Were you an avid reader as a child? What type of books did you enjoy reading?
I always enjoyed reading from a young age and you could always find me immersed in a Nancy Drew mystery. I still have my collection (that my mom saved, in hopes of passing them down to her future granddaughters) that my daughters have been enjoying. To this day I still love a great mystery. In the past year I have read The Garden of Eve by K.L. Going, The Haunting of Frances Rain by Margaret Buffie, and Victory by Susan Cooper, plus many others.
Describe your working environment.
It has finally been confirmed that I’m a writer! The room that I had my computer in for years did not have a fourth wall - not until the day my husband surprised me that he had contracted a friend to put in a wall with a pocket door as a Christmas present to me. Having him acknowledge the fact that it is very important for me to be able to shut out the world when need be when I’m writing is a tremendous support. When the door is shut it tells my husband and daughters that a creative writing session is in progress and I shouldn’t be interrupted at this time. I feel validated!
My computer desk is adorned with a picture of my daughters in a Precious Moments frame that reads “There’s Always a Place in My Heart for You!” This helps me stay focused on the greater picture of life and family. I have writing and spiritual affirmations posted around my computer screen to help me to stay on track in my writing career. Morning is definitely my best creative time. I face a paneled wall and above that there are three 10”x10” quilts framed in oak frames (from Amish Country, PA) with a metal cut out sign that reads: "Write" (picked that up at an antique shop in Hunter Mountain, NY). I feel that it is very important that you designate some area in your home that is your space alone where you can let the creative juice flow. Go ahead… create your own oasis!
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