Exclusive Interview with
Donna M. Zadunajsky
When did you start writing?
I started writing when I was a teenager.
What makes writing your passion?
I love telling stories.
How long have you been writing?
About fourteen years.
What was the feeling when you published your first book?
Amazing. I couldn't believe after years of writing my first book that it was finally complete and ready for the world.
What’s the story behind your choice of characters?
I wanted a story about forgiveness, something that many people find hard to do.
What annoys you the most in pursuing a writing career?
I don't get annoyed, more like disappointed. Just because I'm a self-published author doesn't mean my books aren't as good as a traditionally published book. I have read many traditionally published books that aren't good and have many mistakes.
How do you get over the “writer’s block”?
I go for a walk, but I don't usually have a problem with writer's block.
We all know the writer’s path is never easy, what makes you keep going? What advice would you give to new authors?
Writing is something I have to do every day. No matter what the world says, I will keep writing. My advice is never to stop doing what you love.
If you could go back in time and talk to your younger self, what would you say?
Too many things, lol I wish I would have focused more on a career and education.
Do you read your book reviews? How do you deal with the bad ones?
Yes, I do read most of my book reviews. If anything they help me to understand what I'm doing wrong. No one likes the bad reviews and sometimes the reader is downright nasty and doesn't need to be. To me, it means they are either jealous or haven't written a book themselves. No one needs to mean. If it wasn't the book for them then leave it at that.
What is the feeling when you get a good review?
That I'm writing well and polishing my skill at writing.
Have you ever incorporated something that happened to you in real life into your novels?
All the time.
Which of your characters you can compare yourself with? Did you base that character on you?
My fourth novel Hidden Secrets.
What do you think, the book cover is as important as the story?
Heck yeah! When I walk into a book store the cover is what I see first. If the cover captures my eye then I will pick up the book and read the summary. If the summary interests me, I just bought a book.
Do you connect with your readers? Do you mind having a chat with them or you prefer to express yourself through your writing?
If my readers reach out to me, yes, I will message them back. Both.
How do you feel when people appreciate your work or recognize you in public?
I feel a sense of pride in myself. I have spent my life trying to make myself feel proud of all I have accomplished.
Who is your favorite author? Why?
I have many favorite authors, but the one that made me want to write one day is Stephen King.
What’s the dream? Whom would you like to be as big as?
My dream is to have my book/books in Barnes and Noble or any bookstore, not just online. I don't want to have my world turned upside down and not be able to walk outside, but I would say a local celebrity.
Would you rewrite any of your books? Why?
Probably my first one Broken Promises. because it's based on true events of my life with an alcoholic.
If you could switch places with any author – who would that be?
Robyn Harding
What would you say to the “trolls” on the internet? We all know them – people who like to write awful reviews to books they’ve never read or didn’t like that much, just to annoy the author.
No one needs to mean. If it wasn't the book for them then leave it at that.
What would you say to your readers?
Thank you for taking the time to read my book.
Share a bit about yourself – where do you live, are you married, do you have kids?
I live in a small town in Ohio. I read, write, and play with my golden retrievers.
What is your day job if you have one?
What are your hobbies? What do you do in your free time?
Read, make crafts, take walks, and watch TV.
Did you have a happy childhood?
Is anyone's childhood completely happy?
Is there a particular experience that made you start writing?
Reading my first Stephen King book back in high school.
Do you have unpublished books? What are they about?
Yes, many. They are YA books. High school drama.
What do you think should be improved in the education of our children? What do we lack?
Put the phones away and read a book. We lack family time.
If you were allowed 3 wishes – what would they be?
Best selling novel
An agent to represent my books
Books in bookstores around the world
What is your favorite music?
Rock, country, hip hop, but my favorite band is 3 Doors Down.
Share a secret with us 🙂
I have developed a cleaning product that will be out sometime in 2021/22.