This week in The Loft: Author D.V. Stone!

Joining me today in The Loft is author D.V. Stone. Donna is a multi- genre author with two independently-published books--"Agent Sam Carter and the Mystery at Branch Lake" and "Shield-Mates of Dar"--and two additional books published this year by Wild Rose Press--"Rock House Grill" and "Rainbow Sprinkles." She is also the host of two weekly blogs, Welcome to the Campfire and A Peek Through the Window. Most recently, Donna began reviewing books in a monthly newsletter. She puts pen to paper in New Jersey, where she lives with her husband and rescue dog.

D. V. Stone

S:  Good morning, Donna! 

Why did you become a writer?

D:  Ever since I was a baby, books were in my hands. As an adult, I wrote press releases for my businesses and training manuals for my bosses. I’d dreamed of writing my own books and began several times to lay down a story, but nothing took. Shortly after the economy tanked in 2008, I was laid-off from a long time position. Then I had a choice. Wallow or do something about my life. Now here I am, years later, a published author.

S:  You have a very busy life. In addition to all of your writing responsibilities, you have a full-time job and three grandchildren to spoil. When do you write?

D:  Before the COVID-19 pandemic, my hours at work gave me a great opportunity to write since I worked the afternoon shift. Unfortunately, after months of furlough, my hours and position changed, severely cutting into my writing time. On the bright side, I retire next May and look forward to the expanded opportunity.

S:  Did you undergo any sort of educational or other preparation to become a writer?

D:  I am a high-school graduate, receiving a diploma through an alternate education program of part-time academics and work. When I was a junior in high school, my dad became very ill, and I had to quit school to work on the farm. After he passed away, my choice was to repeat eleventh grade or go alternate. I actually made enough credits that I graduated ahead of my class. But I had no formal education after that.

S:  Wow, that was a big sacrifice for a teenager. Your accomplishments since then are certainly impressive. 

Did you have a mentor when you became a writer?

D:  Several people and groups have helped me. The RWA (Romance Writers of America) critique group facilitated by Margo Karoly was the first. Through that group, I met Rosalie Redd, and we’ve become not only critique partners but friends. Since signing with Wild Rose Press, my editor, El Felder, has become my guru. Also, the Wild Rose Press authors have nurtured my career.

S:  (Smiles.) It's wonderful when you have that kind of relationship with your editor. Mine has not only been a teacher and cheerleader, but also the inspiration for some of my stories.

Complete this sentence:  "When I started writing books, I wish I had known..."

D:  ...more about grammar and punctuation. Let me say this. It’s easier to write with knowledge than to go back and fix so many mistakes, which can be a daunting process. Also, I wish I had known about the long route from onset to the publication of most books.

S:  (Laughs.) The first time I had to submit a Christmas tale in summer, I had a very hard time getting in the mood. It's hard to write about snow and cold when it's 90 degrees outside!

What attracted you to the romance genre?

D:   I’m a hopeless optimist. The happily-ever-after feeds the need for closure in my life. I’m not too fond of dangly unresolved things in either reality or fiction.

S:  Do you write in other genres? Which ones? 

D:  I enjoy writing not only contemporary stories, as well as fantasy and paranormal. I’ve one mid-grade paranormal published and the second book of the series is near completion.

S:  Do you believe in love at first sight? Has it ever happened to you?

D:  Certainly attraction at first sight, but love can arrive quickly. I met my husband of 26 years in March of 1993, and we were engaged by May of 1993.

S:  What attracted you to your current partner? 

D:  His lovely brown eyes, humor, and he’s a smart one.

S:  How would you like to be remembered? What do you want your tombstone to say?

D:  My tombstone should say. "It wasn’t always easy, but it was worth it."

S:  Donna, thanks so much for joining me today. If you'd like to learn more about Donna and her books, please visit--

Website:  https://www.dvstoneauthor.com/
Blogs:  https://www.dvstoneauthor.com/httpswwwdvstoneauthorcomcampfire-blog, https://www.dvstoneauthor.com/peek-through-an-authors-window 
Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/D-V-Stone-Author-375747643036438/
Twitter:  https://twitter.com/donnavstone
Amazon Author Page:  https://www.amazon.com/D.-V.-Stone/e/B01N154Y9U
Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/d.v._stone/
Newsletter:  https://mailchi.mp/37b945511a50/dvstoneauthor