Tuesday, August 16, 2011

Day 2 - Dragons, Devotions, and Donita K Paul - Waiting


Day 2 with Donita K. Paul on waiting. AND stay tuned at the end for details about this wonderful picture book and some great giveaways she is offering this week! Like...THREE of them!


Devotion, Day 2


"In order for a writer to succeed, I suggest three things - read and write - and wait.."
                                                          Countee Cullen (was one of the leading American poets who was popular during the Harlem Renaissance.)

I’ve often given advice like this, only mine was “read, read, read and write, write, write. I had an “aha!” moment when I read Mr. Cullen’s quote. “WAIT!” yes, and yes again. So many new authors want to jump from first rough draft to agent and publication. It rarely happens that way, just like a young man doesn’t one day jump in a pool and when the Olympics. There is a lot of training and experimenting and practicing between the first dip and the trophy. Give yourself time to grow, both as a skilled writer and an experienced human. Believe me a sixteen year old understand emotions and people and relationships a lot better than a six year old. And a twenty-six year old has an even better chance of writing a universal truth in a mature piece of work.

The Dragon and the Turtle - Donita's first picture book with Waterbrook Press!
Friends come in all sizes, shapes, and colors. Sometimes they’re
even dragons.


Roger loves adventure. Today he’s playing pirate, sailing the high seas, dancing to the hornpipe, and catching fish. But the wind’s blown him off course and he’s . . . well . . . lost.

When Padraig, a kitten-sized, bug-eating dragon, encounters the lost turtle, he offers to help Roger find his way home. Roger’s directions take some time to follow—his house looks brown, sounds like singing, smells like baking, feels like sand, and tastes like strawberries—and along the way, Roger and Padraig become friends. And friendship always yields unexpected rewards. Like cookies.

Read more about the series and how to order at Dragon and Turtle

All this week, leave a comment and your e-mail address for a chance to win one of three great books by Donita! You may comment each day if you wish about the devotion, but your name goes in once.

1.  The Vanishing Sculptor (a fantasy novel)
2.  Dragon and Turtle Go on Safari (children's picture book)
3.  Out in the Real World (a Heartsong Presents romance)

More devotions every day!

9 comments:

Donita K. Paul said...

Well, I have to renig on Out in the Real World. That shelf is empty. BUT, I do have To See His Way, which is a historical romance set in Colorado Territory. So let's switch the second for the first. K?

Rhonda Tenderholt said...

Where do I leave a comment to try and win either the Vanishing Sculptor or Dragon and Turtle on Safari books? I've read almost all of Ms. Paul's Dragon Chronicles books and would love to win either the Vanishing Sculptor or the Dragon and Turtle book.

Rhonda S. Tenderholt
Tenderholts @gmail.com

Mylla said...

I LOVE all Mrs. Paul's books! She is amazing!

My email address is madeline@thereimerfamily.com :)

Anonymous said...

That book looks so cute! I agree on waiting too. Time has become my best editor and my most honest critic.

Here's my email: KD.ragonbennet@gmail.com

Lauralee Bliss said...

Sounds wonderful, Donita. I'll make a note of that.

And Rhonda, you are already entered by leaving a comment and your e-mail. Thanks for stopping by!

Angie Vik said...

Waiting is no fun, but I agree that it can produce great fruit. I love Mrs. Paul's books and would love to win one. God bless.

angie_vik@yahoo.com

Debra E. Marvin said...

I'm so happy to find these children's books, Donita! Hooray! I'd love to be in the drawing The Dragon and Turtle on Safari.
You are one very busy lady...though I'm sure you've done your share of 'waiting'.

Thanks Lauralee! (It was so nice to meet you at the Philly conference!)

Rebecca said...

Thank you so much for the chance to win this. These books look great. Thanks for the chance to win one.

Rebecca
agent_beckster(at)yahoo(dot)com

Anonymous said...

Please sign me up. I would love to win!

Salena
srstormo at yahoo dot com