One Young Man´s Courage
By Donna M. McDine
I originally began to write The Golden Pathway as an assignment for the Institute of Children´s Literature. After I submitted the outline, I was told that the story was good and comprehensive, but that the market currently contained too many Underground Railroad books.
I believed the critique, but rather than dismissing it completely, I shelved it for a while. Meanwhile, the characters in the book remained at the forefront of my mind, compelling me to write the story.
After some time had gone by, I found that I couldn´t ignore the book any longer and began to write the story. The Golden Pathway is the story of a young child, David, who defied enormous odds to help a young slave escape to freedom via the Underground Railroad.
The Deep South before the Civil War as a time of turmoil, and white slave owners seemed to sense that their way of life didn´t have much longer to exist. I love American History and thought that this story would be a great lesson to children ages 8 through 12, showing these young people how courage and determination can overcome almost any of life´s hurdles.
I submitted The Golden Pathway to the Children´s Writers´ Coaching Club for critique by Suzanne Lieurance, who helped me rewrite it until it was ready to submit for publishing. But first, I submitted the story to the 77th Writers Digest Writing Competition and it placed 12th from over 1400 entries.
I was thrilled. After that, I submitted the book for publication and after expanding and editing even more, Guardian Angel Publishing was ready to publish The Golden Pathway. Now, I had my first published children´s book – and there are more to come.
I hope that The Golden Pathway transports each young reader to the time of the Underground Railroad, and by the end of the book, they´ll understand what it was all about. Young people today may not readily understand the concept of slavery, but when they read about Jenkins´ plight and David´s willingness and courage to help him, they will surely glimpse a piece of history.
Those days were extraordinary times – but children also need courage and determination in today´s world, where bullies at school hang out around every corner and situations at home may turn dark and ugly.
I am currently working on marketing plans for two other children´s books called, The Hockey Agony and Powder Monkey, which will be published soon. The Golden Pathway may light the path for one or more readers to explore their own beliefs and courage to stand up for what they believe.
Donna's Bio:
Donna McDine is an award-winning children's author, Honorable Mention in the 77th and two Honorable Mentions in the 78th Annual Writer’s Digest Writing Competitions. Donna’s stories and features have been published in many print and online publications, and her first book, The Golden Pathway, is published through Guardian Angel Publishing as will her second book, The Hockey Agony. McDine’s interests in American History resulted in writing and publishing The Golden Pathway. Ms. McDine is a member of the SCBWI, Musing Our Children, and The National Writing for Children Center.For an interview or school visit request, please email Ms. McDine at dmcdine@optonline.net
The Golden Pathway
By: Donna M. McDine
Publisher: Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc.
http://www.guardianangelpublishing.com
Print ISBN 13: 978-1-61633-081-1
eBook ISBN 13: 978-1-61633-082-8
Available: August 2010
Please feel free to visit Donna at:
Donna's website
Donna's blog
The Golden Pathway Blog
Follow Donna at:
Donna's facebook page
Donna's twitter
For more from the VBT Writers on the Move tour, stop by Marietta Taylor's blog who is hosting Shelby Patrick tomorrow.
