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.
Media
Publications:
Audio/Podcasts:
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)
- Capital District Paralegal Association
- Institute of Children's Literature
Links (4)
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
Social