Donna Maguire

Donna Maguire

About

I began writing children's books in March with the first book in the series published on Amazon in July of 2015. It may seem a bit odd that the series already includes four books. The reason is that I created the books without even thinking of publishing them. After more than 35 years in the advertising and marketing profession, I left a successful marketing consulting business and moved to Nevada. The change was driven by the loss of my nephew, who I had raised more than a son then nephew. You see his brother lived there with his two little babies. He told me that if I came out and helped to care for them it would do wonders for me. I don't think he knew how right he was.

With a strong belief that reading early and often to children not only makes for good times, it promotes bonding and nurtures the joy of reading so I read to them often. Something amazing happened, my creativity and imagination was re-ignited. It seemed only natural to funnel this new-found energy into a long-term desire to write children's books. In essence, caring for my grandbabies and creating children's books provided an effective form of therapy.

As the books were initially created for a very select audience, my grand babies, I set several goals for the books, including (1) promoting literacy by helping to nurture the joy of reading through fun, humorous story telling, (2) providing a message of acceptance, love and friendship, not just for others but for the children reading the books themselves, and (3) igniting the young readers' natural curiosity for the world, the environment and the creatures that inhabit it with us.

My Basset Hound Winston, Silly Willy Winston as I call him, was the perfect muse and unlikely hero for my books. He has the biggest ears ever, a stout frame, huge paws and a super large snout. He trips over his ears and paws often, which makes him a bit of a clown. Rather than bothering him he views people's laughter as an invitation to make friends. If you ask me, he is the perfrect role-model for self-acceptance and empowerment. Winston's traits and the way he embraces them and uses them to his advantage also make him an ideal character to help children understand, face and protect themselves and others against bullying through self-confidence.

Winston's story can be used to start a conversation regarding bullying with children. After sharing the books with their children or loved ones, parents and caregivers can ask if a child ever feels as if they are different like Silly Willy Winston, what makes them different, how they feel about being different and what special powers or unique gifts they gain from their differences? Whether or not the child or children feel different a parent might want to ask if there is any one they know that is different, why and what unique qualities those children have? Both of these provide the opportunity to discuss how some children may pick on other children fro their differences. From there parents and loved ones are able to do what they do, be the good parents and caregivers they are and prepare children to protect themselves, and others, against bullying through awarenss, confidence, calm and respect.

While most people think mainly of the strip when they think of Las Vegas, I have found it to be a treasure of creative, caring and sharing individuals. Several of the new friends I met were self-published authors. For kicks, I shared my books with them and was strongly encouraged to publish them. With an extensive background in marketing, I viewed this challenge enthusiastically. I learned how to format the books for Kindle, iBooks and on-demand printing. And the rest they say is history.

Through the Eyes of Maria: Consequences

Through the Eyes of Maria: Consequences

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Description

<p>Maria’s life shifts course when destiny brings her into the arms of Christian. His earnest kindness and generosity offer the potential for a future she never imagined possible. Afraid of pushing Christian away, Maria changes her identity and buries her sordid past.<br /><br />But when the truth threatens to expose her calculated deception, will Maria find the courage to face her demons and salvage all that's at stake?<br /><br />Or will Maria be forced to accept that she simply cannot outrun the shadows that chase her?</p>

Story Behind The Book

Silly Willy Winston is a Basset Hound with the biggest ears ever and a super large snout. He is my beloved pet and I chose him as a muse because of his traits. While they may seem awkward at times, are also what gives him his special qualities, making Silly Willy Winston a unlikely hero with whom young readers can relate and admire. These traits enable Silly Willy Winston to take young readers on a journey of self-discovery and acceptance. Along the way he promotes curiosity about nature's mysteries, the environment, the world and the creatures that inhabit it. The goal is to nurture a love of reading, discovery and learning delivered through humor, love, loyalty and friendship.

Reviews

<p><strong>Victoria Zigler, 5 Stars</strong></p> <p>This is an absolutely fantastic book, which is perfect for helping children to face their fears and doubts. The book is well-written, and the situations faced by the children in the story are ones a lot of children face every day, which are dealt with well. Also, Silly Willy Winston, AKA Super Snout, is a lovable character, who dog lovers of all ages will fall in love with from page one.</p> <p><strong>Brandi - 5 Stars</strong></p> <p>Donna Maguire's <em>Silly Willy Winston in the Adventures of Super Snout: Have No Fear </em>is an adorable, colorful children's book for ages 6-8 (though I think it would also make an excellent bedtime story for younger children). It's cute, funny and educational. My copy of this book was obtained fromn the Goodreads.com website and I appreciate the opportunity to read and review this book.</p> <p> <strong>Angelina, age 8 years, 11 months - 5 Stars</strong></p> <p>This book was so good and I loved it so much! First off, I will start by telling you the different chapters of the book. They are called:</p> <p>Silly Willy Winston;<br /> The dark sparks ideas;<br /> Thunder is full of wonder;<br /> For fun remember where to start;<br /> No room in the treehouse for 'what if I cannot?' monster; and<br /> Now that all fears are averted it is time for a nap.<br /> The characters in the book are Kate, Mark, John and Sally.</p> <p>My favorite character in this book Silly Willy Winston because he is the main character and he is really nice. My favorite part of this book is when Silly Willy Winston helps John climb to the treehouse because the little kid's dad made the treehouse so high.</p> <p><strong>Maria Pucko, 5 Stars</strong></p> <p>This is a charming story for children which I will enjoy reading over and over again to my great grandchild. It tells several tales of responding to children's fears and how to help thenm. It is never preachy but rather than accepting and advising how to overcome. I look forward to adding the rest of the series to my library.</p>