Please tell our readers a little about yourself.
I am a person who loves to empower and encourage others. I was blessed with the gift of writing poet at the age of 14 years old. Since I have devoted my body of works to uplifting others.
Could you tell us a bit about your book "Until Tomorrow Comes". What inspired you to write this book?
Sure, Until Tomorrow Comes is my second poetry book, also an International award winning book, and DJ Gatsby Book Club first place poetry winner as well. My initial idea for the book was to be a poetry was to be entitled G.R.O.W.T.H. Then God stepped in and said it was to be Until Tomorrow Comes a journey of growth and awareness. The book has 5 sections which are Lost, Lover Scorned, Encouragement, Eyes Wide Open in Love and I’ve Arrived. My inspiration for the poetry book was to show the reader that no matter what you go through you can still evolve and God loves you. It also challenges the reader to identify with the parts of their life.
How many other books have you published? Tell us a little bit about each one.
I have published seven books to date and I have co-author five.
I published poetry book Expressions of the Mind, Body, and Soul (2010) that delves into emotions and helps to heal the reader holistically. The book cover relationships, love, spirituality, and guidance.
Until Tomorrow Comes (2013) a journey of growth and awareness
Lessons: Shattered Pieces Being Restored (2014) – a poetic journey of three teen girls Casey, Chantel, and Mandy and how there are restored.
Quiet Moments with God: 31 Day Devotional of Life Lessons (2015)- 31 devotions that share insight on daily life experiences
Eloquent Love Notes (2015) - Beautiful love poems
Lessons II: Mirror Conversations (2016)- The poetic journey of Abby as she faces the giants in her life and become restored Larry the Alligators: Make Friends(2017) – A story about perseverance, developing confidence and making new friends
Why did you settle on poetry as the vehicle to tell your story?
I feel that poetry chose me. Poetry is the way the stories that flow to me are voiced. Back when I was in High school, I had a chance to meet the late Dr. Maya Angelou, and I expressed to her I wanted to write amazing words like she did in her books that impacted the world, and through my poetry since 1998 to date, I have done just that. At first, I only thought of myself as a poetry writer, I have since then go on to write devotionals, children’s books, plays and novellas.
What insights or truths do you believe poetry can shed on a traumatic event that other forms of writing cannot?
For me I think that is a shorter versions of the story, However I feel that my poetry tells relatable stories that resonate with the readers.
As you write, do you have a vision of a certain audience for your poetry?
Yes, I always writ with my audience in mind. From the beginning, I have the end in mind. Visually how the poems will impact the lives of the readers. Is there a message you want your readers to take away from your books?
In each of my books, there is an essential theme of the being restored and being an overcomer. My poetry can take the reader on the highs and lows of the journey of life.
How is writing a children's book different than writing a book for adults? Which do you prefer?
Writing a children’s book was fun, I liked being creative with the characters. In each one of my books, I love to provide the readers with teachable moments, were they can share in the journey through the eyes of character and then take what they need from the story. I follow my inspiration and I love writing both, for children and adults. Do you have any advice for the yet-to-be-published writers reading this?
Keep writing your audience awaits. Always believe in yourself the most. What's next for you? What are you working on now?
I am working on my next Quiet Moments with God devotional: 21 days of Positive Inspiration. What is your preferred method to have readers get in touch with or follow you (i.e., website, personal blog, Facebook page, etc.) and link(s)?
My website is www.ladonnamarie.org
Facebook fan page is www.facebook.com/LaDonnaMC
About the author:
LaDonna Marie is an Author, Writer, Poet, and Motivational Speaker. She published her first poem in anthology: Whispers with The League of American Poets in 2007. In 2010 she self published her first book Expressions of the Mind, Body & Soul. She received a Certificate of Congratulation from Congressman Bennie Thompson 2nd district of MS. She was inducted Who's Who in Black Mississippi in 2012. In 2013 she released her 2nd book Until Tomorrow Comes. She was apart of the Sibella Poetry Magazine for 2014, and also she is in Anthology: The Gospel According to Poetry. UTC was awarded Honorable Mention in the 2014 Paris Book Festival and 2014 DJ Gatsby Book Club Literary Award in Poetry. She was also a Finalist in 2015 Diva Author / Writer for Divas of Colour International Award. She was a 2015 Finalist for National Indie Excellence Awards, received Honorable Mention in New York Book Festival, Red city book awards Finalist and Bronze Readers' Favorite Winner. She also placed in 2015 and 2016 New England Book Festival Honorable Mention. She is a 2016 and 2017 Indie Author Legacy Award Finalist for Poet of the Year.