Donna Bowman Bratton

  For Adults...

I've written dozens of newspaper and newsletter articles about very diverse topics. Of course, some were more interesting than others. One thing is certain- everyone and every thing has a story.

Here's a list of some of the article topics I've covered for regional newspapers: 

*Christmas Tree farming

* Community Events

* Personal profiles

* vintage home architecture and histories.

*Plight of the Texas State Railroad

*Travel articles:

     Canton, Texas and the monthly Trade Days

     Brenham, Texas

     Alaska 

*History of Bluebell Ice Cream factory

*Monastery Miniature horses

*Book reviews

*Theatre reviews

*Concert reviews

*Author interviews

*Butterfly farming

*Profile of the world's 2nd tallest horse

*History of the towns of Williamson County

*Profiles of Charitable causes

What could be more fun than to learn something new then share it with readers?

Numerous articles also appeared in  monthly newsletters in 2003-2004.  

Theatrical Scripts

A Tea for All Ages (theatrical skit written April 2004 for nonprofit organization)

Following are my theatrical productions performed in conjunction with annual Christmas Bellfest- Round Rock, Texas.

Pebble by Pebble (performed November 2002)

What Child is This? (performed December 2001)

I Heard the Bells (performed December 2000)

The Gift (performed December 1999)

Adult Works In Progress

Childhood Tics and Twitches. Magazine article about this common yet misunderstod childhood phenomenon.

Awards and Contests

2006 Media Award for journalistic Excellence-                  Newspaper article

2004 - 2nd place- "The Word" - Double-digit fiction catergory - children's short story - San Gabriel Writers' League-

2006 - 1st place - "Then it Went Pop!" children's fiction catergory -San Gabriel Writers' League

Honorable Mention - "Slippery, Slimy Christmas" children's category- Byline Magazine.

2000 - 2nd Place- "Falling in Love was Murder" Austin American Statesman C'est L'amour essay contest

For Children...  

Here's where it gets really fun for me. That crazy curiosity of my childhood has never gone away. It simply grew up. Thank Goodness!

Published Works for Children

"Leader of the Band" appeared in the anthology, Mistletoe Madness (Blooming Tree Press 2004)

While "paying the fiddler" after breaking a window, baseball-loving Eric learns the spirit of giving and redemption just in time for Christmas. His reward is wrapped in the surprising friendship of a kind old man.

"To Save the Argentine Criollo"    Nonfiction article recounts the historic 10,000 mile horseback journey from Buenos Aires, Argentina to Washington, D.C. in 1925 to save a legendary horse breed from extinction.  (Serialized in CRICKET Magazine Sept/Oct/Nov 2007) 

"A Colossal Gift: The Statue of Liberty" Nonfiction article describing the dramatic history of our country's most recognizable monument. Lady (July/August 2008- Kid Zone Magazine)

(July 2008 cover shown above.) "Benjamin Franklin's Singing Glasses; The Glass Armonica" Nonfiction article introducing the history of Ben Franklin's most obscure musical instrument, the first musical instrument invented by an American. Also includes science behind sound produced on glass.

(to be published December 2008 Odyssey Magazine)

"Birthdays Around the World" nonfiction article introducing young readers to cultural birthday traditions. (pending January 2009 publication)

I invite contact by editors interested in the following  works in progress.

    Children's Nonfiction articles  in progress

"Fainthearted and Fancy Free" a Nonfiction magazine article about the unusual Tennessee Fainting goat breed that "faints" at the slightest "boo."

"Eight Phases of the Moon"Nonfiction magazine article describing the distinct phases and shapes of the moon.

Title pending...Nonfiction article about the history behind our most common eating utensils. Did you know that forks weren't common in America until the early 19th century?

"George Ferris' Great Wheel" Nonfiction magazine article hightlights the dramatic story behind the world's first Ferris Wheel, exhibited at the 1893 World's Fair.    in progress

Books

Benjamin Franklin's Musical Glasses; the Music of Madness. Middle grade nonfiction book about a little known, controversial invention by our most notable founding father. (in revision)

The Four-Legged Key to America's Heart. book for 9-12 year olds. Invites young readers into the 19th century history of the "most educated horse in the world" and his role as poster child for the humane movement.  (in revision)

Children's picture books in progress

(various stages of readiness and/or marketing)

Show and Smell Day. Picture Book. What happens when the much anticipated Show-n-tell time turns very smelly? Chaos!

Mocking Word Birds. picture book.What happens when bird nests are removed from storefront signs? The birds get even and cause havoc in the town. In the end, however, humans and birds learn to live together and respect each other's space.

Yawning Yancy. picture book.When young Yancy develops a contagious case of the yawns, everyone he meets is afflicted with the nuisance, and at the most inconvenient (yet hilarious) occasions.