Donna McDine has been a cashier, a personal assistant, a web designer, and now is finally where she belongs... in the world of children’s literature. "My mind, body, and soul soar to amazing depths of creativity that make my words and world sing," says Donna. "My previous careers have been so different, each I gave my all, but I’ve always ached for something more fulfilling."
It wasn’t until she read an ad by the Institute of Children’s Literature for their aptitude test in 2006 that she took the plunge. She filled it out and to her pure delight she was accepted into the program. She hasn't looked back since.
She now publishes her own newsletter, Write What Inspires You, and keeps busy as Marketing Manager for Stories for Children Magazine, a quite popular online publication among children's authors. Her first children's book is scheduled to be released by Guardian Angel Publishing in the near future.
The Interview
You just launched your own newsletter, Write What Inspires You. What compelled you to start it?
Since embarking on my writing career in 2006 I have continually read and heard about creating your platform. Not fully understanding what a platform is and how it can benefit your writing I began to pick many established writers brains via email and at conferences…particularly The Muse Online Writers Conference.
After becoming inspired from the wealth of positive information I began to brainstorm ideas for creating my platform. I kept coming back to a newsletter. Since I have always been interested what other writers have to say I thought why not interviews.
What do you hope to achieve with this new venture? What's its mission?
Whether you have yet to make your name or you are established in the children’s publishing world we all have something to learn each and every day. I have made it my mission to offer a variety of author, illustrator, and editor interviews in the hope of getting to know the interviewees better and to learn from them. And what better way to share this valuable information to others in the children’s publishing world, but through a monthly newsletter distributed to those who become an opt-in subscriber.
Is subscription free? How does one subscribe?
Yes, the subscription is FREE and subscribing is easy. Either send an email to me at dmcdine@optonline.net with Newsletter in the subject line and your name within the body of the email or go to my website and subscribe in at the top of the home page.
What is your target audience and what would subscribers get with each issue?
The target audiences are both newbie and seasoned writers. Each issue includes a combo of writer, illustrator, and editor interviews; book review, 'Proclaim Your Successes' Column and 'Reflections or Dreams' column. The 'Reflections or Dreams' column is submission based and non-paying at this time. If you are interested in more details of the column please email me at the above email address with any questions you may have.
You're also the new Marketing Manager for the very popular Stories for Children Magazine. What does this new job entail and how do you balance your time between promoting the magazine, managing your own newsletter, and writing?
While coasting through the cyber-space hallways at the 2008 Muse Online Writers Conference, I received a virtual tap on my shoulder and an unexpected surprise was presented to me. Virginia S. Grenier, founder and editor of Stories for Children Magazine presented me an offer to join her team, starting January 2009 as Marketing Manager.
My responsibilities include researching and contacting children’s writers and illustrators for the monthly Featured Guest interview, Media Releases, cross promotional and marketing efforts, and customer service inquiries.
Organization has always been a positive factor to me…even though my family and friends call me an “organization freak”. Hey, I could be called worse. I believe it comes from my 16 plus years working in Corporate America and juggling multiple bosses at any given time. I am a lists person by nature and I breakdown my To Do lists in categories, Must Do Today, Follow-up Today, Weekly Goals, Monthly Goals.
At first in my writing career I did not follow suit and I did not write out my goals, but with the encouragement of an established author I began to. Once I did, my dreams and goals became clearer, which provided me with a focus for the day, week and month. First and foremost, I do not check my email or do anything else on my computer until I get a minimum of one hour of writing in. I always write my first draft in long hand away from my computer and I do my edits the same way. The computer is a wonderful tool, but it is my downfall with procrastination.
Thank you for being a guest at Suite101, Donna, and good luck with your writing endeavors.
 |
