Seven Questions for the Horse - Donita K. Paul
- I have written eight Christian fantasy novels for young adults, and numerous Christian romance novels, novellas, and short stories.
- I love to teach. Although I’m retired, I fulfill that passion through speaking at conferences, leading writers’ groups, and tutoring my grandsons.
- Reading is my favorite pastime. It’s wonderful to be a writer because I can read and count it as “work” or “research.”
- My most important job is being a mother and mother-in-law to my brilliant offspring and their spouses, and to be a grandmother to my delightfully energetic grandsons.
Since I was in Jr. High. Professionally I’ve been writing since 1996 when I became disabled and could no longer teach. The publishing world is changing. It’s a challenge to all of us to keep writing and try to identify the market, let alone be a part of it. I’ve stuck my toe in the water of e-books with Taming the Wild Wind. I used an old romance I’d written early on, editing it to include all I’ve learned since then. I can say that I have been writing long enough to see the upheaval of a new technology. I read recently of a woman who couldn’t wait to tell her grandchildren that she was born before there was an Internet. I think it will be fun to watch my grandsons drop their jaws in astonishment.
3) What was your first book?
My first book was a novel called Escape, which was published in 1999. There‘s a summary on my website here. Kathleen Paul was the penname I used for my early Christian romance writing. I’m hoping this book will disappear. I know so much more about my craft now, and the story was lame, just lame. I have no fears of winning the Nobel or the Pulitzer from that contribution to literature.
4) What authors and/or books have been your greatest source of inspiration?
I love Max Lucado’s writing. It challenges and encourages me. He’s a master storyteller.
5) What advice can you give to new writers?
- Read! Read as much as you can, especially in the same genres you write in.
- I always encourage writers to join a writers’ group. This will provide assistance with editing, critiques by fellow authors, and tips on publishing.
- Keep persevering. Publishing a manuscript takes patience, determination, and an acceptance of critique.
I’m finished with my Chronicles of Chiril and The DragonKeeper Chronicle series.
However, I would like to continue to write Christian fantasy. We are negotiating a contract with a different publisher, but I will be including dragons in the next series, although I am building a brand new fantasy world. I’ve been put in a niche. I’m the Dragon Lady. Which is fine, since I’m fond of my dragons.
7) Do you speak at conventions or writers' conferences? If so, where are you appearing next?
I was a teacher for a long time before I became a writer, and I’m blessed with opportunities to continue to mentor writers. I attend conferences whenever I’m able to.
My last appearance was at Galaxy Fest 2012 in Colorado Springs on February 24-26.
More links!
Donita's Website
Her Amazon Page