Donna McDonald Shares How Humor, Strong Heroines, And Resilience Shape Her Remarkable Multi-Genre Writing Journey

Photo: Donna McDonald: Celebrating Over A Decade Of Multi-Genre Mastery And Uplifting Stories That Bring Humor, Heart, And Hope To Readers Everywhere

Exploring Love, Laughter, And Lifelong Creativity

Donna McDonald, USA Today Bestselling Author, discusses her multi-genre writing journey, creative process, resilience after personal loss, and her commitment to crafting strong heroines and relatable, joyful romances.

Donna McDonald is the quintessential storyteller who reminds us all that it’s never too late to answer the call of creativity. With over a decade of publishing success and nearly one hundred books to her name, she has captivated readers across a spectrum of genres—from swoon-worthy contemporary romances to adrenaline-packed science fiction and paranormal tales. Donna’s signature blend of humor, heart, and relatable heroines has solidified her place not only as a USA Today Bestselling Author but as a beloved voice that dares to challenge genre conventions and societal norms.

Dubbed the queen of mature romance, Donna brings life to characters who often go overlooked in traditional narratives—proving that love, adventure, and personal growth don’t come with an expiration date. Whether she’s crafting heartbreakingly human cyborg soldiers, tenacious action heroines, or independent, witty women navigating love later in life, Donna’s ability to infuse both depth and levity into her stories is unmatched. Through her heartwarming and hilarious tales, she’s taught her readers not just to believe in second chances, but to revel in them.

In this exclusive interview, we delve into the life and mind behind the stories. Donna opens up about how a personal tragedy became the spark for her writing career, the importance of laughter in fiction, and her philosophy on creating complex worlds and even more complex characters. Get ready to be inspired by an author who doesn’t just write happy endings—she builds them, one story at a time.

What inspired you to start writing romance novels after a long career in other fields?

I’m a voracious reader and have always been a writer of some sort. Regardless of how I made money, publishing a book remained on my “to-do-one-day” list. I wish I could say I made it happen by simply sitting down to write, but that wasn’t the case. In 2009, my oldest daughter was diagnosed with stage four cancer. I took care of her during the last year of her life and didn’t recover quickly from her loss. A few months after she died, I started writing. Weeks later, I discovered I had written 75,000 words. It was a bittersweet triumph to finally type “The End” and know it was a complete, finished story. You could say writing rescued me from my grief, and you wouldn’t be wrong. I prefer writing fiction with happily-ever-after or happy-for-now endings because real life does not offer those to everyone. I enjoy having the power to create them in my fiction.

How do you balance humor with romance in your stories to keep readers engaged?

Love and romance are essential elements in most successful stories. Humor can provide a chance to breathe during tense conflicts. Also, laughter heals. A character with a quirky sense of humor is fun, and rooting for them is natural and easy. My readers love my stories because they know I will leave them smiling, no matter what happens in the plot. Bad things do happen in my fiction, but the good guys always win—always. If someone wants stark reality, the news can provide that. I prefer to grant wishes for my struggling characters and offer my readers a mental escape into a world where life works out. 

Can you share how your “writer vacation” into science fiction and paranormal romance evolved into a full-fledged passion?

Initially, I aspired to write science fiction, paranormal, and fantasy stories. Female action and adventure characters were, and remain, relatively uncommon outside of Urban Fantasy and Paranormal Romance. You don’t find many mature, kick-butt heroines in “mainstream” novels. When I first started publishing in 2011, I decided my contemporary romances with older characters would best set me apart in the indie author world. I defied the norms and wrote sexy, love-drenched, sensual romances with older characters. Back then, I would tell my contemporary readers that they would have to wait a bit for their next book because I was writing a science fiction story. I referred to it as my “writing vacation” because I thought they would understand that best. Variety is critical to my creativity.

What challenges do you face when creating believable romantic relationships involving complex sci-fi or paranormal elements?

World-building in science fiction and fantasy novels requires readers to suspend their normal beliefs to fully enjoy the story. My job is to make it worth a reader’s time to believe that my scientifically created werewolves use nanotechnology to survive shifting, while they remain human enough to want to find love. When I wrote my cyborg series, the focus was on restoring each cyber soldier’s humanity, with all that entails. I try to align my “science fiction” as closely with reality as possible for relatability. That is not possible with werewolves and dragons, so I don’t bother to do that in fantasies.

How has your own life experience influenced your decision to write about older characters finding love?

Trite but true, it was me just writing about what I knew. I was fifty-two when I published my first novel. My first contemporary romance heroine was turning fifty and wondering if life had passed her by. She was a divorced businesswoman with an adult daughter. She ran a business, had assistants, and still made time for her friends. Why wouldn’t I want to write about a woman that strong and unstoppable? Sex, romance, and love do not suddenly end at thirty-five. Never Too Late is not just my first series title. It’s my mantra for living my life.

What has been the most rewarding feedback you’ve received from readers about your portrayal of mature romance?

This list is lengthy because I have the best readers in the world, but I will focus on the top few. Some readers wrote to say my older characters inspired them to date again after losing a spouse, giving up, or surviving a horrific illness. Some wrote to say they read my work while keeping vigil at the side of a hospitalized loved one, and I lightened their hearts with my humor. Others mentioned they enjoyed reading an author who always made them laugh. The money I earn from sales enables me to continue writing, but these messages from readers are the actual proof of my success.

How do you develop strong, relatable heroines who also fit into humorous romantic comedies?

My characters are relatable because I find most people fascinating. Long before I met my humor-writing friend, I wanted to learn to craft humor. I had no money for formal classes, so I pulled out my favorite “chick flick” romantic comedies and turned on the director’s cut. Nora Ephron and Nancy Meyers became my teachers. They discussed “in this scene…” and explained their choices. I took notes on timing, character development, and flow. Afterward, I wrote scenes and then went back and added what I thought of as “the funny” parts.    

Could you explain your creative process for world-building in your science fiction romance series?

One book is never enough to tell the entire story my mind imagines, especially when showing character development through a variety of character-building experiences. Series are just natural for me. When I begin a new series, little movies featuring the newly created main character run through my mind. If the characters are happy with themselves and me, the mind movies multiply and connect to others. Before I know it, I’m immersed in the new world and become obsessed with finding words for it.

What advice do you have for authors who want to write across multiple genres without losing their unique voice?

I have no advice. If they end up needing to write across genres, as I did, I can only wish them the best of luck. I’m living a happy, creative life as a multi-genre author, but from a business standpoint, there is no doubt that I traded profit for creativity. Following my muse sounds noble, and it occasionally feels courageous, but it won’t pay the bills unless I work tirelessly to sell each genre to the proper audience.

What is the most important piece of advice you would give to aspiring romance authors starting their writing journey?

Write the books of your heart because those stories will naturally resonate with the right readers. I’m preparing to release my one hundredth book. I know that writing this one will be just as enjoyable as writing the first. Writing is my life, and I aim to create books until the end of my days. I would advise them not to forget to celebrate each book because every book deserves its own moment to shine, just as its author does.

USA Today Bestselling Author Donna McDonald blends humour, heart, and magic in her enchanting stories. Known for witty heroines and supernatural twists, her tales celebrate empowerment, love, and second chances.

In Fairy or Not, Here I Come, 13th-generation witch Selene finds herself punished for cursing her cheating ex and forced to work in a haunted inn. Between battling ghosts, witches, and her own pride, she discovers unexpected romance with a bear shifter—and perhaps, her true magical destiny.