Donna Bowman Bratton

If I were to pick up the phone and call Donna Bowman Bratton right this very minute, she would be writing. Not necessarily sitting in front of her computer, writing. No, she might thinking about her latest book project or the last book she read or the manuscript she is critiquing. Donna loves writing (she wore out a typewriter that she got as a gift at age ten!). She describes herself as a writer of fiction and non fiction for all ages but she especially loves children’s literature. Lucky for me. Because that where our circles intersect and how I get see her on a regular basis.

When I asked her what quote sustains her as a writer and keeps her going she said, “There are so many great quotes. The one that has always been above my computer is by Benjamin Franklin:

“If you would not be forgotten
as soon as you are dead and rotten,
either write things worth the reading,
or do things worth the writing.”

“To me, the Franklin quote  sums up the importance of creating a legacy through both the writing projects I become passionate about, and in other ways that I choose to make a meaningful contribution, whether it be as a parent, friend, volunteer, or worker.  Invest energy where it will make a difference.”

That’s it, isn’t it? We want to make a difference. Either on the page or in people’s lives that we touch. That’s how Donna is. All the time. If you don’t believe me, go check out her blog.

Donna and Carmen as Page One and Page Two

She is also wickedly funny. Witness the above photo with her friend Carmen Oliver. April Fool’s is a big deal at her house and she is willing to drive two hours to her son’s college dorm to pull a prank on him. Which is why I must include her second favorite quote. It is from Jack London:

You can’t wait for inspiration. You have to go after it with a club.

Pure Donna.