Hello, Donna! Thank you for appearing on Let Them Read Books!
Thank you for taking the time out to interview me. It’s a true pleasure to meet with you and your visitors.
What inspired you to start writing historical fiction for young readers?
As a child and then as an adult I have always enjoyed history. Once my writing bug ignited I was drawn into the world of historical fiction in a writing course. The research into historical facts and developing believable characters to make a story come alive inspire me.
Your characters often face unpleasant and sometimes shocking situations that were considered typical during the eras in which they take place. What kind of challenges do you face in writing about these events for today's children?
It’s important for me, as a writer to develop a well-rounded character the reader will feel empathy for. Often times the theme bullying comes into play for the shocking events throughout history, providing a connection to modern day bullying situations.
Are your characters based on real people? Do you have a favorite? Which one was the most difficult to write?
The physical characteristics of my characters are typically based on real people. Having a favorite character for me is like saying I have a favorite child, so I’d say no. The most difficult character I’ve written about is Tommy Kitt in Powder Monkey. As I started the research of the Royal Navy Press Gangs I knew I had to be thorough for complete accuracy to give justice to the appalling circumstances of boys’ as young as twelve being kidnapped and forced to work on ships in the late 1700s.
What do you hope readers take away from your novels?
There is always hope and it’s not a sign of weakness to ask for help.
What are you working on now?
My current work-in-progress is a middle grade manuscript intertwining modern day America with the Revolutionary War.
Thanks, Donna!
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And now for the GIVEAWAY!
Win a copy of Powder Monkey and The Golden Pathway!
Simply leave a comment on this post with your email address,
and you're entered!
and you're entered!
This giveaway is open internationally (US winner will receive print books; international winner will receive ebooks) and ends at 11:59pm Wednesday, September 10, 2014. Winner will be selected at random. Thanks, and good luck!
About the Author:
Donna McDine is a multiple award-winning children’s author, Honorable Mention in the 77th and two Honorable Mentions in the 78th Annual Writer’s Digest Writing Competitions, A Sandy Grave ~ Story Monster Approved and Beach Book Festival Honorable Mention 2014, The Golden Pathway ~ Literary Classics Silver Award & Seal of Approval Recipient Picture Book Early Reader, Readers Favorite 2012 International Book Awards Honorable Mention, Global eBook Awards Finalist Children’s Picture Book Fiction, and Preditors & Editors Readers Poll 2010 Top Ten Children’s Books.
Her interest in ocean life resulted in writing and publishing A Sandy Grave (January 2014). Other books by McDine, Powder Monkey (May 2013), Hockey Agony (January 2013) and The Golden Pathway (August 2010). A fifth book is in the publishing pipeline with Guardian Angel Publishing. She writes and moms from her home in the historical hamlet Tappan, NY. McDine is a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers & Illustrators.
For more information please visit Donna McDine’s website. You can also connect with her on Facebook, Twitter, Google+, Pinterest, and Goodreads.
Donna McDine is on a blog tour!
Click here to view the tour schedule.
Hi Jenny,
ReplyDeleteThank you for interviewing and hosting me through my historical fiction vbt! I appreciate your time, interest and support. I will be popping in throughout the day to interact with visitors. Just social networked!
Best,
Donna
This would be delightful and special. Thanks for this wonderful feature and giveaway. saubleb(at)gmail(dot)com
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by and lending your support :)
DeleteWhat an informative and wonderful interview. These books are so unique and fascinating. Many thanks. elliotbencan(at)hotmail(dot)com
ReplyDeleteThanks for visiting. I'm delighted you find my books interesting!
DeleteI enjoyed learning more about writing historical fiction. Thanks for the interview, Jenny, and congrats to Donna! donna (dot) shepherd (at) gmail (dot) com.
ReplyDeleteLove kids books. Look like great reads! Thanks for the giveaway!
ReplyDeletesandy.mccarthy@yahoo.com