Donna McDine is a freelance children's fiction writer with a first book in the works. Balancing her family life, day job, and writing career isn't easy, but as she herself stresses, setting boundaries and having a private writing space helps. In this interview, she talks about her writing environment, habits, and she offers aspiring writers some useful advice.
Why don’t you begin by telling us a little about yourself?
I'm a native of Rockland County, New York and live with my husband and two daughters. I write, moms, and I’m a personal assistant from my home in Tappan. I’m a 2007 graduate of the Institute of Children’s Literature, Writing for Children and Teenagers program. I’m also a member of the SCBWI (Society of Children's Book Writers & Illustrators), The Children’s Writers Coaching Club at The National Writing for Children Center, and Musing Our Children Group. I have been published in Stories for Children Magazine, Kid Magazine Writers, Long Story Short, Institute of Children’s Literature Rx for Writers, SCBWI Metro NY Newsletter, and Once Upon A Time. And a forthcoming non-fiction article with Boys’ Quest to be published in December 2012. I’m also a children’s book reviewer for Musing Our Children Group, The National Writing for Children Center, and Stories for Children Newsletter.
When did you decide you wanted to become an author? Do you have another job besides writing?
I married 18 years ago and with the strong desire to be home (after contending with the rat race of sending Nicole to daycare and running off to my corporate job) I found myself pregnant with Hayley 10 years ago and armed with a Bachelor’s Degree in Office Management and 11 years as an Administrative Assistant in the corporate world I successfully landed a job working for a Fundraising Consultant working primarily from my home. This position has been a Godsend, since worrying about the endless responsibilities of what to do with the children at the end of the school day, illnesses, etc. I was now home to deal with them. And the gentleman I work for is a doll - he respects the fact that family comes first. However, over the years I have yearned for something more challenging and rewarding. Then suddenly one day in the mail, info on the Institute of Children’s Literature found its way to me. I haven’t looked back since - even though I still hold my “day job” (it helps pays the bills). I continue to make progress in achieving my writing goals (even if they are baby steps).
Article comments
1 - Llinda Kuzyk
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this interview. Donna pointed out some things that she has done and is doing that have spurred me to deal with some issues of my own, in terms of making this writing life work. One of the things is a "sacred writing space and time." I need to do that and I need to do that soon! Thanks for sharing. Linda
2 - Jewel Sample
Inspiring interview of a writing mom who has found a balance between availability to meet the needs of her family and her professional goals.
Thank you for sharing a part of your real self Donna!
Blessings to you,
Jewel
3 - Jan Verhoeff
What a pleasant interview! I often find the most informative reading is wrapped up in personal attributes and understandings of the way we as individuals perceive ourselves.
As a mom, writer, professional, I recognize the characteristics required and appreciate them in your interview, Donna. Thank you for sharing a little bit of yourself.
Jan Verhoeff
4 - Donna McDine
Ladies...thanks for stopping by so quickly and leaving such lovely comments. Glad you enjoyed the interview. I'm even more happy I have a door & wall on my workspace now...contractor is here now working on the kitchen and the noise is quite loud, but it will be worth it in the end. Here's to inspiration!
Warm regards,
Donna
5 - Mayra Calvani
It was great having you here, Donna! Thanks for all the useful advice. I also would like ot thank you ladies for stopping by and leaving a comment.
Best,
Mayra
6 - Kim Smith
Hey Donna! Love the interview. Was happy to see that we share a love of early morning activities and Susan Cooper. Best wishes for the future!
Kim
7 - Cynthia Reeg
Donna,
Thanks for letting us into your world for just a bit and sharing your journey. Best wishes with all your writing endeavors.
And to Mayra, another great interview!
Cindy
8 - Diana Delosh
Great Interview - Donna! Seems like you live in the perfect place to research your novel in progress. As an illustrator/writer - who always has problems juggling her personal and professional lives it was inspiring to read how you have found balance. Wish you loads of luck with all your creative endeavors. -Di
9 - Sparky Firepants
Great interview, Mayra. It's always interesting to hear about author's personal lives in relation to their work.
Donna, I hope your day job is Full-time Author very soon!
10 - Beverly McClure
You are an inspiration to all of us, Donna. A wonderful interview. How exciting to live where so much history took place. Your story sounds great, and I'll be looking for a copy some day.
Mayra, you always ask the most interesting questions. Great interview.
Beverly
11 - Donna McDine
The lovely comments of support are very touching...thank you everyone. The writing community is such a wonderful support!
Warmest regards,
Donna
12 - Carma Dutra
This was a great interview. Donna thanks for letting us all get a glimpse of the freelance writing life. You are doing great.
13 - c hoare
An interesting interview, Donna & Mayra.
It really is inspiring to live amid history, and so good that you write to share that sense of history with others.
Chris H.
14 - Jan Verhoeff
I came back to reread the portion about your office, again. I've got a corner of the living room sectioned off and use it as my office for writing, tax season, school (I am currently taking classes AND teaching classes), and for most anything else that needs doing. I find I must be extremely organized or it all becomes chaos. And honestly, I'm not extremely organized. I like the idea of having a separate room. Thanks for the idea.
Jan
15 - Jessica Kennedy
Donna,
It seems like you've made great strides since I interviewed you. I enjoyed seeing all of your hard work paid off.
Mayra,
I'm happy to see your success growing. What an exciting time.
Blessings,
Jessica Kennedy
The Differently-Abled Writer
16 - Donna McDine
Hello All...was just checking out all the other wonderful interviews by Mayra...thanks one and all for stopping by and for your wonderful words of support. Here's to everyone's writing careers and success!
Warmly,
Donna