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Star Donovan - . Troy, NY, US

Star Donovan

Children's author

Troy, NY, UNITED STATES

Star Donovan is the author of a children's series, Gappy and the Young Vampire Adventures, for readers 8-12 and the young at heart.

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Biography

Star Donovan has been writing stories, ever since she can remember. She was born in England, grew up in South Africa, and first wrote about Gappy the Young Vampire for a school essay when she was 11 years old. When she grew up, she used to tell Gappy tales to her two daughters.

Star now lives in the States with her husband, three cats, and a woodchuck in the back yard. She never, ever kills spiders and loves bats. She still reads children’s books and often wishes real life were as interesting as the world of make-believe.

Her education includes a Masters of Social Work from the State University of New York at Albany. Publication of the Gappy book series began in 2008, with approximately two volumes appearing each year. Star Donovan is contemplating gearing up to work on the seventh book of the Young Vampire Adventures, Gappy in Disguise.

She welcomes the opportunity to visit schools, scout troops, etc. to share her love of reading and writing fantasy.

Industry Expertise (1)

Writing and Editing

Areas of Expertise (5)

Creative Writing

Fiction

Children's Books

Children

Author

Accomplishments (1)

Children's Author (professional)

2008-10-01

Published series of exciting children's books, Gappy and the Young Vampire Adventures.

Education (5)

Sage Colleges, Albany, New York: Bachelor of Arts Psychology, Psychology 2000

American Career School, Albany, New York: Certificate in Paralegal Studies, Paralegal Studies 1991

Institute of Children's Literature: Diploma in children's writing, Writing Children's literature 1994

Hudson Valley Community College, Troy, New York: Bachelor of Science Individual Studies, Individual studies with emphasis on Psychology and Writing 1998

State University of New York at Albany: Masters in Social Work, Social Work 2002

Affiliations (2)

  • Institute of Children's Literature
  • Capital District Paralegal Association

Event Appearances (2)

Visiting Author, Star Donovan

Visit with Star Donovan, Author of Gappy and the Young Vampire Adventures  Fourth Grade classes at Shatekon Elementary School, Clifton Park, New York

2010-12-03

Guest children's author on the Schenectady Today TV show

Guest author of children's books, Star Donovan  Schenectady, New York

2011-02-15

Sample Talks (1)

Visiting children's author, Star Donovan

Reasons/purposes for writing. How did I come up with my book character? How to look for/come up with things to write about. Overcoming writer's block/feeling overwhelmed. The joy of writing/reading. What every story needs - a beginning, middle, and end, with an interesting character who overcomes a challenge or changes in some way. Outline vs no outline. Answer questions from children. I find children are more interested and engaged if they have read at least the first book in the series.

Style

Availability

  • Workshop Leader
  • Author Appearance

Fees

250 to 1000 *Will consider certain engagements for no fee