Online for Authors Episode 9-21-24

​Second Chances: Two Women’s Journeys During World War I with Author Donna Jones Alward

Guest-host for Online for Authors, Carole O’Neill chats today with Donna Jones Alward, author of the book When the World Fell Silent. Since 2006, New York Times bestseller Donna Jones Alward has enchanted readers with stories of happy endings and homecomings that have won several awards and been translated into over a dozen languages. Donna currently lives in Nova Scotia, Canada, with her husband and two cats. You can often find her near the water, either kayaking on the lake or walking the sandy beaches to refill her creative well.

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Historical fiction author Donna Jones Alward's new book, When the World Fell Silent, tells the riveting tale of two women's lives drastically changed by the devastating 1917 Halifax Harbor explosion.

Despite growing up just one province over in New Brunswick, Donna had never learned about this tragic event in school. It wasn't until she read the classic Canadian novel Barometer Rising by Hugh MacLennan in 12th grade that she discovered this forgotten piece of history. Interestingly, the explosion created a special bond between Halifax and Boston, as the Massachusetts city immediately sent aid and medical personnel to assist in the aftermath. To this day, Nova Scotia sends a Christmas tree to Boston each year as a symbol of gratitude.

In Carole's chat, Donna shares insights into her writing process and the joys and challenges of switching from romance to historical fiction. Some key takeaways:

• Solid research is essential. Donna spent three months doing in-depth research before starting her first draft to ensure historical accuracy.
• Finding your author voice takes time. Donna wrote ten books over five years before making her first sale. Rejection is part of the journey!
• Preparation meets opportunity. The more you hone your craft and persist, the higher your chances of success when the right opportunity comes along.

Carole absolutely devoured When the World Fell Silent and can't recommend it highly enough. Donna masterfully weaves a tale of love, loss, trauma and healing against the backdrop of a fascinating historical event. The book follows two very different women - Nora, an adventurous army nurse, and Charlotte, a struggling war widow. When the explosion upends their lives, they must find the strength to carry on and rebuild. An unexpected twist near the end will leave you reeling!

To hear more of Carole's conversation with Donna, including a sneak peek of her next book set aboard the Titanic, check out the full Online for Authors episode. And be sure to grab your copy of When the World Fell Silent, out now! Also, head on over to Novels N Latte Book Club on Facebook for your chance to win a free digital copy!

Purchase When the World Fell Silent on Amazon:
Paperback: https://amzn.to/3SOefcj
​Ebook: https://amzn.to/4cBwkl4

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