Ask the Author: Donna Everhart
Answered Questions (24)
Donna Everhart
I'm glad you're out here - I just got an email back from the folks running the giveaway with my publisher - and they're asking for your email. Can you send it to me at deverhart2@nc.rr.com? They'll contact you to confirm your shipping address. Thx!!!
Donna Everhart
Hi Patti - congratulations, and yes, I can help! I'll contact the individual with my publisher who runs the giveaways and give them a heads up. I'm sure they'll reach out to you asap! Thanks for letting me know. 😊
Donna Everhart
Hi Brenda!
First, and foremost, thank you for reading (listening) to my books!
This is a unique question, and I had to sort of laugh because I know what you mean - as you will see in the rest of my answer below.
So, the rights for the audiobooks are sold by my publisher to an audiobook publisher. (in my case, it's been Tantor Media) For this reason, I have little, if any say, as to who gets the contract to read the books for the audio version. Recently, I "met" Amy Melissa Bentley (this was over Zoom, and she is soooo talented). She has done four of my five books. I told her that while I'm writing, I get a character's voice in MY head and then, if I listen to the audiobook she's narrated, sometimes it's jarring. But, once I keep listening, I eventually adjust to the sound and tone, and really enjoy it.
I hope you will keep listening to SAINTS - I think you will love the story!
First, and foremost, thank you for reading (listening) to my books!
This is a unique question, and I had to sort of laugh because I know what you mean - as you will see in the rest of my answer below.
So, the rights for the audiobooks are sold by my publisher to an audiobook publisher. (in my case, it's been Tantor Media) For this reason, I have little, if any say, as to who gets the contract to read the books for the audio version. Recently, I "met" Amy Melissa Bentley (this was over Zoom, and she is soooo talented). She has done four of my five books. I told her that while I'm writing, I get a character's voice in MY head and then, if I listen to the audiobook she's narrated, sometimes it's jarring. But, once I keep listening, I eventually adjust to the sound and tone, and really enjoy it.
I hope you will keep listening to SAINTS - I think you will love the story!
Donna Everhart
Hi there!
First and foremost, thank you so much for reading my books! I'm glad you enjoyed them - and it would be AWESOME if any one of them was made into a movie.
As to a new book, I'm almost finished writing my fifth. It's not due to the publisher until January of 2021, and pub date would likely be late 2021 or early 2022.
In the new story, I'm stepping away from the coming of age characters. It's set during the Depression, my characters are adults, and it's told from two different viewpoints. Very different for me to write this one, but I love the setting, and the characters.
It's about two people, one searching for their future, the other looking to escape their past, who each experience life altering events and end up in a labor camp during the Depression in South Georgia.
:)
First and foremost, thank you so much for reading my books! I'm glad you enjoyed them - and it would be AWESOME if any one of them was made into a movie.
As to a new book, I'm almost finished writing my fifth. It's not due to the publisher until January of 2021, and pub date would likely be late 2021 or early 2022.
In the new story, I'm stepping away from the coming of age characters. It's set during the Depression, my characters are adults, and it's told from two different viewpoints. Very different for me to write this one, but I love the setting, and the characters.
It's about two people, one searching for their future, the other looking to escape their past, who each experience life altering events and end up in a labor camp during the Depression in South Georgia.
:)
Donna Everhart
You're more than welcome, and I'm glad you liked it.
I'm sorry about your friend. What I learned while researching about EDs is how hard it can be to stop.
And yes, I'm working on my fifth book as we speak. That ms isn't due until Jan. 2021, so it won't be out until late 2021, maybe early 2022. Thank you so much for reading my work!
I'm sorry about your friend. What I learned while researching about EDs is how hard it can be to stop.
And yes, I'm working on my fifth book as we speak. That ms isn't due until Jan. 2021, so it won't be out until late 2021, maybe early 2022. Thank you so much for reading my work!
Donna Everhart
Hi Sharon - it is! (argh) Many eyes were on the ms before it went to print, and somehow, that happened. In future prints it will be corrected.
Donna Everhart
Hello Lee,
Thank you for reading my latest! I'm really happy you liked it. Right now, no rights have been sold for it to be made into a movie. They will have to scrape me off the ceiling if and when that happens - but all my readers will be the first to know! Thank you for the question!
Thank you for reading my latest! I'm really happy you liked it. Right now, no rights have been sold for it to be made into a movie. They will have to scrape me off the ceiling if and when that happens - but all my readers will be the first to know! Thank you for the question!
Donna Everhart
You're welcome - and yes, I am working away. Actually, I just went back under contract for the 5th book, which is going to be quite different from my first four. It's written in 3rd person POV vs my usual 1st, AND from two different perspectives. Also, it's not coming-of-age (!) What is the same, and will always be, it's Southern fiction, set during the Depression. I'm not going to talk about the setting right now because it's quite unique! ;)
Donna Everhart
I think the answer is partly this - those published in hardback (particularly a debut) marks the sign of confidence from the publisher and booksellers, this book is going to do well. It's like a signal to the publishing world/readers - hey, this book is going places. We all know that's not always the case. Some books come out in hardback and do not sell great. On the other hand, books published in trade paperback can zoom up the charts and make all sorts of lists - like THE EDUCATION OF DIXIE DUPREE.
And interestingly, the variance in printing costs aren't all that much different from what I've read. In actuality, the printing cost between hardback and paperback is only a few dollars, but it's the rest of what comes with it that makes them more expensive. (editing, marketing, advance to the author, etc.)
And interestingly, the variance in printing costs aren't all that much different from what I've read. In actuality, the printing cost between hardback and paperback is only a few dollars, but it's the rest of what comes with it that makes them more expensive. (editing, marketing, advance to the author, etc.)
Donna Everhart
Hello again, Mary Barker,
I am always thrilled to have new readers, and I hope you'll love my stories!
You can read them in any order as they are stand alone books. I don't have any characters in one book show up in another, so, each book is unique and very different. The only common thread is they all take place 50 years or more ago, and are coming of age.
My debut, THE EDUCATION OF DIXIE DUPREE (Indie NextList, Amazon Best Book, Debut Spotlight, Business Insider's Pick, among many other accolades) is perhaps the one I am most proud of, and while I don't know if it's my greatest accomplishment - i.e. writers are supposed to get better as we go along , :> ) - I wrote that story in a fearless manner, so to speak. I will forewarn you, it's a TOUGH read with very graphic scenes of sexual abuse. I have found people either loved it, or hated it. Some found it quite offensive. Others have praised it. But, all seemed to love Dixie Dupree, my 11 year old protagonist. There have been some very strong reactions to it. Therefore, as a writer, I think I did my job. :>)
That said, THE ROAD TO BITTERSWEET, (2nd book) THE FORGIVING KIND, (3rd) and now, THE MOONSHINER'S DAUGHTER are gritty, authentic, and tough stories in their own individual way. I write what I like to read - hard hitting stories that make you think, feel, and maybe say "Whew!" once you're done reading.
I am always thrilled to have new readers, and I hope you'll love my stories!
You can read them in any order as they are stand alone books. I don't have any characters in one book show up in another, so, each book is unique and very different. The only common thread is they all take place 50 years or more ago, and are coming of age.
My debut, THE EDUCATION OF DIXIE DUPREE (Indie NextList, Amazon Best Book, Debut Spotlight, Business Insider's Pick, among many other accolades) is perhaps the one I am most proud of, and while I don't know if it's my greatest accomplishment - i.e. writers are supposed to get better as we go along , :> ) - I wrote that story in a fearless manner, so to speak. I will forewarn you, it's a TOUGH read with very graphic scenes of sexual abuse. I have found people either loved it, or hated it. Some found it quite offensive. Others have praised it. But, all seemed to love Dixie Dupree, my 11 year old protagonist. There have been some very strong reactions to it. Therefore, as a writer, I think I did my job. :>)
That said, THE ROAD TO BITTERSWEET, (2nd book) THE FORGIVING KIND, (3rd) and now, THE MOONSHINER'S DAUGHTER are gritty, authentic, and tough stories in their own individual way. I write what I like to read - hard hitting stories that make you think, feel, and maybe say "Whew!" once you're done reading.
Donna Everhart
Hello Mary Barker! Wow, this is a great question, and I'm not just saying that. I don't think anyone has ever asked me this one before. There are four types of covers produced today. Hardcover, trade paperback (like mine) mass market, and of course all the varying products known as e-books.
To directly answer your question, no, hard cover aren't becoming obsolete, but I do think it's possible more authors, like myself, are first being published under trade paperback. All four of my books are packaged this way, and I have to say (and I may be partial) I think these textured covers with the french flaps and the deckled edge pages are striking.
(There are hard cover versions of my books called "library binding." The rights to the books were sold and handled by a different publisher for that. They have a different cover. The same happened with the audio books, a different publisher, and different cover. )
To directly answer your question, no, hard cover aren't becoming obsolete, but I do think it's possible more authors, like myself, are first being published under trade paperback. All four of my books are packaged this way, and I have to say (and I may be partial) I think these textured covers with the french flaps and the deckled edge pages are striking.
(There are hard cover versions of my books called "library binding." The rights to the books were sold and handled by a different publisher for that. They have a different cover. The same happened with the audio books, a different publisher, and different cover. )
Donna Everhart
Hi Janis - I was told it takes 4-6 weeks to process the books, and get them mailed out. Let me check for you - and I can't wait for you to read it either!
Donna Everhart
After a second Big Bang, remnants of leftover humanity exited their encapsulated bunkers where they'd stocked only the essentials necessary for survival - like food and water - to begin exhaustive searches among the still smoldering landscape.
Days became weeks, weeks became months, until finally, dismal, and dejected, they were left with the fact there were no bookstores, no libraries, even worse, no books, and they looked at one another in horror.
:)
Days became weeks, weeks became months, until finally, dismal, and dejected, they were left with the fact there were no bookstores, no libraries, even worse, no books, and they looked at one another in horror.
:)
Donna Everhart
Hi Jan - thank you for the question!
I'm a weird sort (I think) when it comes to writing by hand in that I don't do much of it. I have learned the hard way, to jot down notes as I research. While I keep my notes pretty cryptic, I've learned once you land on a fact - write it down. I was researching something once, and had to stop. I didn't bookmark the page, didn't make a note of where I found it - and never could land on it again.
As to paper, what works for me are those small tablets - almost like legal pads, except their 1/4 that size. The ones I use come from Office Depot, and are called "Office Depot Professional, Sugar Cane," (because they're plant based - 80% of the paper is sugar cane fiber.)
The pens - I love a good pen. (some actually make my handwriting look better.) I like a medium point, and use a Pilot G-2, 10 most often.
The funny thing about editing . . . I do it directly in my ms on the computer. Very rarely do I print out pages and hand edit. I read aloud and make corrections on the soft copy. It works fine for me!
I'm a weird sort (I think) when it comes to writing by hand in that I don't do much of it. I have learned the hard way, to jot down notes as I research. While I keep my notes pretty cryptic, I've learned once you land on a fact - write it down. I was researching something once, and had to stop. I didn't bookmark the page, didn't make a note of where I found it - and never could land on it again.
As to paper, what works for me are those small tablets - almost like legal pads, except their 1/4 that size. The ones I use come from Office Depot, and are called "Office Depot Professional, Sugar Cane," (because they're plant based - 80% of the paper is sugar cane fiber.)
The pens - I love a good pen. (some actually make my handwriting look better.) I like a medium point, and use a Pilot G-2, 10 most often.
The funny thing about editing . . . I do it directly in my ms on the computer. Very rarely do I print out pages and hand edit. I read aloud and make corrections on the soft copy. It works fine for me!
Donna Everhart
Hi Dawn - yes. Writing always takes me into the fictional world I'm creating, where I focus on the characters vs what's happening to me. When I was getting cancer treatments recently - for instance - I wrote to get my mind off how miserable I felt. I couldn't do it for long, but it actually DID work. I couldn't write as much while I helped my mother battle her cancer. I was spending too much time away from the house for the past few months, but I would think about certain scenes I was working on, jot down notes, etc., (so I wouldn't forget!) and then tried to use what I had when I could. Btw, I sent you an email the other day in reply to that comment you left last year. I hope you got it.
Donna Everhart
Hi Linda - thank you very much for passing that along. It makes me very happy to know you're enjoying my work! I love my Southern roots, and I'm always hoping I convey that through my writing. All the best, Donna
Donna Everhart
Hi there, Becky! I'm SO glad you came. I love it when I get to see people again.
I just went and peaked - WOW! Thank you for reading and especially taking the time to review. Would you mind posting one on Amazon too? I'm trying to get to 100 reviews out there - close - at 91.
As to a boy protag - you're reading my mind. I was thinking about this and will likely do one in the future. But, for now, in my newest one coming out in January, you'll like that my 12. y.o. protagonist's best friend is a boy, the same age. I think you're going to love that story too. I hope to see you too! xo
I just went and peaked - WOW! Thank you for reading and especially taking the time to review. Would you mind posting one on Amazon too? I'm trying to get to 100 reviews out there - close - at 91.
As to a boy protag - you're reading my mind. I was thinking about this and will likely do one in the future. But, for now, in my newest one coming out in January, you'll like that my 12. y.o. protagonist's best friend is a boy, the same age. I think you're going to love that story too. I hope to see you too! xo
Donna Everhart
Oh my gosh. My "to be read" pile is staggering, and soon as I finish FLIGHT OF THE SPARROW, I've got THE KEPT, CHARMS FOR THE EASY LIFE, FALLEN LAND, and THE LONG HOME on my nightstand. I don't do "beach books," per se, so, for me "summer reading" is really all about what I think will help with my current writing project - although the books I name above are sort of all over the map with regard to genre. That said, I can always learn about craft - no matter what I read!
Donna Everhart
I'm actually torn between Julie Harmon, and Hank, of GAP CREEK (Robert Morgan) and Inman and Ada of COLD MOUNTAIN (Charles Frazier). Both couples are favorites because of their bravery, pluck, and self-sufficient attitudes, (even though Hank was a bit of a Mama's boy). For Hank and Julie, no matter the circumstances, they were a unit of common goals, driven by the challenges in front of them, determined to succeed, whether it meant only getting enough to eat for a day, or setting out for a better future by facing the unknowns of moving on.
I wished there could have been a future for Inman and Ada, but in the moments they had, from their initial brief encounter, to Inman's self imposed separation, bound by his duty to the war, they ultimately believed they'd be together. Both persevered through the most difficult of situations only because of that hope. Despite the tragic ending, their love was destined to last a lifetime.
I wished there could have been a future for Inman and Ada, but in the moments they had, from their initial brief encounter, to Inman's self imposed separation, bound by his duty to the war, they ultimately believed they'd be together. Both persevered through the most difficult of situations only because of that hope. Despite the tragic ending, their love was destined to last a lifetime.
Donna Everhart
I've seen other writers say there is no such thing as writer's block. I think there is, but, to me, it's not so much of a block as it is a stalling point. I have trouble moving forward with a story when I don't know what's supposed to happen next. Or, I don't have a character solidified in my head. The only way to get by this is to write anyway. I've found that if I push forward, the more I write, the more ideas come to me, or the more I "get to know" that character who's like a fuzzy, elusive gray shape. And if all else fails, I go for a run and think about the story problem. Many, many times I've resolved problems that way. If you don't run, go for a walk, ride a bike, do yard work. Whatever. In other words, get away from the work for a bit.
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