Donna M. Zadunajsky started out writing children’s books
before she wrote and published her first novel, Broken Promises, in June 2012.
She since has written several more novels and her first novella, HELP ME! Book
1 in the series, which is about teen suicide and bullying.
Her third novel Family Secrets, “Secrets and Second
Chances”, which is first in a series she is writing, was given a publishing
contract through California Times Publishing.
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GUEST POST
Where were you born/grew up at?
I was born in Warren, Ohio but raised in Bristolville, Ohio
If you knew you'd die tomorrow, how would you spend your last day?
With my daughter doing whatever she wanted and most likely browse some bookstores.
Who is your hero and why?
My hero has always been my dad. I have looked up to him since I was little. He has always amazed me by his strength and the way he had always taken care of us. He’s generous and kindhearted and can never say no to anyone even if he has a lot on his plate. He has always been a hard worker.
What are you passionate about these days?
I am passionate about my writing. I want to learn and write well, so my readers will continue to read my novels.
What do you do to unwind and relax?
I go for walks if the weather is good and I love, love to read. You will always find me with a book in my bag.
Describe yourself in 5 words or less!
Kind, caring, trustworthy, devoted, and hardworking.
When did you first consider yourself a writer?
When I wrote my first novel in 2012, though it has always been a dream of mine since I was a teenager. My face always stuck in a Stephen King book.
Do you have a favorite movie?
Anne of Green Gables and Anne of Avonlea
Which of your novels can you imagine made into a movie?
THAT NIGHT but would love a series done with my Craven Falls series. THE DEAD GIRL UNDER THE BLEACHERS, BURIED SECRETS, and THE BODY IN THE ROAD.
As a writer, what would you choose as your mascot/avatar/spirit animal?
Stitch
What inspired you to write this book?
The character Mia was in my novel THAT NIGHT and I wasn’t thinking at the time to further her story until the very end of writing THAT NIGHT. She just kept playing in my head to tell her story.
What can we expect from you in the future?
I’m working on a new adult novel. This one is focused on domestic violence.
Can you tell us a little bit about the characters in Tell No One?
Mia had something happen to her and she felt that suicide was the way out. Before she considered suicide, she had a great life and a loving boyfriend who adored her. Judith, the mother, has always spent her time working instead of making her family a priority. She also had past trauma from her father that still haunts her.
Where did you come up with the names in the story?
I love the name Mia and as for the mother, Judith seemed to fit because of her past and career. Trevor is the boyfriend. I wanted to have some unique names along with some original names.
How did you come up with the title of your first novel?
The original name for the title was Sea-Blue Eyes, but when I was looking for a book cover the title just didn’t work for me anymore and that’s when I came up with Tell No One. Which definitely fit the plot of the story.
Who designed your book covers?
Warrendesign
If you had to do it all over again, would you change anything in your latest book?
No, I actually had changed a lot in the book because I had been away from writing the book that the plot and characters changed and I feel that the book it so much better than when I was first writing the novel.
Are your characters based off real people or did they all come entirely from your imagination?
From my imagination.
Do your characters seem to hijack the story or do you feel like you have the reigns of the story?
My characters always hijack my story and make it into their own.
What are your top 10 favorite books/authors?
Stephen King, Robyn Harding, Nicholas Sparks, Heather Gudenkauf, Lisa Scottoline, Liane Moriarty, B.A. Paris, Mary Kubica, Shari Lapena, Ruth Ware, Stephen King.
What book do you think everyone should read?
The Four Winds by Kristin Hannah
How long have you been writing?
I have been writing since 2005
Do the characters all come to you at the same time or do some of them come to you as you write?
Most of them come when I am writing.
Do you read yourself and if so what is your favorite genre?
Mystery/suspense, Thrillers
Do you prefer to write in silence or with noise?
Silence
Why?
Because I can’t think and focus if there is a lot of noise around me.
Do you write one book at a time or do you have several going at a time?
One book, sometimes when I’m writing a book another idea for a different book will come to me, which happened when I wrote the novel THE DEAD GIRL UNDER THE BLEACHERS. The second book came to me, even though I wasn’t going to make it a series. It turned into a 3-book series. The Carven Falls series
Pen or type writer or computer?
Computer
What made you want to become an author and do you feel it was the right decision?
I love to make up stories and loved to read growing up. Yes I still enjoy writing so it was the right decision for me.
What are they currently reading?
Not a Happy Family by Shari Lapena
Do you try more to be original or to deliver to readers what they want?
I write more of original stories.
If you could tell your younger writing self anything, what would it be?
I wish I would have focused more in school and pursued writing at a younger age.
How long on average does it take you to write a book?
If I have the time, usually a year.
