Hi everyone, Today, I'm excited that we have LaDonna Paulette visiting with us to tell us about her new book. Welcome, LaDonna!! Please tell us about yourself first.
LaDonna Paulette: I’ve always been a dreamer. Growing up, I was the gal with her head in a book, spinning stories long after the lights went out at night. Like many writers, my road to publication was long. Raising two daughters was a delight I didn’t want to miss out on. And I won’t discuss the dreaded day jobs here. Too boring. Thankfully, my stories kept whispering to me until I faced them. And I’m so glad I did.
I share my life with my husband, Randy, and our two daughters and their families. My five grandchildren bring me constant joy. We live in a small town in Tennessee, and the characters I write about share this setting. We live close to Barkley and KY lakes, and enjoy boating with our family. I was born in Arkansas, and come from a family rich in Southern traditions. It runs deep in my bones, and I’m grateful for those memories. My hope is to create stories that live long after the last page is turned.
Vonda Sinclair: Please tell us about you're new book, BUTTERFLY WISHES, out now from Tiger Publications.
LaDonna: I’d love to. Having experienced great personal loss, two children form a deep bond under an old willow tree; a place they believe is a magical doorway to Heaven. Colin O’Brien’s parents died, and he lives with his granny. Fey Wright lost a mama and, having relocated to this sleepy town of O’Dessa TN with her daddy, isn’t expecting much. What Fey and Colin discover together is a magical journey that brings miracles to light, and the power of belief in this world and the one beyond.
LaDonna Paulette: I’ve always been a dreamer. Growing up, I was the gal with her head in a book, spinning stories long after the lights went out at night. Like many writers, my road to publication was long. Raising two daughters was a delight I didn’t want to miss out on. And I won’t discuss the dreaded day jobs here. Too boring. Thankfully, my stories kept whispering to me until I faced them. And I’m so glad I did.
I share my life with my husband, Randy, and our two daughters and their families. My five grandchildren bring me constant joy. We live in a small town in Tennessee, and the characters I write about share this setting. We live close to Barkley and KY lakes, and enjoy boating with our family. I was born in Arkansas, and come from a family rich in Southern traditions. It runs deep in my bones, and I’m grateful for those memories. My hope is to create stories that live long after the last page is turned.
Vonda Sinclair: Please tell us about you're new book, BUTTERFLY WISHES, out now from Tiger Publications.
LaDonna: I’d love to. Having experienced great personal loss, two children form a deep bond under an old willow tree; a place they believe is a magical doorway to Heaven. Colin O’Brien’s parents died, and he lives with his granny. Fey Wright lost a mama and, having relocated to this sleepy town of O’Dessa TN with her daddy, isn’t expecting much. What Fey and Colin discover together is a magical journey that brings miracles to light, and the power of belief in this world and the one beyond.
When Fey returns to her hometown, years later as a grown woman, she discovers the true magic of her childhood tree, and that love is a precious gift. Butterfly wishes are waiting for those that truly see.
Vonda: Sounds wonderful! From reading the excerpt, I can tell this is a beautiful, charming and special story. What inspired you to write it?
LaDonna: My story ideas come in scene flashes. My first glimpse of Fey and Collin was quite special, and touched me deeply. They were huddled beneath a willow tree together, looking at me. I wanted to know their story. The vision of them wouldn’t let me go. A few days later, I sat down to write their story, confident they would tell me… if I believed.
Vonda: How inspiring! Please tell us about your favorite character in the book, and why they are so close to your heart.
LaDonna: That’s a tough one, since I’m so character-driven. I love all my characters but, for Butterfly Wishes, I’d have to say Fey. She had this determination when I met her, and her voice was always very strong. Having lost a mama, and moving to a new place had to be scary. Her stubbornness and ability to meet life head-on really touched me. As a woman, she’s grown into the promise of herself and I love that. I loved her sense of discovery too, and loyalty to those she loves. Hmmm, Colin is magical too… Okay, I’ll stick with one.
Vonda: I wish you would tell us more about Colin too! (Perhaps in a comment?) What element of story creation is your favorite?
LaDonna: No doubt about it, characters. They are the soul of my stories. When they walk into my imagination, it’s like seeing an old friend but one I’ve never met before; only way I can describe it. The connection is usually instant and, while there’s much to learn about them, I can feel them in a special way. I give them all the freedom they want, and they know I’ll follow. Only once can I remember trying to tone down a character. Once I realized she wasn’t going to budge, I let her have free rein. Best thing I ever did too. She’s one my favorite characters to this day.
Vonda: I agree with you about characters. What’s next for you?
LaDonna: My second contracted novel, DREAMING OF NICK, will be a Tiger Publications fall release this year. I wanted to explore near-death experiences. In my story, two strangers are intrinsically linked after a car accident. Lisa Hope believes an angel saved her life that wintery night. A year later, her imagined angel walks into her little shop in Mills Pond, TN, and proves to be a flesh and blood man. Souls taken hostage become something else entirely. I really loved writing Liza and Nick’s story, and the magic they capture.
RUBY’S DAUGHTER, my third contracted novel, will be released by Tiger Publications in the spring of 2009. A mother desperately tries to make amends to the daughter she left behind. Being dead is the least of Ruby’s worries as she navigates the past, where it all went wrong, and discovers the truth. I’ll be writing a sequel later this year, and just love this character. Ruby wants more books, big surprise there since she’s the character I spoke about above; the one that didn’t want to be toned down!
Vonda: Both books sound wonderful and unique. I love the paranormal aspects. Congratulations on your additional sales! Would you like to ask blog readers a question?
LaDonna: First off, I’d love to thank you all for stopping by. Sharing my journey has brought me great joy, and I really appreciate the writing community. My question to you all is, “What grabs your attention when it comes to debut books; title, book cover, interviews, or blurbs?”
Vonda: Great question. Thanks again LaDonna for being here with us today!! Everyone, please visit LaDonna Paulette's website.
Or read the charming and entertaining excerpt.
You will also find the book at Amazon.