Ep 43: Donna Norman-Carbone (All That is Sacred)

Click Here to ask your book writing and publishing questions!Donna Norman-Carbone's debut novel, All That is Sacred, released on April 11, 2023 (Red Adept Publishing). In this episode of the Write the Damn Book Already podcast, we discussed her journey to writing and publishing the novel, which was inspired by true events.  INTERVIEW HIGHLIGHTSHow Donna got started writing, and the story and characters who inspired her debut novelDonna's process of writing through both grief AND difficult conversations to sort through her feelings and thoughts (as a fellow emotional being, this made my ears perk up!)How long the book ended up taking to write and be published given all the other things going on in her lifeThe details of her unique publishing journey, which started with querying agents and ended with her querying her publisher directly (which isn’t common)One of her favorite offerings provided by her publishing house (I think every publishing house should have this for their authors!)Within the editing process, a suggestion was made to go from 5 POVs (points of view) to 1 and to write an entirely new first chapter. We talked about how she responded and worked with those suggestions without feeling like she was starting all over.A perspective-shifting way to think about where you are in the book-writing process when you send your book to the editor (hint: you’re NOT 95% to the finish line)What Donna is most excited about when it comes to promotion (as someone who doesn’t like to speak in front of others, even though she’s a teacher!) ABOUT DONNADonna Norman-Carbone’s debut, All That is Sacred, a women’s fiction released on April 11, 2023, is published by Red Adept Publishing. A member of the WFWA and CAPA and a tour guide for Bookish Road Trip, Donna also teaches English in CT where she resides with her husband and family. She enjoys reading and traveling. AUTHORS REFERENCED IN EPISODE Hope Gibbs, author of Where the Grass Grows BlueDr. Tanmeet Sethi, author of Joy is My Justice CONNECT WITH DONNAwww.donnanormancarbone.comInstagram: @donnanormancarboneFacebook: @dncarboneauthorTikTok: @dcarbs727authorTwitter: @dcarbs727authorBook: Purchase a copy of All That is Sacred   🧭 BACK COVER BLUEPRINTGet back cover templates for nonfiction, memoir, and fiction; real-world examples; a polishing checklist; and a guide for turning it into an optimized online description that attracts the right readers. 🔗 https://www.publishaprofitablebook.com/blueprint Looking for hidden gems, date night spots, and staycations you didn't know you needed? Find your next adventure at TheBestoftheSouthwest.com and follow along on Instagram at @thebestofthesouthwest.*episode sponsor ✍️ 33-DAY BOOK WRITING BOOTCAMPYou've Been Thinking About This Book Forever. So let's get it written (for real this time). 👉 https://www.publishaprofitablebook/writethebookSupport the show******Write the Damn Book Already is a weekly podcast featuring interviews with authors as well as updates and insights on writing craft and the publishing industry.  Available wherever podcasts are available: Apple PodcastsSpotify YouTube Let's Connect! InstagramWebsite Email the show: elizabeth [at] elizabethlyons [dot] comThe podcast is a proud affiliate partner of Bookshop, working to support local, independent bookstores.To see all the ways we can work together to get your book written and published, visit publishaprofitablebook.com/work-with-elizabeth