Welcome back!

In this session, Donna reflects on her writing journey, her writing life and the response from her family and friends when she embarked on this endeavor.

SLR: When did you know the writing life would be the path you had to take?

DH: For as long as I can remember I was always either reading or writing.  I started writing love letters for my girlfriends in grammar school to give to their boyfriends! LOL.  I moved into poetry in my early teens, but it was not until I was in my late twenties that I had an ephiphany for lack of a better word, that I actually sat down with the intention of writing for publication. And that was after coming home from church one Sunday and really praying on it, and asking God what is it that I am meant to do? What can I do with this “thing” I’m so drawn to?

I came home from church, took out my typewriter (yes a typewriter) and began to type out my first short story, which was published in Black Romance, the confession magazine. From there, I kept writing, trying to get better and landed my first book deal in 1990 with Odyssey Books, with thanks to Nathasha Brooks Harris who was my editor at Black Romance. She was the one who encouraged me to write my first book “Rooms of the Heart.” And I haven’t stopped writing since!  LOL

SLR: And we’re certainly grateful for that! LOL! I always find it interesting to know how writers come to recognize their calling.

What did those close to you say at the beginning of your writing journey and what do they say about your stories?

DH:  I think by this question you mean family and friends?  My family is very proud and are my biggest cheerleaders.  My kids kinda take it in stride as they’ve been along for the ride for so long. But for the most part its like any other kind of job. I have doctors, nurses, engineers, teachers, designers, community leaders in my family and I happen to be the writer. LOL.

SLR: That is so great. I can imagine that your experience provides an unbelievably strong example to your children. So many get caught up in just getting any job, but you are living proof that one can sustain his or herself doing something that is creative and passion-driven.

Your turn readers, what are you doing everyday to drive your passions? We want to hear from you!

Yes, the week is drawing to a close, but you don’t want to miss the last part of our interview series tomorrow, when we get Donna’s take the movie industry.

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