Brenda Birch Gallaher: Author interview with Donna K. Weaver

Donna K. Weaver, author

AUTHOR BIO

Donna K. Weaver has always loved reading and creating stories, thus she’s been ever entertained. A Navy brat and U.S. Army veteran, she’s lived in many U.S. states as well as South Korea, the Philippines, and Germany. An avid cruiser, she’s sailed the Pacific four times. When she retired from Shorei Kempo Karate with a black belt, she decided it was time to put her imaginary friends and places on paper. She lives in Utah with her husband. They have six children and eight grandchildren.

WHAT THE BOOK’S ABOUT

When Lyn sets off on her supposedly uncomplicated and unromantic cruise, she never dreams it will include pirates. All the 25-year-old, Colorado high school teacher wants to do is forget that her dead fiancé was a cheating scumbag. Lyn plans a vacation diversion; fate provides Braedon, an intriguing surgeon. She finds herself drawn to him: his gentle humor, his love of music, and even his willingness to let her take him down during morning karate practices. Against the backdrop of the ship's make-believe world and temporary friendships, her emotions come alive.

However, fear is an emotion, too. Unaware of the sensitive waters he's navigating, Braedon moves to take their relationship beyond friendship--on the very anniversary Lyn is on the cruise to forget. Lyn's painful memories are too powerful, and she runs from Braedon and what he has to offer.

Their confusing relationship is bad enough, but when the pair finds themselves on one of the cruise's snorkeling excursions in American Samoa things get worse. Paradise turns to piracy when their party is kidnapped and Lyn's fear of a fairytale turns grim. Now she must fight alongside the man she rejected, first for their freedom and then against storms, sharks, and shipwreck.

Now that we know a little more about Donna and her book, let's ask some questions.

1. We all, at one time in our lives have had disagreements with someone. So, did you have a high school teacher you hated/got into disagreements with, that you wanted to put her in peril, but couldn’t so you did it in one of your novels?

I didn’t start putting my stories down until just a few years ago. I’m not a vengeance kind of person. In fact, people who waste their lives hating others bore me stupid because that’s such an alien mindset for me. Life’s too short to be spent in such negative emotion.

2. If you didn’t have troubles with any of your teachers, why choose a teacher as your heroine’s profession?

When I took some tests at the end of high school to give me a hint of possible future careers—one was for my aptitude and the other for things I was likely to enjoy—I tested really high as a teacher. I was all women’s lib then and no way would I consider something like that. At that age I was going to be a lawyer and then run for president. Yeah. Right. Now I wouldn’t even run for city council. But I do enjoy teaching. Besides, for the story, it was a way for Lyn to have the summer off to go on a 28-day cruise to New Zealand.

3. I didn’t know people had surgery on their intrigue. Why did you pick this particular type of surgeon?

Surgery in the intrigue? lol I decided having a doctor would be handy if you were stranded on an island. But I wanted Braedon to be a specialist, too. To be honest, I can’t even remember why I chose this Thoracic medicine. Maybe it had something to do with my husband having nearly died from blood clots in his lungs.

4. Ok..Ok…I’m joking. What is so intriguing about your surgeon? What is so special about him that all of the ladies would be interested in him?

I don’t know that all the ladies would be interested in him. He’s not a gorgeous hunk like Jori, who really does draw people’s attention with his looks. Braedon is the right guy for Lyn because they connect and have common interests. Since everything is filtered through Lyn’s point of view, the reader will share all her preferences and biases.

5. I’ve not seen books set in American Samoa before. Have you been there before? What was your reason for choosing such a remote location?

I have not been to American Samoa, but I did live in the Philippines for two years. The cruise itinerary in A Change of Plans is based on a real one, and one of its stops is Pago Pago, American Samoa. It’s a region rich in little islands far enough out of the regular shipping routes to not be noticed. Someday I want to visit American Samoa.

6. How often do your imaginary friends speak to you? What do they tell you? Any good secrets you want to share with my readers?

Since I was a little girl I’ve told stories to myself as I went to sleep. When I was younger they were based upon TV shows or movies, so essentially fanfic. It’s a lot more satisfying now that I’m able to create my own worlds.

7. Do your imaginary friends get a percentage of your earnings? If not, are they upset over your decision not to share? If so, what do they spend their share of the money on?

For most authors, writing isn’t a full-time job. At this point my imaginary friends and I are of a mind. We’ll use any money to keep learning and improving my craft.

8. Are your imaginary friends like the elves making shoes for the cobbler? Do they type your story while you’re sleeping? Are there just pages or chapters waiting for you when you get up in the morning?

We blast through the first draft of the book. My last book—sequel in a YA fantasy—I did in 18 days for NaNo. It’s essentially a very long and detailed outline. The real writing then begins, when I start editing.

9. On to more serious and less goofy questions. Is your husband supportive of your writing career?

My husband is amazing. Seriously, I couldn’t ask for someone more supportive. I’m making him come to my first solo signing later in June because he’s so good at talking to people about my book.

10. Does your husband proof read for you? Does he make any editing suggestions to you?

He doesn’t proof because he’s dreadful with grammar and spelling, but I read it out loud to him. He gives me feedback on what he thinks works or doesn’t work, and by reading it aloud I can catch things I miss on the screen.

11. Do you listen to his suggestions when he makes them?

Sometimes. =D

12. Where can my readers and your fans find your books; either regular or ebooks?

Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Rhemalda Publishing.

13. Is there anything else you want my readers and your fans to know about your current book?

I guess just that I hope they enjoy my little story. The characters have become dear friends to me. I wish I could really go and visit them.

LINKS

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