Not Gonna Waste Her Shot - a guest post bt DonnaRae Menard

JULIA SPENCER-FLEMING: If you've met DonnaRae Menard, you know it. Her personality goes "POW! BIFF! BLAM!" like an old Batman episode. Equally, her writing leaps off the page. The first time we met was in a line for flight rescheduling at the Portland Jetport. When we both realized we were headed for Malice Domestic, we agreed to take the  proffered taxi to Boston's Logan together. We talked for two hours nonstop, and when DonnaRae handed me a short story she'd brought with her, I was SO impressed I passed it to my agent, who asked for DonnaRae's contact. (The funniest part of this was she had NO idea who I was at the time.)

She, and her writing, are the Real Deal. And you get to see for yourself - one lucky commentor will win a copy of MURDER ON US ROUTE 116, the latest in her An It's Never Too Late historical mystery series. Yes, the 1970s are historical now, I checked.

 

 

 

You might not recognize me, but you might know my voice. I’ve been told I have one of those voices. Oh, and I’m slightly out-spoken.

That’s how I market. In the short time since I made writing my career, I’ve honed my approach. Either we chat, or I wish you a good day and move along. I’m the queen of cold calls. Wednesday is my day to be out and about, map in hand.

We’ve all heard writers are solitary souls, but eventually you have to step outside your comfort zone. For me, the world is my oyster. What’s that? You want an example?

I was driving down Franklin Park West Avenue, mentally assessing my next option, when I passed the offices for the Northwest Public Access TV station. Hm, I thought. Braked. Reversed. Walked in the front door. Good morning, my name is DonnaRae Menard, and I’d like to introduce you to my books.

 

 

Out of nowhere, my mouth spouted off about a three-part series guiding aspiring writers on how to go from a book in their head to the printed page. I got the gig. We started taping. I passed out books. We shared snacks and war stories. Joshua Prior asked if I’d like to read a book live. We taped Beneath the Fountain in segments.

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLrBf_FpjKbwdxcCsI__vWDRCuOxo5Fy4L

The station sent me an email inviting me to the end of the year board meeting. I wanted to decline, but GR said, hey they invited…the food was great, the company fabulous. Then, out of the blue, I was presented with the Rising Star Award for Imaginative and Informative Publication. I am truly honored. In January, I’ll be reading Snuffling Up Bones. I’d be interested in hearing how you found an innovative way to market!

 

 

Yes, I do have a point. The world is waiting to see what you offer. If you don’t think you can do it alone, send me an email; we’ll talk. Then when you’re ready, and you step forward, even though I might be miles away, I’ll be holding your hand in mine.

Smile. Open your mouth and say; Good morning, my name is Ima Writer, and I’d like to introduce you to my book!

Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, and have the BEST New Year’s ever!

 

Book 5, The An It’s Never Too Late Series. One free book going out to a commentor!

She and Meredith weren’t friends, but now Meredith was dead and people were looking at Katie.

 

A nemesis from high school shows up while Katie Took is working. The woman is loud and obnoxious, and soon forgotten. Until she shows up dead. When Katie’s sweetheart points out there are several witnesses to Katie and this woman having a terse conversation, Katie sticks her nose in just a little, but is soon deep in the sheriff’s business. Hovering around, adding confusion, is a new guy in town trying for a council seat, and the escaped con hiding in Katie’s barn. One body plus three guys adds up to trouble for Katie. Is she going lose her animal control job to the councilman? Run amok with the con? Who is actually going to jail?

 

BIO-

 

DonnaRae Menard is a hybrid author with both self-published books and contracts with publishing houses. She is the author of three series, and writes in multiple genres from cozy/caper to traditional to horror, as well as historical fiction and fantasy. She is currently working with Northwest Public Access TV recording her novels for airing on their station and YouTube. Recipient of the 2025 Rising Star award for Imaginative and Innovative Programming. DonnaRae has an affinity for odd jobs, rescued cats, and searching out new sites for her mysteries. Visit her at donnaraemenardbooks.com. Find and follow her on Facebook and Bluesky.