Hello friends of Barbara.
I’m honored that Barbara has asked me to
make an appearance on her blog since hers is one of my favorites.
My name is Donna but I use DM Yates as my
professional name. I am an author and a poet and how I love to write!
I was a quiet shy child who spent my
summers at the library. Nothing made me happier than traveling to other places
through the written words of a story. One day my mother surprised me with ‘A
Child’s Garden of Verses’ by Robert Louis Stevenson. My favorite poem was ‘The
Swing’ and I still love it. It was because of this book that I decided to give
to the world my stories and poems.
Donna and her twin brother Don
My twin brother once told me I began my
writing career as soon as a teacher put a pencil in my hand and I learned how
to read. I do know I spent my life writing stories and poems but I didn't
decide to make a career of it until my later years.
I believe that within each story lies a
treasure to be discovered by the reader and that makes me want to write even
more. I veer towards fantasy and I write in
fantasy/new age/spiritual/romance genres.
Last year I wrote and illustrated my first
children’s holiday rhyme book for ages 7 to 9 years old called ‘Gingerbread
Castle.’ It’s the story of a special castle in dreamland where children can
play games, eat treats, ride a train and slide down an enormous slide back to
their beds. I wanted a sweet story about a place any child would want to visit
with huge teddy bears, gingerbread men, and a reading room where an owl reads
from books.
You see, I love gingerbread because when
it’s so cold outside and snowy, gingerbread warms you with all its spices and
it’s often colorfully decorated so I just had to write a story about a castle
made of gingerbread.
Excerpt: Before
you can blink, to Dreamland you’ll go
Can you believe it? You’re sledding in snow.
The red sleigh is pulled by two jaunty reindeer
steered by Jimmy the Elf who’s full of good cheer.
Can you believe it? You’re sledding in snow.
The red sleigh is pulled by two jaunty reindeer
steered by Jimmy the Elf who’s full of good cheer.
I want to thank you so much for taking time
to get to know me and I especially want to thank my dear friend Barbara for
this wonderful opportunity.
Donna’s website: http://dmyates.weebly.com
Donna’s facebook page: https://facebook.com/DMYatesAuthor
Donna on twitter: @merridm
Wishing love, honor, and respect to all of
you.
Thank you so much Donna. The photograph of you with your brother is adorable!
Oh how LOVELY to meet you, and another like-minded friend! Yes, there is something that we feel very early on about who we are and what we can become. The first time I heard the French language, I was intrigued. I was very small, but lo and behold, I am now a French teacher and I love to try my hand at poetry. The trick is staying adventurous as a child to stretch your muscles and learn.
ReplyDeleteWhat a joy to meet you! Happy holidays! Anita
Happy Holidays Anita, thank you for leaving a comment for Donna. Hugs Barbara x
DeleteBarbara, thank you for this wonderful opportunity to guest on your amazing blog.
ReplyDeleteDear Donna, it is an absolute pleasure, thank you so much, Barbara.
DeleteI love the featured verse from the book. It sounds so sweet!! My favorite poem from RLS' 'A Child's Garden of Verses' is The Swing.
ReplyDeleteHi Teressa, I love A child's garden of verses but my favourite is From a railway carriage. Thanks for leaving a comment, Barbara.
DeleteI love the story, but i love that baby picture even more! so cute!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Joleene
DeleteA sweet story for this time of year! :) I read it to my class last year and they gave Donna feedback on the book when she was editing it. So wonderful to see Gingerbread Castle here today! Wishing Donna the best of luck. I love the picture of her and her brother when they were little.
ReplyDeleteStephanie, without your class' help, 'Gingerbread Castle' would not be the magical book it is today. Children know what they like to read and see in a book. I thank you and your class for all of your help.
DeleteI agree, you and your brother looked adorable in that picture, Donna! A gingerbread castle sounds absolutely warm and inviting. Always nice to learn more about our mutual friends, Barbara. Have a good weekend ahead! xoxo C.
ReplyDeleteThank you Claudine, you too. xxx
DeleteThank you, Claudine. Gingerbread is warm and inviting, isn't it? My brother and I were a handful for my poor mother.
Deletesweet story and cute picture :) have a wonderful pre-christmas week.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Mia.
DeleteYou are welcome! have a great sunday! :)
DeleteWhat a wonderful post. Its been lovely meeting you Donna, many thanks for sharing that excerpt with us.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Tracy. It's always so nice to make new friends.
DeleteAlways a pleasure to meet the gang? and wonder how it all began.be well. Agman.
ReplyDeleteThanks Agman, you too.
DeleteAlways great to meet another author. Your book sounds delightful and I wish you all the best Donna!
ReplyDeleteGood morning dearest Barbara! Thank you so much for coming to visit my post....no snow for us yet, but it doesn't matter because the joy of the holidays is INSIDE our home and hearts. May you have constant peace and joy as you celebrate yet another holiday! BLESSINGS! Anita
ReplyDeleteHello Anita, your lovely post sent me to bed with a smile on my face and joy in my heart. Thank you! I hope you have a wonderful holiday season. With love, Barbara x
DeleteThanks Barbara for such a wonderful guest post .. :)
ReplyDeleteDonna is adorable as a bay and even without the distinctive clothes, its as clear as sun which one is she ... She has the same face ! I mean I was able to recognise her in the pic ..!
And yes the Gingerbread book certainly looks inviting :) specially with the Owl reading books to kids ! Lovable and warm :)
Dear Kokila, I know exactly what you mean - Donna hasn't changed a bit!
DeleteThanks for your visit, Barbara.
Thank you for introducing Donna it is lovely to meet an author of a delightful book..
ReplyDeleteHello Shashi, you are most welcome. I’ve seen a copy of Donna’s book and it really is delightful.
DeleteBest of luck with your Christmas book, Donna. Cute cover!
ReplyDeleteWhat a charming and delightful book! Best of luck Donna!
ReplyDeleteHi Donna,
ReplyDeleteWhat a magical book. The cover transports me back to my childhood. And to "Dreamland" I shall go. Thank you, Donna. Thank you, Barbara.
Gary
Hi Gary, you are very welcome, thanks for calling in, Barbara
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