About The Golden Pathway: David lives on a farm in the mid-1700’s and is on a quest to free Jenkins, a black slave owned by his Pa. Pa is a cruel man and badgers David for his weaknesses. Using Pa’s negative outlook to his advantage, David uncovers courage from deep within to keep his promise to Jenkins and leads him to eventual freedom down the golden pathway.
I'm honored to be a part of Donna's virtual book tour. Not only has she been an inspiration to me, but I consider myself very lucky to have her as a friend. We recently presented together on a panel for the SCBWI Writers of Lower Fairfield, talking about what it's like to publish with a small press. I had the pleasure of asking her about her inspiration for The Golden Pathway and what she hopes readers will take away from her endearing tale about The Underground Railroad...
Initially, The Golden Pathway started out as a writing assignment for the Institute of Children’s Literature, but I never submitted it beyond my writing instructor. This particular manuscript kept calling to me to bring David and Jenkins' story forth from my computer. After joining the Children’s Writers’ Coaching Club and garnering success in online ezine and print magazines, I finally submitted the manuscript to Suzanne Lieurance for critique and, with her encouragement, I submitted it to the 77th Writer’s Digest Writing Competition and much to my delight it placed 12th in the Children’s/Young Adult category. Then after meeting Lynda Burch of Guardian Angel Publishing at the Muse Online Writers Conference and further editing by Lynda and Lea Schizas, The Golden Pathway saw the light and then to life with the illustrations by prolific artist, K.C. Snider.
What was your inspiration for The Golden Pathway?
I have always enjoyed historical fiction, especially slavery and the Underground Railroad. Even though this specific time period was a horrific time in history I always find it fascinating and heartwarming that so many people helped the slaves escape to freedom, despite consequences against them if caught.
Why did you want to educate young readers about the Underground Railroad?
American history teaches our young muses of the successes and failures of our fine country. It is imperative for them to learn about slavery so that these same mistakes are not repeated. And to learn of the determination of the slaves and Quakers in getting slavery dissolved.
What do you hope readers will take away from The Golden Pathway?
No matter your circumstances with knowing the difference between right and wrong, positive results can be had.
What’s the most rewarding part of writing for children?
Watching and experiencing a child picking out a story that interests them and they go back to it time and time again. And each time they come away with different though provoking questions.
Lori, thank you for hosting me today, it is an honor to be here.
To learn more about Donna M. McDine, please visit her official website.
THE GOLDEN PATHWAY GIVEAWAY:
I'm giving away a FREE copy of The Golden Pathway to one of Lori Calabrese Writes' lucky readers.
For your chance to win this awesome book, all you need to do is:
1) Follow this blog
2) Comment on this blog post
For extra entries:
1) Blog about this contest and leave a comment telling me
2) Tweet about this contest and leave a comment telling me
3) Share on Facebook and leave a comment telling me
And if your e-mail address is not included in your Blogger profile, make sure you leave a way for me to get in contact with you when you win! (U.S. entries only)
The contest will run through midnight on Friday, October 1, 2010!
UPDATE**This contest has officially ended. And the winner is...Kathleen Moulton!
Congrats, Kathleen! Please contact me, so I can send the book to you ASAP!
Additional Information:
Reading Level: Ages 8-12
Paperback: 24 pages
Publisher: Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc (August 12, 2010)
ISBN-10: 1616330880
ISBN-13: 978-1616330880
Source of review copy: Publicist
Watch the booktrailer for The Golden Pathway:
Hi Lori:
ReplyDeleteI'm delighted to be here today. I'll be checking in throughout the day to interact with our visitors.
Best wishes,
Donna
Children’s Author
Write What Inspires You Blog
The Golden Pathway Story book Blog
Donna M. McDine’s Website
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I love reading about good books and The Golden Pathway is superb. Nice interview, too, ladies. :o)
ReplyDeleteGreat interview Lori! I'm already a follower -- of both you and Donna. Love you guys!
ReplyDeleteAmy and Beth:
ReplyDeleteThank you for stopping by and for your wonderful support.
Have a terrific day!
Warm regards,
Donna
Donna, I'm so thrilled for you with the release of your wonderful new book! Congratulations on your book tour, too. You have a winner here!
ReplyDeleteBest,
Nancy
It sounds just the sort of book I loved reading with my kids. To be honest, I still love reading the books they've left behind. Those bookshelves will never be tidied away.
ReplyDeleteThanks Amy, Beth and Nancy for stopping by! Just like you guys, I'm thrilled for Donna!
ReplyDeleteSheila--I'll definitely be like you. Reading my children's books long after they've left the nest! Nothing wrong with that! :)
Nancy and Sheila:
ReplyDeleteThank you for visiting and for your kind and supportive words.
Lori:
Thank you for hosting me and for your never ending support. I was a delight to be here two days.
Best wishes,
Donna