Blog Tour Interview With Award-Winning Children's Author Donna McDine

Please join me in welcoming award-winning children's author Donna McDine to Let Them Read Books! Donna is touring the blogosphere with her historical fiction novels, The Golden Pathway and Powder Monkey, and I got the chance to ask her a few questions about writing historical fiction for young readers! And she's brought along a copy of each book for one lucky reader to win!




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!

This giveaway is closed and the winner has been selected.

Check my sidebar for more great giveaways!

And now for the GIVEAWAY!

Raised in a hostile environment where abuse occurs daily, David attempts to break the mold and befriends the slave, Jenkins, owned by his Pa. Fighting against extraordinary times and beliefs, David attempts to lead Jenkins to freedom with no regard for his own safety and possible consequences dealt out by his Pa.

Forced into a life at sea by the Royal Navy Press Gangs, 12-year-old Tommy Kitt finds himself in a floating sea of misery. Poor living conditions and beatings occur daily. Despite his small size, Tommy must summon the courage and physical ability to prevail in a situation he cannot escape.

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!

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.