Interview: Donna McDine, Author of The Golden Pathway

Today, I have the awesome opportunity to interview Donna McDine, award- author of The Golden Pathway. Donna is an award winning children’s author, placing Honorable Mentions in the Children’s/Young Adult category in the 77th and 78th Annual Writer’s Digest Writing Competitions. The Golden Pathway also placed in the Top Ten of the Preditors & Editors Readers Poll 2010. I previously read and reviewed Donna’s book for Blogcritics, which you can read here.

Most authors base their books on personal experiences, what inspired you to write about the Underground Railroad and the evils of slavery?

I have always been interested in American History and since moving to the historical hamlet ofTappan, New York in 1997 my interest grew even further. Tappan is rich with our nations history and it felt natural to write about the Underground Railroad. I actually had the pleasure of meeting Dr. Lori L. Martin author of The Ex-Slave’s Fortune: The Story of Cynthia D. Hesdra while I was researching the Underground Railroad, and it made writing The Golden Pathway even more memorable.

I have known you for a few years now, and I know you are a very kind and compassionate person. I could see a lot of characteristics of the main character David in you; did you mirror David after yourself?

Oh my goodness, what a compliment. I did not mirror David after myself, but molded his character into someone children can relate to. All of us at one time or another have been in a situation where doing the right thing is often more difficult than ignoring a situation. By teaching the young and old alike that empathy and kindness towards others goes a long way to making our world a better place to live in.

In a presentation you did recently you compared slavery to bullying, can you please explain what you meant by that statement?

From my viewpoint, the owners of slaves were very much like our modern day bullies. From harsh words to physical beatings it often destroys the victims mental outlook and well being. If someone tells you day in and day out you are worthless and beats you so you comply to their demands an individual often more times than not, starts to view themselves in a negative manner, leaving them helpless. It is our responsibility as human beings to stand up for injustice to others so that bullies are defeated.

What is the most important thing you want readers to learn from reading The Golden Pathway?

With pride and knowing right from wrong we all can make a difference in our corner of the world.

What other projects are you currently working on?

I ‘m currently working on two picture book manuscripts and editing one middle grade manuscript. I also operate Dynamic Media Release Services which helps clients free-up valuable time by writing and posting media releases to online media services announcing their new books and/or writing services.

Can you tell the readers where they can find more information about you and your books?

Please visit me at:
www.donnamcdine.com
www.donna-mcdine.blogspot.com
www.thegoldenpathway.blogspot.com

Anything else you would like to share?

I have two more children’s books in the publishing pipeline through Guardian Angel Publishing entitled, The Hockey Agony and Powder Monkey. I look forward to sharing them with you upon publication.

Donna, thank you for doing this interview.

Nicole, thank you for taking the time out to interview me. I appreciate your interest and support.