N.J. Donner's Blog
May 11, 2017
Author on the Loose!
N.J. Donner will be out and about at events in Nebraska. He’d love to meet you and answer questions about the Karmanic Sovereign Legion. Look for him at these events, or schedule him to come to your own group or event.
Saturday, May 13 – Ask the Authors Anything! A five-author event at Francie & Finch Bookshop in downtown Lincoln, Neb. Join us between 2-5 p.m. at 130 S. 13th Street. N.J. will be joined by authors Tosca Lee, Lydia Kang, Tonya Kuper and Rosanne Liesveld.
Wednesday, May 17 – Meet the Author. N.J. will be talking with students at Humann Elementary School. (Private Event)
Saturday, May 20 – Local Book Expo at The Bookworm in Omaha. Stop by between 1-4 p.m. at 90th and Center. Meet N.J. and other local authors.
Coming Later this summer, N.J. will be part of the Author’s Showcase at the 150 Years of Nebraska Storytelling Conference. The event is Monday, August 7, 9-5:30, at Ponca State Park in Northeast Nebraska.
N.J. is available to speak to reading clubs, libraries, at youth events, clubs, and classes—anywhere people who love good stories gather. To schedule an appearance email njdonner@steelpagepress.com.
The Blue Moon Narthex
N.J. Donner
Saturday, May 13 – Ask the Authors Anything! A five-author event at Francie & Finch Bookshop in downtown Lincoln, Neb. Join us between 2-5 p.m. at 130 S. 13th Street. N.J. will be joined by authors Tosca Lee, Lydia Kang, Tonya Kuper and Rosanne Liesveld.
Wednesday, May 17 – Meet the Author. N.J. will be talking with students at Humann Elementary School. (Private Event)
Saturday, May 20 – Local Book Expo at The Bookworm in Omaha. Stop by between 1-4 p.m. at 90th and Center. Meet N.J. and other local authors.
Coming Later this summer, N.J. will be part of the Author’s Showcase at the 150 Years of Nebraska Storytelling Conference. The event is Monday, August 7, 9-5:30, at Ponca State Park in Northeast Nebraska.
N.J. is available to speak to reading clubs, libraries, at youth events, clubs, and classes—anywhere people who love good stories gather. To schedule an appearance email njdonner@steelpagepress.com.
The Blue Moon Narthex
N.J. Donner
April 6, 2017
What Is Your Role?
“Well, everyone in Coreseum needs a role. It’s my job to make sure those roles match an individual’s talents and interests.”
-Burton, The Blue Moon Narthex
When Cole, Sophie, and Britten arrived in Coreseum, they were curious (and worried) about what their roles would be. We all want to know where we fit. We want to discover what we do best. It would be easy if we had a role-finding machine like the one Burton used, but most of must discover our roles by trial and error.
I started experimenting with different jobs at a very young age. I was lucky. My dad owned an earthmoving business and his shop was right across the road from our house. By the time I was nine years old, I knew how to drive bulldozers, belly scrapers, and road graders. I got to watch my dad tinker. My first official job was power washing the mud off of the heavy equipment.
I had paper routes and, in early high school, I tried telemarketing for two weeks. That role definitely wasn’t a fit. I can’t remember (or I’ve suppressed) what I was even trying to sell. I asked my dad if I could quit. He said I had to find a new job first. That’s when I started working for the local blacksmith.
In a rural community, the blacksmith had to know how to fix anything a farmer could break. It was great! I got to learn how machines worked, how to weld, and how to repair almost any piece of equipment. That was a role that fit and one that led to the steel fabrication business that I own today.
What I learned from these early jobs is that I’m fascinated with how things work. I enjoy creating things, whether in the real word or on the pages of a book.
Want to discover your role? Try a few things out and see what you enjoy and where you experience success.
N.J. Donner
The Blue Moon Narthex
-Burton, The Blue Moon Narthex
When Cole, Sophie, and Britten arrived in Coreseum, they were curious (and worried) about what their roles would be. We all want to know where we fit. We want to discover what we do best. It would be easy if we had a role-finding machine like the one Burton used, but most of must discover our roles by trial and error.
I started experimenting with different jobs at a very young age. I was lucky. My dad owned an earthmoving business and his shop was right across the road from our house. By the time I was nine years old, I knew how to drive bulldozers, belly scrapers, and road graders. I got to watch my dad tinker. My first official job was power washing the mud off of the heavy equipment.
I had paper routes and, in early high school, I tried telemarketing for two weeks. That role definitely wasn’t a fit. I can’t remember (or I’ve suppressed) what I was even trying to sell. I asked my dad if I could quit. He said I had to find a new job first. That’s when I started working for the local blacksmith.
In a rural community, the blacksmith had to know how to fix anything a farmer could break. It was great! I got to learn how machines worked, how to weld, and how to repair almost any piece of equipment. That was a role that fit and one that led to the steel fabrication business that I own today.
What I learned from these early jobs is that I’m fascinated with how things work. I enjoy creating things, whether in the real word or on the pages of a book.
Want to discover your role? Try a few things out and see what you enjoy and where you experience success.
N.J. Donner
The Blue Moon Narthex
March 29, 2017
The Bike: Or Why Actual Newspapers Are Rare
Long before I was creating a world filled with futuristic gadgets, time travel, and secret organizations that help control Karma, I was building the better bicycle.
In grade school I was a paperboy. Paperboy was an occupation common in the ancient world (we’re talking the 1980s) when news was printed on actual paper and delivered to people’s homes. Delivery was usually made by a pre-teen boy who threw the paper toward the porch while speeding by on his bicycle. Rogue, rolled-up newspapers often landed in bushes, hit cats, and broke the occasional window. But most of the time, they were right on target.
In my small town, the local newspaper came out once a week. The town was divided into ten newspaper routes and I covered seven of them. To get all those papers delivered, I had to customize my bike. My dad and I built a rack that fit over the back of the bike and could hold newspapers on each side. There was even a rack in the center almost as tall as my back.
The idea was that my dad would take the bundles of papers and distribute them along my routes. I could deliver one bundle then re-stock with the next. Like most ideas, it looked great on paper. It worked pretty slick most of the time, but hit a few rough patches.
Or, I should say, I hit a few rough patches.
The rack filled with newspapers made my bicycle so back heavy, that when I hit a bump, or even the smallest curb, the front tire was too light, and I would end up flipping backwards. I don’t know how many times I flipped off that bike and had to end up picking up the piles of papers.
Now you know why today most newspapers are delivered electronically. The risk to newspaper boys was just too great.
N.J. Donner
The Blue Moon Narthex
KSL Series Website
In grade school I was a paperboy. Paperboy was an occupation common in the ancient world (we’re talking the 1980s) when news was printed on actual paper and delivered to people’s homes. Delivery was usually made by a pre-teen boy who threw the paper toward the porch while speeding by on his bicycle. Rogue, rolled-up newspapers often landed in bushes, hit cats, and broke the occasional window. But most of the time, they were right on target.
In my small town, the local newspaper came out once a week. The town was divided into ten newspaper routes and I covered seven of them. To get all those papers delivered, I had to customize my bike. My dad and I built a rack that fit over the back of the bike and could hold newspapers on each side. There was even a rack in the center almost as tall as my back.
The idea was that my dad would take the bundles of papers and distribute them along my routes. I could deliver one bundle then re-stock with the next. Like most ideas, it looked great on paper. It worked pretty slick most of the time, but hit a few rough patches.
Or, I should say, I hit a few rough patches.
The rack filled with newspapers made my bicycle so back heavy, that when I hit a bump, or even the smallest curb, the front tire was too light, and I would end up flipping backwards. I don’t know how many times I flipped off that bike and had to end up picking up the piles of papers.
Now you know why today most newspapers are delivered electronically. The risk to newspaper boys was just too great.
N.J. Donner
The Blue Moon Narthex
KSL Series Website
March 21, 2017
Accidents . . .
Karma would suggest I should be getting regular emergency calls and texts from my kids’ schools. Why? Because I put my poor mom through hell. Sorry, mom.
As a child, I was extremely accident prone. My first “major” accident happened on my eighth birthday. (I’ve had plenty of “minor” scrapes including bumps, bruises and breaks, and one finger that has been stitched together more times than I can count.) On my eighth birthday, I was hit by a car when I rode my bike through an intersection without stopping. My face had road burn (ouch.) I broke both of my arms and was in casts for months. I still remember trying to get dressed with two casts and a face covered in healing ointment; it was nearly impossible.
In grade school and middle school, I had numerous concussions. My head got bumped so many times, I had to wear a helmet even when I played basketball (go ahead and poke fun at me.) Did that deter me from sports and high-risk adventures? Not at all.
In high school, I was thrown out of two cars in roll-over crashes which resulted in even more broken bones and stitches. I wasn’t driving either time. So yes, I’m lucky (and grateful) to be here. I’m glad my parents let me continue to take risks and have adventures. Who knows? Maybe some of those bumps on the head opened the creative spaces in my brain!
And so far, my kids have been relatively accident free. (Fingers crossed.)
Feel free to ask me questions as I get to know you all better.
N.J. Donner
The Blue Moon Narthex
KSL Series Website
Buy The Blue Moon Narthex on Amazon . . . Psst...it's on SALE right now!
As a child, I was extremely accident prone. My first “major” accident happened on my eighth birthday. (I’ve had plenty of “minor” scrapes including bumps, bruises and breaks, and one finger that has been stitched together more times than I can count.) On my eighth birthday, I was hit by a car when I rode my bike through an intersection without stopping. My face had road burn (ouch.) I broke both of my arms and was in casts for months. I still remember trying to get dressed with two casts and a face covered in healing ointment; it was nearly impossible.
In grade school and middle school, I had numerous concussions. My head got bumped so many times, I had to wear a helmet even when I played basketball (go ahead and poke fun at me.) Did that deter me from sports and high-risk adventures? Not at all.
In high school, I was thrown out of two cars in roll-over crashes which resulted in even more broken bones and stitches. I wasn’t driving either time. So yes, I’m lucky (and grateful) to be here. I’m glad my parents let me continue to take risks and have adventures. Who knows? Maybe some of those bumps on the head opened the creative spaces in my brain!
And so far, my kids have been relatively accident free. (Fingers crossed.)
Feel free to ask me questions as I get to know you all better.
N.J. Donner
The Blue Moon Narthex
KSL Series Website
Buy The Blue Moon Narthex on Amazon . . . Psst...it's on SALE right now!
January 31, 2017
What Happens Next? Chapter 4 of The Blue Moon Narthex
It’s just six days until the release of The Blue Moon Narthex, but I can’t leave you hanging, curious about the strange gift Norm gave Cole at the end of the third chapter. You’ll find the link to chapter four below.
Several readers have asked how I came up with ideas for settings. First, I picked an era of history that has always fascinated me. I found a picture of an old estate that I used as the setting for Cole’s house and the grounds in the first chapter. The picture seemed to suggest a place that would have secret passages and hidden gates.
Well, I won’t keep you waiting....
READ CHAPTER 4 OF THE BLUE MOON NARTHEX
If you missed the first three chapters, you can read them here.
The Blue Moon Narthex releases next Tuesday, February 7th. Pre-order your copy here! Personalized, autographed copies are available on my website!
Several readers have asked how I came up with ideas for settings. First, I picked an era of history that has always fascinated me. I found a picture of an old estate that I used as the setting for Cole’s house and the grounds in the first chapter. The picture seemed to suggest a place that would have secret passages and hidden gates.
Well, I won’t keep you waiting....
READ CHAPTER 4 OF THE BLUE MOON NARTHEX
If you missed the first three chapters, you can read them here.
The Blue Moon Narthex releases next Tuesday, February 7th. Pre-order your copy here! Personalized, autographed copies are available on my website!
January 25, 2017
Everyone Needs a Good Dog. Chapter 3 of The Blue Moon Narthex
Thanks for your response to the first two chapters of The Blue Moon Narthex. It’s fun to be able to talk with you about the characters, the setting, and the action. Please keep sharing your comments and questions. If you haven’t read the first two chapters yet, you can find them here:
Chapter 1!
Chapter 2!
You’ve met one of my favorite characters in the book, Norm’s dog, Diesel. Every story needs a good dog. I’ve known several good dogs in my life and Diesel, a black Labrador, who’s name and likeness were not changed, was the maintenance manager’s dog at my steel company. We miss you, Diesel; you were loved by everyone. We currently have two dogs in our home, including Elka our five year old German Shepherd and Gunner our eight month old yellow lab who joined our family during Adopt-A-Shelter-Pet Month last October.
Want to read more about Diesel, Norm and Cole? I’m sharing the third chapter today!
READ CHAPTER 3 OF THE BLUE MOON NARTHEX TODAY!
Don’t forget to share your questions and comments below. We’re less than two weeks away from the release of The Blue Moon Narthex. You may pre-order your copy here!.
N.J. Donner
The Blue Moon Narthex
Chapter 1!
Chapter 2!
You’ve met one of my favorite characters in the book, Norm’s dog, Diesel. Every story needs a good dog. I’ve known several good dogs in my life and Diesel, a black Labrador, who’s name and likeness were not changed, was the maintenance manager’s dog at my steel company. We miss you, Diesel; you were loved by everyone. We currently have two dogs in our home, including Elka our five year old German Shepherd and Gunner our eight month old yellow lab who joined our family during Adopt-A-Shelter-Pet Month last October.
Want to read more about Diesel, Norm and Cole? I’m sharing the third chapter today!
READ CHAPTER 3 OF THE BLUE MOON NARTHEX TODAY!
Don’t forget to share your questions and comments below. We’re less than two weeks away from the release of The Blue Moon Narthex. You may pre-order your copy here!.
N.J. Donner
The Blue Moon Narthex
January 18, 2017
After the Train Wreck. Chapter 2 of The Blue Moon Narthex
Last week I gave you a sneak peek of the first chapter of The Blue Moon Narthex. If you haven’t read it yet, you can find it here! We left Cole in the smoky aftermath of a train derailment....
Cole’s father, Richard McCarthy, ran a railroad, and trains play a big part in Cole’s adventures. The early 1900's had been the heyday of the American railroad. New lines had been built to move people and goods around the country. But rising operating costs, government price controls, and tension between railroad companies and unions made the years prior to World War I stressful for railroad executives.
Would you like to know what happened to Richard and Cole in the derailment? You can access the second chapter at the link below!
READ CHAPTER 2 OF THE BLUE MOON NARTHEX NOW!
I hope you’re enjoying the beginning of the story. Please share these links with other readers. Keep posting your questions and comments below; I love interacting with you all.
N.J. Donner
The Blue Moon Narthex
Cole’s father, Richard McCarthy, ran a railroad, and trains play a big part in Cole’s adventures. The early 1900's had been the heyday of the American railroad. New lines had been built to move people and goods around the country. But rising operating costs, government price controls, and tension between railroad companies and unions made the years prior to World War I stressful for railroad executives.
Would you like to know what happened to Richard and Cole in the derailment? You can access the second chapter at the link below!
READ CHAPTER 2 OF THE BLUE MOON NARTHEX NOW!
I hope you’re enjoying the beginning of the story. Please share these links with other readers. Keep posting your questions and comments below; I love interacting with you all.
N.J. Donner
The Blue Moon Narthex
January 11, 2017
Sneak Peek of The Blue Moon Narthex
I’ve never been good at waiting. I can hardly bear the anticipation of Christmas. I’m always far more excited about the special gifts I’ve purchased and wrapped for other people than I am about those for me.
When I started writing The Blue Moon Narthex almost two years ago, I imagined the day readers could open the cover and lose themselves in the adventures of Cole, Britten and Sophie. The official release is less than a month away, but it seems its taking forever for February 7th to get here. I can’t wait anymore. I’m letting you unwrap the first chapter today:
READ CHAPTER 1 OF THE BLUE MOON NARTHEX NOW
I’m really excited to share this story with you! One of the most difficult parts of writing is the long delay between creating a world and being able to share it and talk about it with readers. Please read the first chapter and let me know you think.
I’ll plan to share a few more chapters with you in the coming weeks. Enjoy this sneak peek and share it with your friends who love to read.
The Blue Moon Narthex
N.J. Donner
When I started writing The Blue Moon Narthex almost two years ago, I imagined the day readers could open the cover and lose themselves in the adventures of Cole, Britten and Sophie. The official release is less than a month away, but it seems its taking forever for February 7th to get here. I can’t wait anymore. I’m letting you unwrap the first chapter today:
READ CHAPTER 1 OF THE BLUE MOON NARTHEX NOW
I’m really excited to share this story with you! One of the most difficult parts of writing is the long delay between creating a world and being able to share it and talk about it with readers. Please read the first chapter and let me know you think.
I’ll plan to share a few more chapters with you in the coming weeks. Enjoy this sneak peek and share it with your friends who love to read.
The Blue Moon Narthex
N.J. Donner
January 4, 2017
34 Days and Counting!
It’s just 34 days until the release of The Blue Moon Narthex, the first book in the Karmanic Sovereign Legion Series. Over the next five weeks we’ll be leaking intel from the legion and even some chapters!
Over four hundred years before Cole McCarthy comes into possession of the coveted Blue Moon Narthex, a secret organization was formed to assist Karma. This is their doctrine:
Doctrine of The Karmanic Sovereign Legion
Karmanic: The power of the world’s Karmanic matter will be our guide. Let us only assist the good and fight the urge to sympathize with the bad. We shall not use this great power for our own selfish purpose but for the greater good of all.
Sovereign: Not governed by borders or governments of mankind, we are free from influence that may pull us from our mission. We are free from the judgments of anyone based on age, gender, race or religion, as Karma does not see these attributes, but only one’s actions.
Legion: A group that cannot be divided and will not serve one but is a servant of all. We are bound together with the common goal of balancing the good and bad actions of the world.
Let it be known on this 12th day March 1414, that the Karmanic Sovereign Legion will be formed. As the founding members of this legion, we are sworn to protect and uphold all good deeds of the world while defeating the bad deeds of the few.
The use of the Karmanic power will be respected and used only for the greater good of all and not for the benefit of one. This Legion cannot be successful without the inclusion of all people. The Karmanic Sovereign Legion will promote equality among all, regardless of gender, creed, ethnicity, or age. All words spoken will be held with same respect no matter who speaks them.
We and all of the Karmanic Sovereign Legion will uphold this doctrine above all else.
Download a copy of the KSL doctrine: KSL Doctrine
Coming next week: Read Chapter 1 of the Blue Moon Narthex!
Preorder The Blue Moon Narthex now on Amazon!
The Blue Moon Narthex
N.J. Donner
Over four hundred years before Cole McCarthy comes into possession of the coveted Blue Moon Narthex, a secret organization was formed to assist Karma. This is their doctrine:
Doctrine of The Karmanic Sovereign Legion
Karmanic: The power of the world’s Karmanic matter will be our guide. Let us only assist the good and fight the urge to sympathize with the bad. We shall not use this great power for our own selfish purpose but for the greater good of all.
Sovereign: Not governed by borders or governments of mankind, we are free from influence that may pull us from our mission. We are free from the judgments of anyone based on age, gender, race or religion, as Karma does not see these attributes, but only one’s actions.
Legion: A group that cannot be divided and will not serve one but is a servant of all. We are bound together with the common goal of balancing the good and bad actions of the world.
Let it be known on this 12th day March 1414, that the Karmanic Sovereign Legion will be formed. As the founding members of this legion, we are sworn to protect and uphold all good deeds of the world while defeating the bad deeds of the few.
The use of the Karmanic power will be respected and used only for the greater good of all and not for the benefit of one. This Legion cannot be successful without the inclusion of all people. The Karmanic Sovereign Legion will promote equality among all, regardless of gender, creed, ethnicity, or age. All words spoken will be held with same respect no matter who speaks them.
We and all of the Karmanic Sovereign Legion will uphold this doctrine above all else.
Download a copy of the KSL doctrine: KSL Doctrine
Coming next week: Read Chapter 1 of the Blue Moon Narthex!
Preorder The Blue Moon Narthex now on Amazon!
The Blue Moon Narthex
N.J. Donner
December 14, 2016
N.J. the Builder: Using "What If..."
My journey toward writing a novel began with building imaginary gadgets and worlds in my mind that started from a simple idea. The story around those came later.
I’m a builder. As a kid, my two sisters and I, along with our three cousins, would build forts in the barns or the trees at my uncle’s farm. We’d scavenge for any scraps of wood we could find, then spend hours planning the "what if," sawing, and hammering. Our parents still remind us how many hammers and saws we lost.
We didn’t have nearly as much fun playing in those forts as we did building them. As soon as we finished a fort, I was already dreaming up the next one. What if we made it taller, or bigger, or built it in a different place? We could discuss ideas for hours.
The ideas for my novels started the same way:
What if… someone had a device that could help control Karma? How would it work? What would it look like? What powers would it have?
What if… that device could be concealed on a wrist cuff, or necklace, or at the top of a cane, and the world thought they were ordinary objects?
What if… the people who had these devices created a secret headquarters? What would it look like? Where would it be hidden? How would it be hidden? What kind of technology would they have? What would their communication system be like? How would the world be powered?
And on and on. I made drawings of objects and filled pages with maps and blueprints of the world. Then the story began to emerge. What if the members of the secret society had to keep the powerful devices out of evil hands?
Just like the forts I built as a kid, I love creating the worlds for my novels. Much to the chagrin of my editors, I still spend most of my time thinking what if…
Start with something common and simple, and don’t stop asking what if… until it becomes something uncommon and extraordinary.
____________________________________
Want to know more about the devices and world I imagined? My first book The Blue Moon Narthex, is available for pre-order now on Amazon. We also have a giveaway running now: click here to enter!
N.J. Donner
The Blue Moon Narthex
I’m a builder. As a kid, my two sisters and I, along with our three cousins, would build forts in the barns or the trees at my uncle’s farm. We’d scavenge for any scraps of wood we could find, then spend hours planning the "what if," sawing, and hammering. Our parents still remind us how many hammers and saws we lost.
We didn’t have nearly as much fun playing in those forts as we did building them. As soon as we finished a fort, I was already dreaming up the next one. What if we made it taller, or bigger, or built it in a different place? We could discuss ideas for hours.
The ideas for my novels started the same way:
What if… someone had a device that could help control Karma? How would it work? What would it look like? What powers would it have?
What if… that device could be concealed on a wrist cuff, or necklace, or at the top of a cane, and the world thought they were ordinary objects?
What if… the people who had these devices created a secret headquarters? What would it look like? Where would it be hidden? How would it be hidden? What kind of technology would they have? What would their communication system be like? How would the world be powered?
And on and on. I made drawings of objects and filled pages with maps and blueprints of the world. Then the story began to emerge. What if the members of the secret society had to keep the powerful devices out of evil hands?
Just like the forts I built as a kid, I love creating the worlds for my novels. Much to the chagrin of my editors, I still spend most of my time thinking what if…
Start with something common and simple, and don’t stop asking what if… until it becomes something uncommon and extraordinary.
____________________________________
Want to know more about the devices and world I imagined? My first book The Blue Moon Narthex, is available for pre-order now on Amazon. We also have a giveaway running now: click here to enter!
N.J. Donner
The Blue Moon Narthex
