Author Archives: Donna W. Hill

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About Donna W. Hill

Donna W. Hill is a writer, speaker, animal lover and avid knitter from Pennsylvania's Endless Mountains. Her first novel, The Heart of Applebutter Hill, is an adventure-mystery with excursions into fantasy for general audiences. Professionals in the fields of education and the arts have endorsed it as a diversity, inclusion and anti-bullying resource for junior high through college. A songwriter with three albums, Hill provided educational and motivational programs in the Greater Philadelphia area for fifteen years before moving to the mountains. Her essay, "Satori Green" appears in Richard Singer's Now, Embracing the Present Moment (2010, O-Books), and her cancer-survivor story is in Dawn Colclasure’s On the Wings of Pink Angels (2012). From 2009 through 2013, Hill was an online journalist for numerous publications, covering topics ranging from nature, health care and accessibility to music, knitting and chocolate. She is an experienced talk show guest and guest blogger and presents workshops about writing and her novel for school, university, community and business groups. The Heart of Applebutter Hill is available in print and e-versions at Amazon, B&N, Apple, Sony, Smashwords, Create Space and other outlets. It is also available through Bookshare for readers with print disabilities.

Novel or Scrapbook: the Benefits of Being a Writer

A Goodreads member recently asked my thoughts on the best thing about being a writer. The following is based on my answer. My first inclination was to make it clear up front that in enumerating the wondrous world of the … Continue reading

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Friendships in the Dark by Phyllis Campbell – a Book Review

Friendships in the Dark, Vol. 1 by Phyllis Campbell My rating: 5 of 5 stars When you read the subtitle of Friendships in the Dark, what do you think you’ll be getting? Stories about great people? Great animals? If so, … Continue reading

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Advice for aspiring writers: Get Your Editor On

Recently, a member of the Goodreads community asked for my advice to aspiring writers. My answer could have gone in so many directions — getting published, building your personal brand, incorporating time into your life to write — the list … Continue reading

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Same-Sex Marriage, Americans with Disabilities & the Unintended Consequences of Refusing to Do Business

Since same-sex marriage became legal in Pennsylvania, most wedding-industry businesses have been welcoming to their new customers. Nevertheless, here in Northeast Pennsylvania, several stories of discrimination have fowled our local news. W.W. Bridal Boutique in Bloomsburg, Cake Pros Bakery in … Continue reading

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Book Review – Being Legally Blind by Justin Oldham

Being Legally Blind: Observations for Parents of Visually Impaired Children by Justin Oldham My rating: 5 of 5 stars Sooner or later, all parents, despite the joys of bringing a new life into being and the hopes for a wonderful … Continue reading

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Book Review: Sizzling Sixteen by Janet Evanovich

Sizzling Sixteen by Janet Evanovich My rating: 5 of 5 stars I had no intention of reviewing all of the Stephanie Plum books. I don’t have time to review most of the non-Plum books I read or read all of … Continue reading

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ADA: 24 years — Why People with Disabilities are Complaining

Americans with disabilities are supposed to have equal rights. They are protected by federal law from discrimination in areas such as employment, public accommodations, transportation and government services. The landmark legislation establishing these rights and the framework to procure and … Continue reading

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Book Review: The Big New Yorker Book of Dogs

The Big New Yorker Book of Dogs by The New Yorker My rating: 5 of 5 stars Ever since humans started throwing scraps to the adventurous wolves beyond the firelight, dogs have been inspiring us and drawing forth from us … Continue reading

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Authors & Marketing: Sensitive Introvert to Shameless Hawker – Abandoning Erroneous Expectations

So, you succumbed to that craziest of temptations and wrote a book. Now, whether you are one of the “lucky” ones who landed a publishing contract or you did it yourself, you’re starting to realize that you’re the one who … Continue reading

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Book Review One for the Money by Janet Evanovich

One for the Money by Janet Evanovich My rating: 5 of 5 stars OK, once again I am woefully late to the party. Scribner published this first novel in Janet Evanovich’s Stephanie Plum series in June 1994. To date, there … Continue reading

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