Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m a big fan of reading and writing. I didn’t publish my first book until last year. I found much success in writing about goals and motivation and then decided to publish in a different genre, that happens to be my favorite; Romantic Fiction. I want my readers to be able to live in the characters moment. Each reader should have their own perspective and experience of my book.
“What good is a book if you can’t picture yourself in it or feel the emotions? Every read should take you somewhere, whether it’s to feel or learn.”
Apart from being an author, I’m an entrepreneur with many businesses under my belt, starting my own coaching business at the early age of 22. Coaching people way above my age which has given me much insight and through my own personal struggles, I’ve managed to be trusted by many.
I’m also a mother, an actress, a travel fanatic and enjoy anything that is new and exciting. Meeting and talking to my readers have become a part of me too, so make sure to subscribe to my site.
Books written:
Fearless Love
Unjust Love
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Unjust Love is book 2 in the series: A Bennett Affair. When I wrote book 1 named Fearless Love, it was all about Sean falling for his best friend Chelsea. That book allowed me to develop many things that would follow through book 2. One of the characters/brothers Benji was a huge hit from the beginning for my readers. He seemed to steal a lot of attention and the girl that catches his eye Riana became a big supporting character as well. I kept penning things about Sean and Chelsea and then bam, Riana and Benji show up someway and I quickly learned they had big personalities and they were so different than the hero and heroine. I personally fell in love with them which caused me to immediately jump into their story after Fearless Love. Also because of their big personality, I wanted to challenge them both too difficult situations in book 2. The challenges and how they overcome the issues really highlights them as individuals. I’m very happy my readers loved book 2 as much as book 1. I personally feel I gave them more in book 2 as far as background but I find most of my reviews loved that. Also, I didn’t shy away from love and intimacy between the two but they were a young couple, which led them to do a few things differently than someone else that may have been older. Overall I enjoyed writing Unjust Love and was emotional through a lot of the chapters. I didn’t agree with some of the decisions each character made but yet I understood the importance of letting the characters flow fluidly through me. You should read the book for yourself!
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I don’t think it’s unusual to try to write two stories at once but that’s something I am doing now.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I absolutely enjoy reading Alexandria House, Stephanie Norris, Love Belvin, Christina C. Jones and a lot of others. The authors mentioned above write in my genre, however, I enjoy reading non-fiction stories and anything that can teach me things.
What are you working on now?
I am working on the last two books in the series; A Bennett Affair. There is an additional character(Shooter) in the previous books that I find my readers are crazy about and I am also in the process of outlining his story to write as a standalone.
Besides the previous series, I am working on The Champion Sisters Series with another author named, Twyla Stone. It’s based on four sisters who are serious entrepreneurs making major moves. But of course, we all want love but for these sisters, things don’t always come easy.
I know that seems like a lot to be working on but I have a plan enforced to execute it.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I am new to the whole promoting with books. I decided to try Awesome Gang because I heard great things about the site. The best marketing I think is making sure your book cover is on point and the book should be professionally edited.
Instagram and Twitter are effective in promoting as well.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Self-discipline and execution is key. Finish what you start and make a goal on how many words you want to put out daily or however. Schedule things ahead of time. Don’t give up when there are no words flowing through your mind. Writer’s block is real and it pisses me off all the time. But I find when you leave and come back then things flow better. Listening to music and going out help bring ideas as well.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Live every day as your last. Make yourself happy because time will pass you by no matter what you have going on. Time is priceless and money can be made whenever.
What are you reading now?
Love Belvin; Connecticut Kings Series book 5.
What’s next for you as a writer?
Since I am also an actress, my focus is to continue in that direction but also work on the books that I have going. As I mentioned before, I have 2 more books to finish in A Bennett Affair Series and Shooter’s standalone.
Then my new series with author Twyla Stone, (The Champion Sister Series) will be out soon as well.
Did I mention, all the books from A Bennett Affair Series will be turned into an audiobook? That’s currently in the works and I am glad to see the process. I look forward to entertaining and giving everyone an escape from life.
If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
Something in the romance fiction genre and three books that involves bettering myself.
Author Websites and Profiles
Donnia Marie Website
Donnia Marie Amazon Profile
Donnia Marie’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile