Donna F. Crow's "The Shadow of Reality" and "A Midsummer Eve's Nightmare"

Thank you so much for inviting me back to your blog, K Dawn. I was here only a few months ago, but things have been happening so rapidly that I’m really excited to be able to share my latest news. You know how it is, one can go for years without seeing any progress, then suddenly the Heavens open. At least that’s the way I’ve always found it. I hope this is an encouragement for all of us to hold on for God’s timing and not give up.


Title: My newest release is A Midsummer Eve’s Nightmare, book 2 in my Elizabeth & Richard Mysteries. I wrote the first draft almost 10 years ago as the proposed second book in a romantic intrigue series I was doing for another publisher. The series didn’t work out. The manuscript went to the Boise State University Writers’ Archives and I spent the advance. Now, here it is— fully rewritten and with a stunning cover. Talk about a resurrection story.

Publisher:I so admire writers who have the savvy to publish their own books, but I need a support team. This series is with an Indie publisher, though. StoneHouse Ink is new and vibrant and believes in “embracing the technology.” This is just what someone as stuck-in-the-mud as I am needs.

Cover blurb:Elizabeth and Richard want nothing more than a quiet, romantic honeymoon— with a touch of literary charm. So they have chosen the Shakespeare Festival in Ashland, Oregon. Perfection. Until they find that Desdemona’s brilliantly acted death scene wasn’t acted and Elizabeth’s costume designer sister and her actress roommate are terrified that they are slated to be the next victims.

1) How did this story come to you?
The Oregon Shakespearean Festival has always been a favorite destination for my husband and myself so when it came time to send my newlywed English professor team on a honeymoon Ashland was as perfect for them as it was for me. The plot developed naturally from the setting and from the Shakespeare plays which form the framework of the story. The theme, which explores the true meaning of marriage, was also natural in a honeymoon story but really plays out more when Elizabeth gives advice to her younger sister who is dazzled by the company’s leading man.

2) Tell me two things about yourself that would surprise your readers.
People are often surprised to learn that I’m an introvert, especially those who have been to a conference with me. But, as much as I enjoy meeting people and helping other writers, at the end of the day I’m exhausted and I need lots of down time to recharge my batteries. I’m also what the Regency writers would call a nip-cheese, but my mother taught as good economy. Of course, today it’s entirely PC to recycle everything, so for once in my life I’m in line with current thinking. I love dollar stores and charity shops.

3) What are you working on now and what's next for you?
I just returned from a trip to Wales where I did the research for the next book in my Monastery Murders. Book 2 in the series A Darkly Hidden Truth will be out this fall, so my challenge will be to promote one book whilst writing another.
And then another Elizabeth & Richard. Since they all have literary figures in the background Jane Austen is up next. And that will entail another research trip. . .

4) Parting comments?
Follow your passions and hang in there through good times and bad. That’s true for any aspect of life, but I can’t think of a business where one needs it more than on the roller coaster we call publishing.

5) Where can fans find you on the Internet?
To see pictures from my garden and research trips go to: http://www.donnafletchercrow.com/.
My blog is at: http://www.donnafletchercrow.com/articles.php and you can follow me on Facebook at: http://ning.it/eLjgYp