welcome Colleen L Donnelly to our garden interviews

Hello Colleen

Tell about you and your books

Do you have trouble saying goodbye to characters?

I’m the personality type that can be considered a thinker—analytical, one hug is more than enough, high standards, and faithful to a fault. Whereas some authors are capable of writing “The End” on one story and joyfully diving into the next, I linger long in between books. That faithful part of me can still hear my first characters’ voices in my head, overriding any sounds a new group needs to make. Therefore the same trait that makes me an unlikely candidate for an affair also prevents me from dashing from one hero or heroine I’ve been attached to, to another.

What is your favorite book you’ve written and why?

“Asked For.” Even though other books of mine have made Amazon #1 or won awards, this book stood quietly in the background telling a hard-hitting story of rejection and the effect it can have on our dreams…if we let it. There was always something different about this book. It’s one of those written with such subtle underlying intertwining, it warrants a re-read to capture its full impact. I highly recommend this tale of seven children and their mother as they navigate their lives beneath the dark cloud of a cold and self-serving father and husband.

What tips would you give a new writer?

Write and publish with a thick skin. I don’t mean that as a slight to either writers or readers, but as a way to bridge the two. Not everyone in the audience will applaud. Their preferences are their own, just as the writer’s story, style, intent are his/her own. Write your best and send it out, always with an ear to what out there will make you better at your craft. Then write again because you’re a writer; one who grows and weaves even stronger tales each time.

Is there a message in your novel that you want readers to grasp?

Always. I realize readers may not grasp my intention in the story, but my secondary goal is their reading pleasure, so if that is met, I’m satisfied. But every book—even my humorous novel, “Letters and Lies” which is ready to be released May, 25, 2020—has a point. When people say, “Write what you know,” I do. I write about hurts or dilemmas, and the lessons learned, all of which boil down to the main message in my books.

Which phrase in the book are you most proud of?

My characters tend to be pensive so I’m careful to include gems in their thoughts, but strangely enough the phrase that sticks with me the most is the one in my soon to be released humorous novel, “Letters and Lies.” Our heroine pauses in her mad rush to find the man who jilted her to share with another woman also in need—I’ve learned that every investment requires enough commitment to see it through. And every commitment requires an investment.

and for a little fun...

Do you have a favorite quote?

It’s beautiful, often unfortunately the case, and the fodder for much of which I write.

“It has ever been since time began, and ever will be, till time lose breath, that love is a mood, no more to man, and love to a woman is life or death.” Ella Wheeler Wilcox quotes Virginia Woolf

What is your favorite drink?

Coffee. Is there anything else?

Do you laugh at your own jokes?

I have that subtle, dry sense of humor which I think is hilarious, so yes, sometimes I bring tears to my own eyes.

What makes you laugh?

I’m sorry for this, but when someone trips, I have to giggle. Even when I trip, I burst into laughter. Of course injuries dampen any chuckles…except in the case of my husband who toppled over once and let out a yelp. I couldn’t hide my snickers as I helped him up.

If you came with a warning label, what would it say?

Pensive. Don’t take offense at my silence…I’m thinking.

Where can we find you online?

http://www.colleenldonnelly.com/

https://www.facebook.com/ColleenLDonnelly

https://twitter.com/ColleenLDonnell

Download Letters and Lies on Amazon https://www.amazon.com/Letters-Lies-Colleen-L-Donnelly-ebook/dp/B086SGDXD5

and other online retailers