Donna Bowman Bratton

Today

Then I Grew Up 

Unfortunately, childhoods don't last forever (or maybe I should say 'thank goodness.') I studied agricultural journalism at what was then called Southwest Texas State University. But alas, a corporate career in the family business lured me away.

When my first child was born, my writing passion experienced a rebirth of its own. By the time my second son entered the world, I was ready to bid farewell to the business world and the steady income it provided. I was absolutely hooked on children's literature. I've been writing for adults and children ever since. I even have a big oak tree in my back yard that reminds me of my childhood writing destination.

I completed coursework through The Institute of Children's Literature and am a frequent attendee of writing conferences and workshops. I am also special events coordinator for the Austin chapter of the Society of Children's Book Writer's and Illustrators where Central Texas authors serve as role models.

When not writing, I work as a substitute teacher and school library volunteer where the real characters spend their days. What better research could there be than to spend hours with the very audience I write for?

I respect and enjoy all genres of literature but I am particularly drawn to amazing nonfiction both as a reader and a writer. I'm insanely curious which leads to occasional discoveries of obscure and dramatic stories just waiting to be told. My heart races when my research uncovers a small tidbit of "wow."

I also like fiction that creates dramatic emotional responses, surprising twists and endings, and funny characters. 

left image above- this was my stationery when I was eight years old. Makes sense, doesn't it?

Right image above-  Here I am at age 12 proudly showing a trophy win at a horseshow. My mom made a special cover for my saddle blanket in my favorite color- purple.

Bottom images - Fast forward eleven years. Here I am in an English equitation class (above left) in Seguin, Texas and a Western Pleasure class (above right) at the National Stakes competition in Dallas.

I have temporarily traded in my show saddle until they come out with a four-door model.

Check out the About Me Page to see some of my other interests.

My Childhood

My closest brother was three years old and my two half brothers were teenagers by the time I came along. I entered the scene in a dramatic way. Drama later defined my teen years (sorry, Mom.)

I was blessed with a childhood filled with a plethora of animals. Growing up on my family's quarter horse ranch offered plenty of room for a young imagination to grow.

My parents owned a successful business in metropolitan Austin. My brother and I learned a solid work ethic from them. Our ranch was busy and my chores, which included cleaning stalls and feeding horses, were endless. While my friends were riding bikes with neighborhood kids, I was training and practicing for upcoming horse shows.

By high school, I was missing football games, school dances, and occasional days from school while traveling with my horses to distant horse shows. I even spent my sweet sixteen birthday at a cold, rainy horse show. At least I came home with a trophy.

Both my parents loved horses (they met at a dude ranch)but my mother is especially talented with a "way" with horses. There is something almost mystical about the relationship between girls and horses. I inherited the horse gene from her.

We also shared our Central Texas home with chickens, guinnea hens, turkeys, cattle, dogs, cats, a goat, and a pet skunk named Stinky (I'm working on a story about him.) My home life was radically different from my school friends'. I remember thinking how lucky they were. Looking back, I realize I was the lucky one.

My parents recognized my early love of reading and writing and encouraged me with a manual typewriter when I was ten years old. I wore out the keys, even the sticky 'N'. Often I would tuck a notebook and pencil into the waist of my jeans and gallop my horse to a favorite oak tree at the far corner of our ranch. The outstretched limb was the perfect retreat for my active imagination. There I poured my deepest thoughts,  stories, and poems onto paper. In school, I competed on UIL teams in spelling and poetry/prose competitions. I was very nervous in front of an audience. Still, I was convinced I would write screenplays that would draw millions of viewers. 

As a child, my favorite books involved animals (go figure) like Old Yeller, Where the Red Fern Grows, National Velvet, Flicka, and Black Beauty. I also liked a thick book we owned about how things worked. I was curious even as a young girl.

I always knew I wanted to be a writer but I also wanted to be a veterinarian. Of course there was also the phase when I wanted to be an actress, and a real princess. I suppose you could say I've dabbled in all of my childhood dreams. Since I'm the only female in my household, I'm even queen of my castle.