Monday, February 24, 2014

The Inspiration Behind Powder Monkey and Hockey Agony


Every day life inspires me. The occurrence does not have to be an extraordinary moment. Often times my most inspiring moments have come when I was not concentrating on my writing. From watching my children play with their friends when they were younger to listening in on conversations at the local coffee shop. I always keep a little note pad and pen in my purse for these unexpected moments. Several times inspiration has struck me when I’ve been driving and I keep a handheld recording device on hand for these moments. This way I’m sure to remember a thought because before I know it my thoughts are elsewhere or the current conversation has taken me someplace else.

As for, Powder Monkey and Hockey Agony. The inspiration of the storyline of Powder Monkey came from a call for submissions on the historical fiction topic of the late 1700’s pertaining to the Royal Navy. Always fascinated by history I jumped at the chance to create a manuscript worthy of submission. Through research I came across information of the Press Gangs the Royal Navy utilized to kidnap boys as young as eleven to work on ships. The conditions were deplorable and the determination of survival by so many inspired me to stay true to the historical events. Even though my initial submission by the publishing house putting out the request I did not give up. I eventually submitted to Guardian Angel Publishing and after several rounds of edits GAP accepted Powder Monkey!

The inspiration of Hockey Agony came from everyday life. Coming from a family of sports lovers I often find myself watching my daughters, nieces, and nephews competing in one sport or another. Unfortunately, over the years bad sportsmanship is often found within the spectators, players, and coaches…sometimes even encouraging the players to cheat and to inflict personal injury to their opponents. And as many of us had read some of these horrific occurrences make the local and national news. It’s our duty as adults to maintain a calm disposition at sporting events and to encourage competitive clean playing. For without honesty and integrity what will our children have in store for themselves when they enter adulthood?

For me inspiration is just a thought away or article in the newspaper. Inspiration comes for me at the most unexpected times and I latch on to each and every thought making notes to hopefully use at a later time.

I’d enjoyed hearing about what inspires you! So please comment and tell me about your moments.


Thank you and here’s to your inspiration!

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Best wishes,
Donna M. McDine
Award-winning Children's Author
Connect with


A Sandy Grave ~ January 2014 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc.

Powder Monkey ~ May 2013 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc.

Hockey Agony ~ January 2013 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc.

The Golden Pathway ~ August 2010 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc.
~ Literary Classics Silver Award and Seal of Approval, Readers Favorite 2012 International Book Awards Honorable Mention and Dan Poynter's Global e-Book Awards Finalist













Tuesday, February 11, 2014

30th Annual Rockland Read-In - Chestnut Ridge Middle School



Colette Politzer, Library Media Specialist extended an invitation for me to participate in The 30th Annual Rockland Read-In during the week of February 10th.

I'm delighted to be visiting Chestnut Ridge Middle School this morning. During my visit I will share the Powder Monkey book trailer, read an excerpt, and engage in what I'm sure will be a lively discussion of college and career paths. 

A special thank you to my boss, Thomas John, who always is a great support in my writing career and allowing the time off for author visits. Thank :)


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Best wishes,
Donna M. McDine
Award-winning Children's Author
Connect with


A Sandy Grave ~ January 2014 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing,Inc.
Powder Monkey ~ May 2013 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc.

Hockey Agony ~ January 2013 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc.

The Golden Pathway ~ August 2010 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc.
~ Literary Classics Silver Award and Seal of Approval, Readers Favorite 2012 International Book Awards Honorable Mention and Dan Poynter's Global e-Book Awards Finalist











Monday, February 10, 2014

Five Star Book Review by Reader's Favorite for A Sandy Grave by Donna McDine


A Sandy Grave receives Five Star Book Review by Reader's Favorite. 

I'm delighted to share the link… http://readersfavorite.com/book-review?review=27283.

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Best wishes,
Donna M. McDine
Award-winning Children's Author
Connect with

A Sandy Grave ~ January 2014 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc.

Powder Monkey ~ May 2013 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc.

Hockey Agony ~ January 2013 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc.

The Golden Pathway ~ August 2010 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc.
~ Literary Classics Silver Award and Seal of Approval, Readers Favorite 2012 International Book Awards Honorable Mention and Dan Poynter's Global e-Book Awards Finalist











Saturday, February 8, 2014

Guardian Angel Kids Magazine - February 2014 issue - Soar on Eagle's Wings



Check ou the February 2014 issue of 
Guardian Angels Kids eZine
Soar on Eagle’s Wings

Special Features
The Eagles Have Landed   Reported by GAK, our very own Angel Gecko
Michael and the Elf  by Kathryn Sullivan

POEM
The Guardian by Robert Niven

SHORT STORIES
Flying on a Dream by Felicity Nisbet

NON-FICTION ARTICLE
The Bald Eagle: America’s Symbol by Sherry Alexander
Hey, do I need a toupee? by Shari L. Klase

ACTIVITY FOR KIDS
What Do You Know About Eagles?
Quiz your EAGLE-EYE! by Barbara Cairns
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Best wishes,
Donna M. McDine
Award-winning Children's Author
Connect with

Powder Monkey ~ May 2013 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc.

Hockey Agony ~ January 2013 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc.

The Golden Pathway ~ August 2010 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc.
~ Literary Classics Silver Award and Seal of Approval, Readers Favorite 2012 International Book Awards Honorable Mention and Dan Poynter's Global e-Book Awards Finalist











Friday, February 7, 2014

Donna McDine's children's book, Powder Monkey is the #3 Book on Amazon for powder monkey topic

What a way to kick off Friday evening (February 7th) My children's book entitled, Powder Monkey is #3 in this search category… Yippee! It was #11 yesterday (February 6th).



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Best wishes,
Donna M. McDine
Award-winning Children's Author
Connect with

Powder Monkey ~ May 2013 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc.

Hockey Agony ~ January 2013 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc.

The Golden Pathway ~ August 2010 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc.
~ Literary Classics Silver Award and Seal of Approval, Readers Favorite 2012 International Book Awards Honorable Mention and Dan Poynter's Global e-Book Awards Finalist











Wednesday, February 5, 2014

Book Review ~ My Brother is My Best Friend by Nicole Weaver
















Category: Academic Wings
Author: Nicole Weaver http://www.nicole-weaver.com
Artist: Clara Batton Smith
Print ISBN: 9781616334529;1616334525
eBook ISBN: 9781616334536; 1616334533



Written as a tri-lingual book (English, Spanish, and French), My Brother is My Best Friend takes the reader on the fun filled adventures of identical twin brothers, Blake and Drake. The endearing times had together warms the soul, as Blake and Drake’s special bond blossoms everyday. The knowingness of having one’s sibling let alone identical twin along for the childhood experience of learning and growing makes it all that much more special.

Award-winning children’s author, Nicole Weaver has created a wonderful story of brotherhood and friendship and includes the learning the opportunity by having the story written in English, Spanish, and French). Accompanied with a French and Spanish glossary, English word search and sentence match activity, My Brother is My Best Friend creates the perfect opportunity to introduce a new language to your child.  Visit Ms. Weaver at www.nicole-weaver.com to learn more about her inspiring writing career.

Clara Batton Smith’s illustrations mesmerize the reader from the onset, pulling them into the wonderful scenes. Visit Ms. Smith at www.cbsillos.blogspot.com and explore her colorful world.

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Best wishes,
Donna M. McDine
Award-winning Children's Author
Connect with

A Sandy Grave ~ January 2014 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc.

Powder Monkey ~ May 2013 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc.

Hockey Agony ~ January 2013 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc.

The Golden Pathway ~ August 2010 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc.
~ Literary Classics Silver Award and Seal of Approval, Readers Favorite 2012 International Book Awards Honorable Mention and Dan Poynter's Global e-Book Awards Finalist











Monday, February 3, 2014

It's Official…. A Sandy Grave is released!


It's official!!! I'm over the moon with excitement! 

My latest children's book is now available ~ A Sandy Grave

Title: A Sandy Grave
Category: Chapbooks for Tweens
Author: Donna M. McDine www.donnamcdine.com
Illustrator: Julie Hammond www.juliehammondart.com
Hardcover ISBN: 9781616334543; 1616334541
Softcover ISBN: 9781616334550; 161633455X
eBook ISBN: 9781616334567; 1616334568 

SYNOPSIS: 
The anticipation of summer vacation can put anyone in a great mood with the excitement of adventures to be had--especially at the beach. But what is a group of friends to do when they discover mysterious men poaching whale teeth at the beach?

Available at:

Amazon 
Guardian Angel Publishing 
My website for autographed copies 

Thank you for your time and interest! 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


Best wishes,
Donna M. McDine
Award-winning Children's Author
Connect with

A Sandy Grave ~ January 2014 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc.

Powder Monkey ~ May 2013 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc.

Hockey Agony ~ January 2013 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc.

The Golden Pathway ~ August 2010 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc.
~ Literary Classics Silver Award and Seal of Approval, Readers Favorite 2012 International Book Awards Honorable Mention and Dan Poynter's Global e-Book Awards Finalist