Author Interview with Donna Gardner

Author Interviews

October 17, 2015

Author Interview with Donna Gardner

I’m hosting an interview with Donna Gardner, author of children’s book “Pearls and Tools of Wisdom for Parents & Children”. Welcome to my blog!

When did you know you wanted to be an author?

I have always found power in the pen, as early as elementary school when my mother bought me my first Diary! My childhood was a hodgepodge of writing activities including submitting poems for a local anthology, penning letters to God, and writing love letters to persuade my mother to reduce enforced punishments for excessive talking in school.

What inspired you to write Pearls and Tools of Wisdom for Parents & Children?

The most amazing aspect of the book is that it was an absolute gift from God, literally. One day, during spring 2014, in the wee hours of the morning, I was awakened with a flood of ideas for a children’s book. My thoughts were racing so furiously that I decided to write it down. What I wrote would ultimately become the topics for each chapter of the book now known as Pearls and Tools of Wisdom for Parents & Children.

What is your editing process like?

The amazing skill of editing was initially honed while completing my graduate studies at the Pennsylvania State University. I learned then that a good writer has MANY iterations of a work before the final draft. My process begins with simply getting the ideas down on paper, without any censoring. The next step would be to edit for coherence of ideas, and then finally to edit considering all of the important structural elements of writing.

Who is your favorite character from your book?

Pearls and Tools of Wisdom for Parents & Children is a picture book. However, the main character is the reader themselves. The book Pearls and Tools of Wisdom was designed to get parents and kids actively talking with one another about the important aspects of wisdom, character development, and emotional resiliency.

Did you set any writing goals for 2015? Did you meet any so far?

I am a goal driven individual, partly because I enjoy accomplishing an endpoint, but I must admit it’s also because I love having some sense of control. Goals help me to stay on track with doing my part in getting to the finish line. My writing goal for 2015 was to start, finish, and publish Pearls and Tools of Wisdom for Parents & Children. Mission Accomplished!

Are you working on something now? If so, can you tell us a little about it?

I once had a mentor tell me that a good writer is always writing! I am currently working on a few projects. The first being my memoir, which chronicles my personal struggles with depression and anxiety, and my journey to follow the adage: “physician, heal thy self”. The second project is a series of children’s book that will explore the ideas of multiculturalism and resiliency.

About the Book

Title: Pearls and Tools of Wisdom for Parents & Children

Author: Donna Gardner

Genre: Children’s Book

Do you want to raise a child that is WISE?

As adults we are charged with protecting our most precious commodity… our children. The greatest protection we could offer them is to provide them with guidance on attaining wisdom. Within the pages of this book you will read the pearls of wisdom offered in God’s word. As well as learn tools that you and your child can apply to everyday life. May Pearls and Tools of Wisdom for Parents and Children be a blessing for you and your family as it provides guidance on the importance of listening, praying, learning, being positive, being good, working, and persevering.

Author Bio

Dr. Donna Gardner earned her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Binghamton University, and Master’s and Doctoral degrees in School Psychology from the Pennsylvania State University. She is in possession of a Georgia certification in School Psychology and a Georgia license in Psychology. She has over 15 years experience working in Pre-K -to-12 schools, and other clinical settings such as foster care and community based mental health agencies. Her areas of expertise include assessment, intervention, consultation, and counseling.

In addition, Dr. Gardner has over 8 years experience teaching undergraduate and graduate level courses for institutions such as Long Island University, Argosy University, University of Phoenix, Saint Leo University, and Iona College. She has published several articles in peer reviewed psychological journals and has presented at various national conferences. Dr. Gardner is a native New Yorker, now residing in Atlanta Georgia.

Currently, Dr. Donna is in the process of publishing two additional books: the first a memoir/self-help book on coping with mood disorders, the second a children’s book on multicultural resiliency.

When not engrossed in psychology or writing, Dr. Donna enjoys dancing, practicing Bikram Yoga, traveling, sampling new restaurants, doing community service activities with her sorority, and spending time with family & friends.

You can find Dr. Donna on:

Her Website – www.donnadoctora.com

Facebook for the book – https://www.facebook.com/pearlsandtoolsofwisdom

Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/drdonnagardner

Twitter – @donnadoctora6

Instagram – Dr. Donna Gardner

Buy the Book: https://www.createspace.com/5653183

Website: www.pearlsandtoolswisdom.com

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