Welcome to the third installment of our new Update series. At the Mom’s Choice Awards®, an honoree is considered an alumnus … someone who is part of the family for life, not just an awards cycle. We love celebrating their news and achievements, and these mini-spotlights are a perfect way for us to catch up and reconnect with them.

In a May 2009 interview with Tara Paterson, Donna was celebrating her award-winning picture book Where is Simon, Sandy? which had won in the People, Places, and Cultures category earlier that year.

During their chat, Donna talked about where her story inspirations come from and that she was seeking a publisher for her second novel Charley (ages 8 to 12).  Let’s catch up with Donna Marie Seim.

MCA: Hi Donna, it has been way too long since we’ve had a chance to catch up. We’d love to hear what you’ve been up to.

Donna: Writing, writing, writing! My novel Hurricane Mia has been published,  and I’ve also written a picture book entitled, Satchi and Little Star. Mia is a middle grade adventure story set in the Caribbean; and Satchi and Little Star is about an island girl who tries to tame a wild horse.

MCA: Do you have any additional honors we can celebrate.
Donna: Yes, Where is Simon, Sandy? was a finalist in the National Indie Excellence Awards for picture book. Only eight titles were selected for this category, so it was indeed a high honor to complement my Gold, Mom’s Choice Award® for Children’s Picture Books.

MCA: Are there ways that fans and friends can keep up with you?
Donna: Sure. There is always my website www.donnaseim.com, but you can also “like” Hurricane Mia on Facebook.

MCA: Now that you’re a well-seasoned honoree, what advice would you offer to new alumni?
Donna: Keep writing and do all you can to promote your book. Take advantage of all that you can, particularly the wonderful opportunities that the Mom’s Choice Awards® supplies.

MCA: What are you most looking forward to with your writing in 2011?
Donna: I’m excited about launching Satchi and Little Star, a follow-up to my award winning picture book Where is Simon, Sandy. The launch date is set for October 2011! That’s just around the corner.

MCA: What’s next for you with the books you have and the series you’re building?
Donna: I have my work cut out for me promoting my two books and launching Satchi and Little Star.

I am currently looking for a publisher for my latest historical novel, Charley, which I had just finished writing when we talked in 2009. Charley is based on a true story, about a boy who is abandoned and has to find himself a new family. The story is set in Boston and Maine in the early 1900’s.

MCA: Thanks for stopping by, Donna. We can’t wait to hear more about your book launch and what’s next in your writing for children!