Three Times A Charm with Donna J. Shepherd

Three Times A Charm is a weekly feature that spotlights authors, illustrators, bloggers, reviewers, agents, editors, anyone involved in children’s publishing. 

This week we are thrilled to welcome the charming and prolific author, Donna Shepherd. A little about Donna:

Donna J. Shepherd, children's picture book author and inspirational writer, has hundreds of articles and devotionals to her credit. Her writings appear in Daily Grace for Women, Anytime Prayers for Everyday Moms, and The Best Grandma in the World to name a few. Donna's children's books, Topsy Turvy Land, No More Gunk! & OUCH! Sunburn!, Chizzy's Topsy Tale, Dotty's Topsy Tale, Poodle and Doodle, Sully's Topsy Tale, Bradybug, and the newest – Where is Salami? feature short, playful rhymes and humorous illustrations. Donna is the founder of Greater Harvest Workshops and Middletown Area Christian Writers, and in demand as a Bible teacher, conference speaker, and singer.

As you see from her extensive list of books, Donna is a multi-published author. Yet, she is so much more than that. Donna tell us more about you.

Kai, when I saw the name of your blog (clever!), my first thought was, "How many strands of thought do I have – at any given time?" I'm always on the move, trying something new, and endeavoring to improve on the things I'm already doing. My singing came first, then the writing, then speaking. I've found that many writers end up speaking and vice versa. Being in ministry, my first speaking engagements were for women's conferences and church services, but I also conduct workshops for writers and speak for various types of events.

Now I've set up a home studio and providing voiceovers for book trailers and reading audio books. It has been an interesting and fun way to use my voice. I've posted a few samples on a blog: http://donna-shepherd.blogspot.com/


I sing as well!  Maybe we can do a duet at the next gathering of angels (our publisher organizes a big event that many GAP authors and illustrators attend. Always lovely to meet fellow angels) Here is a video featuring Donna's book, illustrators, appearences and more:



Now for the Threes. Share with us some of your top 3’s so our readers can know a little more about the woman at the keyboard.

  • Top 3 books you’ve read in the past year.


Regret-Free Living: Hope for Past Mistakes and Freedom from Unhealthy Patterns by John Shore and Stephen Arterburn

This book helped me break free from a tendency to try to re-live the past.

From Clutter to Clarity: Simplifying Life from the Inside Out by Nancy Twigg

I'm trying, I really am to simplify and focus on what's really important.

Beyond Talent: Become Someone Who Gets Extraordinary Results by John C. Maxwell

Hmm…are you sensing a trend? I'm reading this now. Another step in my quest to focus on the here and now and live up to my God-given potential.


  • Top 3 snacks to munch on while working.

Chocolate – the darker the better. Have you tried the Hershey's Extra Dark Chocolate? And I've heard dark chocolate is good for you, right?

Planters Deluxe Mixed Nuts with Sea Salt. I purchased a huge container at Sam's Club and I have to pace myself.

If I'm out of chocolate and mixed nuts, we move on to a slightly healthier choice - apple slices and walnuts.

  • Top 3 illustrators.

Well, my choices are obvious - so far, I've had three illustrators do amazing jobs on my books – Kevin Scott Collier, Kit Grady, and Jack Foster. And of course, I cannot forget Liz Ball for her hidden picture puzzles. Most of my books have hidden objects in the illustrations. Another favorite is Richard Jesse Watson. Oh, and I could look at Scott Gustafson's illustrations all day.

Even though you fudged and listed more than 3 illustrators, I figure their hard work and dedication to their craft is well worth overlooking it.  

I know you work to provide fun entertainment for children beyond your books, as well as inspiration to everyone. Where can we find you on the internet?

The main blog for my children's writing is: http://www.topsyturvyland.com. I post coloring pages, games, and activity sheets regularly. 

The blog for the inspirational writing is: http://www.devotionalsbydonna.com.

I do hope your visitors will stop by!

I'm on Facebook at http://www.Facebook.com/donnajshepherd. And tweet as donnashepherd. Write to me at http://donnajshepherd.com/contactus.aspx    


Thank you, Donna, for joining us on Three Times A Charm! I just love how varied your career is even though it is still focused around your writing. That in itself is an inspiration.

Thank YOU for hosting me on your fun blog!

Comments

  1. Lynda S . BurchMay 25, 2011 at 10:50 AM

    Great interview!

    ReplyDelete
  2. ~Laura Allen NonemakerMay 25, 2011 at 12:34 PM

    I enjoyed this interview! Donna is indeed prolific and creative. She spoke and sang at our Louisville Christian Writers December 2010 meeting. That is where I had the opportunity to see her adorable and clever children's books.

    ReplyDelete
  3. ~Laura Allen NonemakerMay 25, 2011 at 12:48 PM

    I enjoyed this interview! Donna is indeed prolific and very creative. She spoke and sang for our Louisville Christian Writers meeting in December and I had the opportunity to see her adorable and innovative children's books.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Bill KirkMay 25, 2011 at 1:06 PM

    Very nice interview, Kai. I enjoyed reading about Donna's personal philosophy toward life and her writing. You both are setting a high bar.

    Bill

    ReplyDelete
  5. Karen GeisMay 25, 2011 at 1:08 PM

    Wonderful interview...I first met Donna at a "Captivating Women's conference" where she spoke about all the basics of writing. Soon after I attended a writing group she runs & have never stopped learning from her since that time! She is a talented writer and writing coach.

    ReplyDelete
  6. RaeLynn DeAngelisMay 25, 2011 at 2:39 PM

    Great interview, Donna! I enjoyed getting to know more about you. Keep pressing on! God continues to use you in a mighty way.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Kai Strand, AuthorMay 25, 2011 at 2:48 PM

    Thanks for the kind words everyone and for sharing your own "Donna" experiences. So glad you all stopped in.

    ReplyDelete
  8. MrBibleHeadMay 25, 2011 at 4:15 PM

    Hey Donna! Did you ever imagine that you would be described as prolific? That’s such a cool compliment and so true. ... and as Kai said...You are so much more.
    I really love working with Donna. Thanks for a great interview Kai and thanks Donna for listing me in your top three :o)

    ReplyDelete
  9. Linore Rose Burkard, NovelistMay 25, 2011 at 9:54 PM

    Donna is so prolific and talented! I'm proud to partner with her to do Greater Harvest Workshops and she's a wonderful friend, too. Great interview, Donna and Kai. (I like dark chocolate and nuts too, by the way. See? Another thing we have in common.) ;)

    ReplyDelete
  10. Donna J. ShepherdMay 26, 2011 at 7:25 AM

    I'm touched by all your kind words. Thank you so much!

    ReplyDelete
  11. Teri HorsleyMay 26, 2011 at 9:21 AM

    As a journalist who has interviewed Donna, and as a member of her MAC writers group, I can attest to the fact that she is prolific, creative, and most importantly a woman of God. Sincere in her faith, and eager to help others reach their potential, makes Donna a beautiful person on the inside and out. I'm proud to call her my friend.

    ReplyDelete
  12. Janet Ann CollinsMay 26, 2011 at 8:17 PM

    Thanks for helping us get to know this great woman.

    ReplyDelete

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