Author DONNA J. SHEPHERD Chat


AUTHOR AND DEVOTIONAL WRITER DONNA J. SHEPHERD
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Donna J. Shepherd

Twice each season, I will feature an interview with a writer or author I have worked with as an illustrator. For the end of winter 2006, I chat with Donna J. Shepherd, the creator/author of the books "Topsy Turvy Land," "Chizzy's Topsy Tale," and "The Lonely Lightning Bug," all of which I had the pleasure to illustrate. Donna is also a devotional writer.



Where did your first written devotional appear, and do you recall what it was about?

My first devotional called Life Springs Forth appeared on Worthfinding.com in May 2003. Our family had adopted a puppy, and having spent a great deal of time out in the back yard with her, I observed the changes occurring as spring came into full bloom. I summed up the message with this sentence: "This spring as you look around and see all the beautiful flowers and trees bursting forth with new life, purpose in your heart that the Good News of God's grace should burst forth from you!"

A few months later, I started putting my devotionals on a blog . I posted quite a few devotionals on my blog, and then someone saw them, recommended me for a job, and I ended up with a contract to do what I love - write devotionals !


DONNA'S FIRST ONLINE DEVOTIONAL, MAY 2003.
What makes for a good devotional column?

I desire for my devotionals to teach, inspire, and encourage the reader. Devotionals consist of few words, so each word must count. I focus on one theme, hopefully leaving the reader with a summary, challenge, or new perspective. I wrote an article for the Dabbling Mum called Help! I Want to be a Devotional Writer! that goes into greater detail.

What are your favorite lessons from scripture to write about?

Without a doubt, my favorite theme would be God's grace. A. W. Tozer said, "Grace is the good pleasure of God that inclines him to bestow benefits on the undeserving." I know I'm undeserving, and I thank God daily for His great love, and consider writing about and for Him a great privilege.


"MY TOOTH IS MISSING," BY DONNA in GUIDEPOSTS FOR KIDS, © DONNA J. SHEPHERD.
How did the story poem for "Topsy Turvy Land" come about?

Topsy Turvy Land started out as an eight-line poem. I sent it to "Guideposts for Kids" , my first attempt at having something published by them. The editor sent a nice reply asking to change the title. I waited and waited. No acceptance, and no rejection. But that little bit of encouragement convinced me I was on the right track. Before long, I had written several more stanzas.


A SCENE FROM DONNA'S "TOPSY TURVY LAND," ILLUSTRATED BY KEVIN SCOTT COLLIER. ©2005 DONNA J. SHEPHERD.
What's it like being a published children's author?

Right after "Topsy Turvy Land" came out, I received an email from a father who said his children fought over it. Then a couple of weeks later, this same father told me his youngest picked up his pillow, his bear, and my book when he climbed into bed. As a little girl, I hid books under my pillow, and to know a child has done the same thing with my book thrills me.


SCENES FROM DONNA'S "THE LONELY LIGHTNING BUG," ILLUSTRATIONS BY KEVIN SCOTT COLLIER. ©2005 DONNA J. SHEPHERD.
How does the message behind the book "The Lonely Lightning Bug" apply to adult relationships?

In the book, the little boy needs to make a decision – hang on to something for his own benefit, or make a completely unselfish choice. As I researched charities, I was drawn to Children's Hospices. I read the testimonies of parents whose children had fought cancer, and several mentioned the point when they had to "let go" and I grieved with them. What an unselfish choice! I knew that if even one dime came in from the sales of the ebook, I wanted it to go to a children's hospice.

Tell us what the theme is behind the upcoming e-book, "Dotty's Topsy Tale," due out in Spring 2006.

As I pondered a storyline, my daughter asked me what color Dotty is. I replied, "Hot Pink with black polka-dots." She laughed and asked, "What would happen if she wanted to play with blue hippos?" And an idea was born. I researched first, and then wrote a little story that encourages us to look beyond the color of a person's (or a hippo's!) skin.

Why do you lean toward rhyming stories for your children's work?

I've always loved rhyme beginning in childhood. When my children came along, I passed the tradition on. One of my son's favorite authors is Shel Silverstein . I also like the challenge of telling a good story in rhyme, and the wordplay.


SCENES FROM DONNA'S "CHIZZY'S TOPSY TALE", ILLUSTRATED BY KEVIN SCOTT COLLIER, ©2005 DONNA J. SHEPHERD.
Being a minister's wife, what are some your duties in your church?

For the past fifteen years, my husband has pastored an Assemblies of God church. I'm pursing a degree in Theology, and a license with the Assemblies of God as well. I'm the Women's Ministries President, Adult Bible Class Teacher, pianist, and singer – in other words, the typical "PW" – Pastor's Wife.

What's been the most rewarding aspect of getting the word of faith out through your writing for all ages?

I've written inspirational articles and devotions, and enjoyed every moment. Whether I write about the loss of a front tooth or the importance of prayer in a Christian life, God inspires the creativity. God must feel joy, too, when He sees His creatures create. We are made in His image, and He is the Master Artist.

My keyword for grownup writing is 'blessing.' If I can use the talent God has given me to be a blessing, I am in turn blessed. That's not to say I don't enjoy getting some money now and again, but my motivation is not only money, and I'm thankful I'm in a position that we don't depend on my income from writing. Every time a piece goes into print or out into cyberspace, I pray over it, that God will bring the exact readers who need to read what I've written. I pray people will see a need for Jesus as Savior, be encouraged, and hearts will be lifted.

My keyword for children's writing is 'joy.' If I can put a smile on a child (or a 'child at heart'), I've accomplished my mission. The world can be a scary and depressing place at times, and children these days have far more to deal with than I did as a child. If I can alleviate the stress, or bring a chuckle after a tough day, I'm – you guessed it – blessed!


Any closing comments, buddy?

I thank God every day of my life for you, Kevin. Who knew when I sent you the text for a poem about a mixed up world that we would have such a productive relationship? You’ve been a mentor, illustrator, acted as my agent, and always a friend. And my world has been Topsy Turvy ever since!

I pray God blesses our partnership on future projects as well as your many projects with others. Thank you.


(blushing) No, thank you!

DONNA J. SHEPHERD'S WEBSITE
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KEVIN'S TOPSY TURVY LAND PAGE