The Story Behind... The Golden Pathway by Donna McDine

Have you ever wondered how an author finds their inspiration for their stories?

As a child then into my adulthood it intrigued me to learn where so many of these ideas came from.

Today, I'm delighted to share my inspiration behind my award-winning children's book, The Golden Pathway....



I hope you enjoyed learning about the creation of The Golden Pathway as much as I enjoyed writing about The Underground Railroad!

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

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

Ignite curiosity in your child through reading!

Connect with Donna McDine on Google+

Dee and Deb Off They Go Kindergarten First Day Jitters ~ December 2015 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc. ~ 2016 Purple Dragonfly Honorable Mention Picture Books Five and Under and Story Monster Approved
A Sandy Grave ~ January 2014 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc. ~ 2014 Purple Dragonfly 1st Place Picture Books 6+, Story Monster Approved, Beach Book Festival Honorable Mention 2014 and Reader's Favorite Five Star Review
Powder Monkey ~ May 2013 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc. ~ 2015 Purple Dragonfly Book Award Historical Fiction 1st Place, Story Monster Approved and Reader's Favorite Five Star Review
Hockey Agony ~ January 2013 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc. ~ 2015 Purple Dragonfly Book Award Honorable Mention Picture Books 6+, New England Book Festival Honorable Mention 2014, Story Monster Approved and Reader's Favorite Five Star Review
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

The Golden Pathway ~ Children's Book Review

Children's Book Review by

Evie Seo: Amazon Top 1000 Reviewer 

Meaningful, inspiring and moving, The Golden Pathway is a beautiful historical book for children ages 8-12. It's an important addition to every child's bookshelf, as it will help teach your kid about diversity, courage, compassion and doing the right thing. The book is about two boys - two very different boys - and their unlikely friendship. David is the son of a cruel and mean drunk. Jenkins is an African American teenage boy who is owned by David's father (in other words, he is a slave). Though often mistreated and called "a sissy" by his father, David knows the difference between right and wrong, and is brave enough to stand up for his beliefs. Appalled by his father's cruel behavior and violence towards his young slaves, he's determined to help Jenkins escape to safety. He's willing to risk his father's wrath and his own safety, to help his friend. His compassion and understanding of social injustice, as well as his determination to fight against it, is something truly remarkable and inspiring, especially considering his very young age.

This book made a huge impression on me, making The Golden Pathway an essential part of my daughter's book collection. It's a story that I'm sure will inspire and affect her just as much as it inspired and affected me.

Historically accurate, The Golden Pathway mentions the famous Underground Railway that helped many African Americans escape to freedom. It also mentions Quakers who firmly believed that no one should ever be able to claim another human being as property, and who - thanks to their persistence and fierce dedication to the cause - helped make a difference.

Through Donna McDine's accessible writing and K.C. Snider's gorgeous illustrations, The Golden Pathway tells a powerful tale of finding strength to help those in need, even if it means risking our own safety. A story about doing what is right and making a difference. A story of bravery and dedication that is sure to inspire kids all around the world and help shape them into courageous, admirable people.

Purchasing Links:
Amazon
Autographed Copies

Thank you for your time and interest.

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

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

Ignite curiosity in your child through reading!

Connect with Donna McDine on Google+

Dee and Deb Off They Go Kindergarten First Day Jitters ~ December 2015 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc. ~ 2016 Purple Dragonfly Honorable Mention Picture Books Five and Under and Story Monster Approved
A Sandy Grave ~ January 2014 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc. ~ 2014 Purple Dragonfly 1st Place Picture Books 6+, Story Monster Approved, Beach Book Festival Honorable Mention 2014 and Reader's Favorite Five Star Review
Powder Monkey ~ May 2013 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc. ~ 2015 Purple Dragonfly Book Award Historical Fiction 1st Place, Story Monster Approved and Reader's Favorite Five Star Review
Hockey Agony ~ January 2013 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc. ~ 2015 Purple Dragonfly Book Award Honorable Mention Picture Books 6+, New England Book Festival Honorable Mention 2014, Story Monster Approved and Reader's Favorite Five Star Review
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

The Story Behind... slavery - The Underground Railroad, The Golden Pathway

I'm delighted you have visited today to learn about the Story Behind my historical fiction early reader children's book based on the Underground Railroad, The Golden Pathway. I hope you enjoy the adventure...

I have always had a fascination for American History and living in the historical hamlet of Tappan, New York is a constant reminder of the rich history of our country. And when the opportunity arose at the end of the Institute of Children’s Literature Writing for Children and Teenagers course to create an outline for a book idea I naturally gravitated toward the Underground Railroad.

I initially visited my local library and researched both children’s and adult books on the Underground Railroad. The wealth of information was endless, but once I focused on the central character being the son of a slave owner the story flowed. From start to finish after research it took about a year to edit and fine tune the manuscript to feel confident enough to submit to the Writer’s Digest Writing Competition. After placing 12^th in the Children’s/Young Adult category I then met Lynda Burch of Guardian Angel Publishing and submitted. After several more edits and expansion of the story, Ms. Burch offered me my first children’s book contract, adding about another two years to the process. It may seem like a long time, but it’s all worth it. 

Purchase one of my books and enter at a chance to win a... drum roll please.. 

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Purchase via Write What Inspires You or at my website for autographed copies. Once purchased go to the Rafflecopter link below and enter receipt number, your name, email and title of book ordered. Contest ends midnight November 30th and winner will be announced and notified by December 2nd. 

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

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

Ignite curiosity in your child through reading!

Connect with Donna McDine on Google+
A Sandy Grave ~ January 2014 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc. ~ 2014 Purple Dragonfly 1st Place Picture Books 6+, Story Monster Approved, Beach Book Festival Honorable Mention 2014, Reader's Favorite Five Star Review

Powder Monkey ~ May 2013 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc. ~ Story Monster Approved and Reader's Favorite Five Star Review

Hockey Agony ~ January 2013 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc. ~ Story Monster Approved and Reader's Favorite Five Star Review

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

A to Z Challenge: U is for Underground Railroad Code Words

Code Words Were Essential in Conducting the Underground Railroad

By Donna M. McDine

The Underground Railroad was a pivotal time in American history. The bravery and determination of those opposed to slavery is one to admire and emulate. To take the time out to have compassion and empathy of others’ plights will certainly bring a greater understanding of each other. Beyond the bravery, the organizing of the Underground Railroad came to fruition through the use of code words. By utilizing code words it assured that those for slavery would not “catch-on” to the escape routes and intentions of the slaves to achieve freedom.

Some of the most common code words:

Abolitionist – a person who demanded immediate emancipation of slaves.

Agent – a person who coordinated the course of escape.

Bundles of wood – escaping slaves to be expected.

Conductors – the people that helped the slaves along the Underground Railroad.

Drinking Gourd – Big Dipper and the North Star, which aided the slaves in their nighttime travels to ensure they were traveling in the correct direction.

Forwarding – the transportation of salves from one station to the next.

Freight or Packages – the slaves were considered passengers or cargo.

Heaven – referred to Canada because once there freedom was imminent.

Load of Potatoes – slaves hidden in wagons under farm produce.

Moses – Harriet Tubman, a conductor who was instrumental in aiding slaves to freedom.

River Jordan – The Mississippi River or the Ohio River.

Shepherds – people who escorted slaves from one station to the next.

Station – place of safety, a safe house.

Station Master – the keeper of a safe house.

Stockholder – one who donated items to the running of the Underground Railroad.

The use of code phrases was also instrumental in communicating along the Underground Railroad:

“A friend of a friend sent me” – this statement indicates that the slave was sent by the Underground Railroad network.

“Steal away, steal away, steal away to Jesus” – a phrase from a spiritual hymn to alert other slaves an escape attempt would occur soon.

“The dead trees will show you the way” – a telling sign that moss grows on the north side of dead trees, hence providing direction.

“The river bank makes a mighty good road” – since dogs cannot follow a human’s scent through water this is the best way to travel.

“The river ends between two hills” – visual directions to the Ohio River.

“The wind blows from the South today” – this signals the workers on the Underground Railroad that fugitive slaves were in the area.

“When the sun comes back and the first quail calls” – early spring was the best time to escape via the Underground Railroad.

The wealth of information on the Underground Railroad is immense. Interested in learning more, I offer the following resources to get you started:

Carson, Mary Kay.  The Underground Railroad for Kids: From Slavery to Freedom.  Chicago Review Press, January 2005.

Afrolumens Project, Central Pennsylvania African American History for Everyone. “Names Used for Enslaved People in Pennsylvania” http://www.afrolumens.org/slavery/names.html

Oracle Education Foundation – The Think Quest Library. “Underground Railroad, The Fight to End Slavery – Timeline” http://library.thinkquest.org/J0112391/underground_railroad.htm  

For a fun code word FREE search puzzle, visit The Golden Pathway blog - http://thegoldenpathway.blogspot.com/p/activities.html

Visit with A to Z Challenge bloggers - http://www.a-to-zchallenge.com/

Thank you for visiting,

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Best wishes,
Donna M. McDine
Award-winning Children's Author
The Golden Pathway ~ August 2010 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc.
http://guardianangelpublishing.com/pathway.htm ~ Literary Classics Silver Award and Seal of Approval Recipient and Dan Poynter's Global e-Book Awards Finalist

A to Z Challenge: I is for Interview

An interview with award-winning children's author, Donna McDine by Amy O'Quinn

Amy: How did you come up with the idea to write a book about a young boy who helps a slave escape? 

Donna: I have always had a fascination for American History and living in the historical hamlet of Tappan, New York is a constant reminder of the rich history of our country. And when the opportunity arose at the end of the Institute of Children’s Literature Writing for Children and Teenagers course to create an outline for a book idea I naturally gravitated towards the Underground Railroad.

Amy: How much research was involved and how long did it take to write the book? 

Donna: I initially visited my local library and researched both children’s and adult books on the Underground Railroad. The wealth of information was endless, but once I focused on the central character being the son of a slave owner the story flowed. From start to finish after research it took about a year to edit and fine tune the manuscript to feel confident enough to submit to the Writer’s Digest Writing Competition. After placing 12^th in the Children’s/Young Adult category I then met Lynda Burch of Guardian Angel Publishing and submitted. After several more edits and expansion of the story, Ms. Burch offered me my first children’s book contract, adding about another two years to the process. It may seem like a long time, but it’s all worth it.

Amy: How did you become a children's author?

Donna: After working for Fortune 500 companies for many years I came across the Institute of Children’s Literature ad and I was immediately intrigued. I eagerly completed their aptitude test and mailed it off. After a month or so I received my acceptance into their “Writing to Children and Teenagers” course and haven’t looked back since.

Amy: What advice do you have for young aspiring authors?

Donna: Just like taking up an instrument or sport - practice, practice and practice some more is essential in honing your writing skills. Participate in writer’s workshops in the genre you are interested in is a key component in developing your unique voice. Many times people think writing for children is a snap, when it is the complete opposite. Children are quite intuitive and know when you are preaching or speaking down to them.

Studying the market and what publishers want is imperative. If your goal is to write for children’s magazines, taking the time out to read back issues will provide you with insights on the direction of a particular magazine. For children’s book publishers, review their catalogues for what they are currently publishing. You may just find a niche that needs to be filled. And whether you are submitting to children’s magazines or children’s book publishers reading their submission guidelines is imperative. I cannot stress enough how important it is to follow the specific guidelines to the “letter.” Even if you go over the word count by a few words it can mean instant rejection.

Never be afraid to ask questions. We all have something to learn each and every day and you’ll be surprised how many people have the same question as you.

Happy writing to you all and let your voice soar.

Visit with A to Z Challenge bloggers - http://www.a-to-zchallenge.com/
Thank you for visiting!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Best wishes,
Donna M. McDine
Award-winning Children's Author
The Golden Pathway ~ August 2010 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc.
http://guardianangelpublishing.com/pathway.htm ~ Literary Classics Silver Award and Seal of Approval Recipient and Dan Poynter's Global e-Book Awards Finalist

Celebrate Black History Month with Donna McDine and Nancy Sanders

Join Nancy Sanders http://nancyisanders.wordpress.com/2012/02/15/lets-celebrate-black-history-month-5/ and celebrate Black History Month with Donna McDine as she shares her Literary Classics 2011 Silver Award - Early Reader for The Golden Pathway.

While you are visiting, be sure to to learn all about Nancy's books for Black History Month.

Thank you for your time and interest!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Best wishes,
Donna M. McDine
Award-winning Children's Author
The Golden Pathway ~ August 2010 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc.

http://guardianangelpublishing.com/pathway.htm

The Golden Pathway announced as a Global eBook Awards Nominee!

The nominations are in for the Global eBook Awards and I'm thrilled to share with you that The Golden Pathway has made the Children's Picture Books Fiction nomination list!!

My heartfelt best wishes to fellow nominees:

One Pelican at a Time by Nancy Stewart

and

Sully's Topsy Tale by Donna Shepherd

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Best wishes,
Donna M. McDine
Award-winning Children's Author
The Golden Pathway ~ August 2010 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc.
http://guardianangelpublishing.com/pathway.htm