Canadian Romance Author Donna Alward

What's your Passion?

by Donna Alward

I always wanted to be a writer. When I graduated university, I had this backup plan of traveling to England and writing in a little cottage for six months. I’d taken creative writing courses (I did my degree in English Lit), wrote a lot of poetry and short stories, and wanted to try a novel.

I took a bit of a detour from that dream for a few years, and never did move to England (though I did manage a trip there in 2007). But in 2001 I started a novel which turned out to be a romance, and I fell in love with the process. Now, twelve years after my first sale, I’m fifty-odd books into my career and I love it.

I always thought writing – and writing romance in particular – was my passion. And it is, in a way. But this year life changed a bit more. I’ve got two kids in university. And the publishing biz is really, really tough right now. I decided to look for some part time work to supplement my income, and just before Christmas got a job at a chocolate shop. Can you imagine a happier place than a chocolate shop at Christmas? I love it.

I took on another part time job in the late spring, working for a bookstore. I mean, if I’m going to work retail, it doesn’t get much better than books and chocolate, right?

I absolutely love working retail (and I only get the odd grouchy customer). There are many reasons, but it wasn’t until I attended a company summit that I realized that I’m actually mislabeled my passion. I thought it was for writing and happy endings, and that’s part of it, but it’s not truly what I’m passionate about.

I love making people happy. Whether I make them smile, or laugh, or help them find the perfect book or card, or pick out the perfect chocolate for their taste…I love making them happy. I love the idea of someone reading my book and smiling at the end, or that it might have helped them get through a rough day or situation. I love talking about chocolate and adding a little sunshine to someone’s day. I also love the thought of someone going home with a book, reading it, and it being exactly what they needed.

Maybe it seems frivolous that I’m not dealing with “necessities”. But then, what makes us human? It’s connection. It’s emotion.  We are almost *too* connected with tech these days, but we don’t always connect with other people. If I can have a customer leave or a reader finish a book feeling better than when they started… my work is done.

Second Chances series

So that’s what I’m passionate about. I knew deep down that I am an optimist, but I really didn’t realize that sharing that optimism is my purpose. And that’s really kind of neat when you think about it.

What’s your passion?

About the Author

Donna is the prolific author of 50+ western and contemporary romance novels. She lives on Canada’s east coast with her family which includes a husband, a couple of kids and two crazy cats. When she’s not writing she enjoys reading (of course!), knitting, gardening, cooking…and is a Masterpiece Theater addict. Learn more on her press page. 

You can visit her on the web at www.DonnaAlward.com and join her mailing list at www.DonnaAlward.com/newsletter.

Social media links: Facebook | Twitter: @DonnaAlward

Find all Donna's romance novels on her author page at Amazon.com.

Donna is also a writing coach and content editor at The Red Pen Coach. Check out her non-fiction books for writers.