Today we are pleased to introduce you to Author Dana Rongione. Welcome to BK Walker Books Etc. Dana, we're so glad you stopped in.
BK: Please tell us a
little about yourself...
Dana: I am a full-time
Christian author and speaker residing in Greenville, SC. On a
typical day, I juggle writing, reading, marketing, teaching
(part-time), housework, errands, exercise, dog-walking, and trying to
find time to spend with my husband. On the rare occasions I get away
from the house, I love to hike with my husband, Jason, and our two
dogs, Tippy and Mitchell.
BK: Please tell us a
little about your book....
Dana:
The Delaware Detectives is a novel
intended for readers in the age range of 8-14 years, though that's
not to say readers of other ages won't enjoy it. In fact, one of the
most enthusiastic responses I've received about the book was from a
lady nearing her 70's. The story is about a brother and sister who
discover a cryptic clue while visiting their grandfather for the
summer. That discovery leads them on a hunt to try to uncover a
secret fortune that may or may not truly exist. The book is filled
with mysterious elements, comical characters and valuable morals.
BK: What inspired you to
pen this particular novel?
Dana: As a child, my
brother, sister and I often explored our grandfather's attic. It was
full of unique and mysterious items that always brought about hours
of fun and make believe. When it came time to write my first
children's novel, I could think of no better place to start.
BK: When did you first
consider yourself a writer?
Dana: I've dabbled in
writing all my life, but I don't think I seriously considered myself
a writer until I left my teaching job to write full time. Even after
that, it took a couple of years before I could say, "I'm a
writer" without getting a weird feeling in the pit of my
stomach. Now that I have several publications, it's easy to say,
"Yes, I'm a writer, and I'm proud of it!"
BK: How do you keep your
story flowing?
Dana: Practice and a lot
of editing. Sometimes, in order to give the story the proper flow, I
had to cut out other elements, which is difficult to do. I worked so
hard to craft the perfect paragraph that it just seems inhumane to
cut it. But just as in gardening, it's often necessary to prune in
order to produce the desired result. It also helps to have a really
good idea of where the story is headed before beginning to write.
BK: Do you ever run into
writer's block, and if so, what do you do to get past it?
Dana: Oh, yes. Writer's
block and I are good buddies. Well, at least, it seems to think so.
I've spent a lot of time just staring at my computer screen,
antagonized beyond belief by that blank page and blinking cursor.
But I've found the thing that works best for me in times like these
is to walk away and do something else, especially read. It's amazing
how reading something totally unrelated will strike a chord and
ignite a spark of inspiration. Then once I begin writing, the words
just flow.
BK: What is your writing
process like? Do you have any quirks, or must-haves to write?
Dana: Despite my young
age (wink, wink), I have a lot of back and shoulder problems.
Because of this, I can't spend long periods of time sitting at my
desk. So my writing process usually involves writing for thirty
minutes to an hour then getting away from my desk and doing something
else for a while, whether it be doing the dishes, walking the dogs,
reading a book, sweeping the floors, etc. Most of these things work
as a good time for me to think about what I've just written and what
I want to write next. Then I'll go back to my desk, write for
another thirty minutes to an hour and then get up again to do
something more physical. At first, I was afraid all the ups and
downs would prove to be time-consuming and distracting, but I've
actually discovered the opposite to be true. By taking breaks before
my body grows tired, I'm able to get more writing done in any given
day. Additionally, the time away from my desk gives my mind the time
it needs to rehearse and compose what needs to be said when I get
back to my writing. It's strange, but it works for me. As far as
"must-haves", the only things I really "need"
when writing is plenty of water and soft music playing in the
background.
BK: Where do you hope your
books/writing will be in the future?
Dana: I'd love to see my
writing career and influence expand to where my work is more
well-known and available in more places (bookstores, offices, etc.).
I have no desire to be famous for the sake of fame or even money.
But rather, I feel I have an important message to share, and I'd love
to have the opportunity to get that message to as many people as
possible.
BK: What do you hope
readers will take away from your books?
Dana: More than anything,
I hope readers walk away from my books with a renewed sense of hope
and encouragement.
BK: What is one piece of
advice you received that you carry with you in your writing?
Dana: "You don't
have to be famous to be successful; you need only be faithful."
When I'm discouraged by lack of sales or my lack of reach to readers,
this quote reminds me that I'm not a failure. As long as I'm doing
what the Lord told me to do, I'm a success. I feel called to write,
and if I'm doing that faithfully, that's all that's required for me
to be successful.
BK: What is one piece of
advice you would give to new and aspiring writers?
Dana: Never compare
yourself to another writer. It only serves to discourage you.
Instead, focus on what kind of writer you desire to be and do
everything in your power to reach that goal.
BK: Are you currently
working on any new projects? What can we expect from you in the
future?
Dana: I have several
projects in the works at present. I'm writing the last chapters of a
new Christian living book and compiling blog posts into two new
devotional books. Additionally, my newest children's book is
currently being illustrated and is scheduled to be published when the
illustrations are completed. Beyond that, there are plans for a
sequel to The Delaware Detectives.
BK: Where can readers find
you?
Dana: I can be found at
all of the following:
Website:
http://DanaRongione.com
Amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/Dana-Rongione/e/B0064VDD1M/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1?qid=1338831667&sr=8-1
Twitter: @DRongione
Thank you so much for
taking time to chat with me today. It's been a pleasure having you
and I wish you much success in the future.
What
do the following have in common: a muntjac deer, a toilet, and a
hairless cat? They are three key factors in uncovering a treasure
that may or may not exist. But for Abby and Jamie Patterson, these
items are essential ingredients to fulfilling their grandfather's
greatest desire. Is the fortune real, or are the siblings following a
path to nowhere as set down by an eccentric old woman? The quest is
on, and time is running out.
Excerpt : An
inside look of the book can be viewed on the Amazon sales page:
http://www.amazon.com/The-Delaware-Detectives-Dana-Rongione/dp/1470007460/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1334771853&sr=8-2
Hi!
My name is Dana Rongione. (Yes, I know that's a mouthful.) I live in
Greenville, SC with my husband, Jason, and my two dogs, Tippy and
Mitch.
Having been a
Christian for nearly 28 years, I know what it is like to experience
both joy in the journey and weariness in well-doing. Currently
self-employed as a writer and speaker, I struggle (like many other
Christians) to balance the demands of work, family, church, health,
chores, etc.
I
enjoy all types of writing, but my true joy lies in writing
devotionals that will encourage and uplift the weak and weary
Christian. This blog, A
Word Fitly Spoken,
is
currently read in over 15 different countries, allowing me the
opportunity to spread the message of hope and joy throughout the
world. I also have another blog, Song
of the Day,
that offers the truth of the Word in song.
I currently have three published devotionals and numerous articles in magazines and e-zines across the country. I am available to speak at local ladies' meetings or writers' workshops. You can find out more about me and my ministry by visiting my website at DanaRongione.com.
I currently have three published devotionals and numerous articles in magazines and e-zines across the country. I am available to speak at local ladies' meetings or writers' workshops. You can find out more about me and my ministry by visiting my website at DanaRongione.com.
On tour with the Virtual Book Tour Cafe', you can view her entire tour HERE or follow along below.
June 15 - Guest Blogging with Cindy Vine
June 19 - Interviewed at Unnecessary Musings
June 21 - Guest Blogging at Lori's Reading Corner
June 26 - Interviewed at Hardcover Feedback
June 28 - Interviewed at Reviews & Interviews
June 19 - Interviewed at Unnecessary Musings
June 21 - Guest Blogging at Lori's Reading Corner
June 26 - Interviewed at Hardcover Feedback
June 28 - Interviewed at Reviews & Interviews
2 comments:
I enjoyed learning more about Dana! She's definitely been an encouragement in my life.
Thank you so much, Isabel. How sweet!
Post a Comment