A friend of mine read a story and wrote me a long note with some super smart observations. This was the most intense analysis of my work I'd ever read. It was amazing and flattering and gave me lots to think about. One of the most interesting comments was about theme. She noted that many … Continue reading Smothering
Author: jennifermdonahue
What season are you?
When I was at the delicate age of twelve there was a summer class offered on beauty. I remember the class description being vague, at best. My mother was thrilled, she has always been one for layering beauty on oneself. I thought the class might be more about cultivating inner beauty and positive self image. … Continue reading What season are you?
first day of summer song
Last year I was traveling with my husband and son in France on the first day of summer. June 21 is more than the summer solstice there, it is the Fête de la Musique. Paris becomes a living, pulsing music box when the sun goes down. Changing the channel is as simple as walking from … Continue reading first day of summer song
So True, Dr. Seuss
"Well... that vent where I wentWas a sort of funnelThat led me down intoA frightful black tunnel.The traffic down thereWas a mess, I must say,With billions of birdsGoing all the wrong way.They bumped me with bikesAnd they banged me with dishes.I ran into ladders,Beds, bottles and fishes.I skidded on garbage.I fell in a horn.Troubles! I … Continue reading So True, Dr. Seuss
YA Literature & The Mommy Book Club
I belong to a book club. I refer to it as the "mommy book club" because all the other members are mothers like me. It is a nice monthly escape for an evening, a chance to get together and talk about books and life. There is copious wine, beer and sweet treats involved. It gives … Continue reading YA Literature & The Mommy Book Club
Five Things I Learned When Querying My First Book
As a writer new to the world of agents, submissions and publishing a novel there are many things you don't know. And even more things you don't know that you don't know. I'm at the beginning of querying my latest work RIDING THE BLIND and as I set out on this quest I'm reminded of … Continue reading Five Things I Learned When Querying My First Book
Secret Lives
I'm mildly obsessed with advice columns. There is something so awful/amazing about the questions people will ask under the guise of anonymity. I love stories. I wouldn't write them if I didn't. And there is no better place to find the snapshot of a well-developed character in the throes of a high conflict situation than … Continue reading Secret Lives
My adventures in E-Reading
For the holidays my wonderful husband gave me a Nook by Barnes & Noble. I had expressed some interest and curiosity about the emerging world of e-readers, but wasn't quite ready to take the leap. The idea of reading on a device still felt wrong to me on some fundamental level. So, I was a … Continue reading My adventures in E-Reading
I would like to thank…
I recently received an email from an author friend who is being published Fall 2011. She was checking the names and spelling of those people that would appear in the acknowledgment section of her book. I was overwhelmed with this honor and deeply gratified to be on her list. It made me feel as though … Continue reading I would like to thank…
First Footing: How We Burn
My story "How We Burn" is up today over at Necessary Fiction. "First Footing" is January's theme for the Writer in Residence feature on the site. Contributors were invited to take the last line of an established story and use it as the jumping off point for a new work. My story is inspired by … Continue reading First Footing: How We Burn
Jennifer Marie Donahue 