Donna Jones Alward Writes Stories That Bring History and Emotions to Life
Donna Jones Alward, bestselling author of over sixty romance novels, now captivating readers with her stunning historical fiction masterpieces.
Breathing Life into History
Donna Jones Alward transitions from bestselling romance author to historical fiction, crafting emotionally rich narratives that explore history’s depths with authenticity, courage, and a sincere love for storytelling.
D onna Jones Alward writes with an unparalleled authenticity that draws from her own multifaceted life experiences. Her storytelling is imbued with an honesty and depth that makes readers feel as though they’ve lived multiple lives alongside her. From growing up surrounded by books on a rural Canadian sunporch to her quiet yet determined literary journey, Alward’s path has been paved with resilience, humility, and an enduring love for the written word.
Her most recent novel, When the World Fell Silent, marks her remarkable debut in historical fiction. Known previously for penning over sixty romance novels, this shift into a new genre was both daunting and exhilarating for Alward. The decision, she admits, was sparked by a mix of serendipity and courage when her editor approached her about trying her hand at historical fiction. Alward explains, “I wasn’t afraid of failing; I was more afraid of regretting not trying,” adding that the pandemic made her rethink her priorities. The result? A beautifully crafted novel that brings to life the emotional intensity and historical truths of a bygone era.
Donna Jones Alward masterfully combines vivid historical detail with heartfelt character journeys, making her a standout voice in historical fiction.
Her storytelling stands out for its emotional depth and authenticity, especially in her character development. In When the World Fell Silent, she portrays two women living in 1917, grappling with challenges of the time while navigating personal fears and dreams. Alward shares that her approach stems from tapping into the universal emotional truths underlying her characters’ experiences. “In any story, I ask myself what the worst thing could be for that character—and quite often I make that happen. How people rise from the ashes and move through challenges shows them what they’re made of,” she notes.
Alward’s ability to infuse history with intimate, personal narratives has also shone through her upcoming work, Ship of Dreams. In this novel, she revisits the Titanic, a tragedy steeped in mythology, and shifts the focus onto the individuals caught in the event—their hopes, fears, and decisions. Regarding her creative process, she emphasizes the importance of emotional authenticity and ensuring her characters resonate deeply with readers.
While Alward has embraced the freedom and challenges that come with writing historical fiction, she acknowledges the years she spent crafting romance stories greatly influenced her skills as a writer. She credits her vast experience with romance novels for teaching her to write in a way that deeply engages with characters’ thoughts and feelings. “Those lessons were totally transferable—I just had to get out of my own way,” she states.
Beyond her writing career, Alward’s life in scenic Nova Scotia deeply nurtures her creativity. Whether it’s kayaking on tranquil lakes or strolling along sandy beaches, she finds rejuvenation and inspiration in the natural beauty around her. “Creativity needs room to breathe,” she says. “So many story problems have been solved by me walking away for an hour, a morning, or a day, and letting my brain work it out on the backburner.”
As she reflects on her journey, Alward shares valuable wisdom for aspiring authors. She encourages them to embrace new challenges, even with the possibility of failure. For those transitioning between genres, especially from romance to historical fiction, her advice is this: “Don’t be afraid to try something new and be willing to fail at it. By writing romance, I learned so much about my process, about writing deep point of view and what drives my characters. Those lessons were completely transferable.”
While her transition may have opened up new creative possibilities, Alward remains rooted in her steadfast commitment to storytelling. She doesn’t allow the global reach of her work—translated into over a dozen languages—to dictate her process. Instead, she focuses solely on crafting compelling plots and relatable characters.
When asked about the challenges of writing historical fiction, Alward mentions the difficulty of navigating research, particularly when depicting specific time periods. For When the World Fell Silent, pre-World War II contexts posed challenges, from understanding ration systems to uncovering the cost of everyday essentials. “My best resource ended up being Newspapers.com,” she reveals. Archival newspaper ads and stories offered invaluable insights into the daily lives of her characters. In contrast, research for Ship of Dreams involved sifting through volumes of Titanic materials to decide what information to include.
With her rich experience and unwavering resolve, Donna Jones Alward continues to charm readers, whether they’re drawn to the quiet passion of her romances or the poignant, historical truths of her newest works. Her writing reminds us that stories are the threads of humanity and that each genre is simply a new way to tell them. A masterful storyteller and creative force, Alward’s journey is proof that no leap—be it across genres or through life’s uncertainties—is ever truly wasted.
