls.
ReplyDeleteI think it is wonderful to have books that show girls positive images and a positive message.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing.
Terri
Good blog post - I can certainly relate to not being able to schedule a writing period and snatching time whenever.
ReplyDeleteIn this day and age, learning to take advantage of the 'quiet' moments is a great thing!
ReplyDeleteHi Lillian,
ReplyDeleteIt was so nice to learn so much about you today. You have such an interesting and inspiring background!
Best,
Irene
It's great to see that a book can have a completed first draft in such a short amount of time with dedication.
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