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Donna Munro is the author of quirky women's fiction A Summer in Paradise, A Summer Before, A Summer of Hope and Beach Cottage Haven. She has non-fiction guide How to Self-Publish in Oz.

She is a successful freelance writer published in national magazines such as The Australian Women’s Weekly, Woman’s Day and Take 5. A ghostwriter, blogger, graphic artist, book coach, book designer and book marketer.

Donna is an established author member of Romance Writers of Australia and Australian Romance Readers. Studies include a Writing Diploma and a TESOL certificate. The craft of writing began in second class with ‘The Mouse with the Musical Ears’ (coming soon). Obviously writing is a lifelong passion. Establishing Warm Witty Publishing has been a highlight. In the future, she plans to help other writers achieve their publishing dreams.

Donna lives in Queensland, Australia. You’ll often find her on a beach with her toes in the sand and a book in her hand.


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More About This Author
Female
Queensland
Authors Book Genres
Non-Fiction, Romantic Suspense, Thriller, Women's Fiction
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Author's Books
Book Title
Romance, Romantic Suspense, Women's Fiction

If grief renders you mute, can love find the words to save you?
Pepper Cassidy can wield a drop saw like most women use a nail file. But when she returns to Blueshell Beach, the last thing she needs is a sexy, unfriendly neighbour to distract her from the family cottage renovations.
Keegan Dallas left the city for a peaceful coastal life—surfing, yoga and a chance to regain custody of his son, Joe. His PTSD is improving, but he’s not quite there yet.
She doesn’t need or want a quiet, stubborn man who can’t even use a hammer, let alone a seemingly damaged guy.
He would rather be alone but can’t help falling for the beautiful, clumsy, sunshine-optimistic neighbour.
After a tragic accident renders Joe mute, can they come together to bring back his voice? That’s if they don’t nail each other to a renovated wall first.
When it seems impossible for love to save them, the past might hold the keys to a happy future after all, but not before a threat to those they love most.
If grief renders you mute can love find the words to save you?

‘A wonderfully rich read, great depth of characterisation, movement,
and well-crafted threading of story within story.’ - Sally Ryhanen - writer

‘I absolutely loved this book! Thank you for choosing me to read it. The book was well-written with well-rounded and wonderful characters. I was pulled into the story from the beginning and kept hooked throughout. I really didn’t want to put it down once I started reading. The backstories of each of the main characters was well-done and gave you clues to the people they became. I really enjoyed how Pepper read her father’s diaries and began to understand the man behind her father.’ - Darla J Taylor

This author gets better with every book. This is my favourite yet and I can’t wait for the next. I loved the inclusion of Gus and the kittens to beak up some of the tension. It showed, though Keegan is a man of few words he has a massive heart. Pepper is awesome. A woman thriving in a male dominated job, construction, a great mum, and the perfect optimistic remedy for Keegan’s PTSD. Twists I didn’t expect and tears laughter and a beautiful sexy romance. - Deni Staff

Non-Fiction, Text/How-To Books

A step-by-step guide for Australians planning to self-publish a book.
There's no better joy to an aspiring author than the arrival of the first book baby. Holding a debut book in your hands, flipping the pages, rubbing the cover and staring at your author picture may seem surreal. Advancements in technology make it possible for you to simply self-publish - if you know how.
This book eliminates the worries from your Australian self-publishing journey by teaching you tips and tricks; what worked for the author and what didn't.

● The dozen of self-publishing (1. Write, 2. Drafts/Edits, 3. Register, 4. Market, 5. Layout, 6. Book Cover, 7. Proof, 8. Last Edit, 9. Print, 10. Distribute, 11. Social Media, 12. Website and other marketing).

● Avoid common pitfalls.

● Celebrate your ability.

● The A, B, Cs of self-publishing (Aptitude, Belief, Creativity).

● Drafts, edits, re-drafts and re-edits and the tricks to help.

● Network with your tribe for the processes you can't do yourself.

● Enjoy the creative freedom of self-publishing.

● Checklists to make the best decisions to produce a book as professionally as a traditionally published one.

● Keeping records that won't dampen your enthusiasm.

● Free templates - for self-publishing in Australia.

As an indie author of three women's fiction novels, The Zanzibar Moon, Kendwa's Secret and Elephant Creek, and freelance writer, Donna Munro can show you how to take the steps. After working in publishing as a book marketing publicist and learning the ropes, she transitioned to self-publishing. She helps other writers achieve their goals by providing newsletters, websites, book design, book covers and other guidance. Skills include excellence in multiple computer platforms and apps, 18 years in the printing industry, writing diploma, graphic design, publishing, administration, marketing and event management.

Great step by step guide of new and ongoing authors alike.
What a wonderful resource to help guide you through the many steps of self-publishing. Great content which includes links, tables, pictures and diagrams. I will definitely be leaving this on my desk as I revisit the publishing process. Highly recommend this book. - Bookappraisal

Concise, honest, enjoyable. A must read for indies.
I loved the fact that this book did not bombard the reader with too much information. Too much info is overwhelming. This book gives the naive indie author a place to start in a step by step process. Each step is a huge learning process, especially when attempting a marketing strategy.
The author, Donna Munroe, reduces the headache of searching for information from multiple sources then trying to collate it on their own. Each new step helps to grow your confidence. It is an easy read with helpful diagrams which you I have not seen in a self publishing book. Other books I have read are too big, or too thin with less information and a list of links and sites. I highly recommend this book. - Cherry Huggett author

Like Donna, this book has personality!
Being new to self-publishing, I've learnt so many great tips, and now understand a lot of the publishing jargon that scared me half to death!
I feel so much better equipped to tackle the hurdles I know I'm going to face and, to be honest, have made me procrastinate for a long time now!
With loads of personal anecdotes, Donna shares her invaluable experiences and expertise and has made me substantially less afraid of the self-publishing process.
Thank you, Donna, for putting this great reference together! - Jennifer Westgarth author

Book Title
Action/Adventure, Romance, Women's Fiction

Steamy, sexy, romantic suspense set on the Gold Coast will intrigue and delight.
Emma Jarvis has a dilemma — keep dating rock-star handsome Wade or pursue her crush on sexy, silent, probably-married Noah?
Noah Cooper and his Down’s Syndrome daughter, Hope, are due for a fresh start. But a car accident propels Emma into their secretive world. Will Noah put his guard down long enough to let love back into his life?
Emma finds, convincing Noah of a police conspiracy is one thing. Avoiding combusting when she’s near him is a totally different predicament.
Noah has enough problems without falling for delightful, Emma and her lust-inducing cut-off shorts. His wife’s abandonment. Proving his father’s innocence. And Hope, beginning mainstream school where bullies lurk.
When Noah learns his dead brother’s, son, Jai is with Emma’s family, he must cut contact with Emma or lose what’s most precious to him.
But when Jai and Hope go missing can the adults unite to find the missing children in the Australian bush? Will an old circus elephant be the key to bonding them before it’s too late?
The sequel to The Zanzibar Moon brings all three books to a final enthralling, emotional conclusion in a stand-alone story filled with passion and heat.

I recommend Elephant Creek for an exciting romance and entertaining holiday read.
Set around paddle-boarding an inshore creek at an idyllic Australian beachside. The plot has complications with three generations of family members, an electric romance that overcomes dramatic obstacles, climaxing in a helicopter search and rescue.
The story sequels Munro’s book ‘The Zanzibar Moon’. Emma’s mother Ali and her sister continue. Elephant Creek again reveals Donna Munro’s affection for and understanding of Africa and pet animals.
The triumph of this book is her portrayal of Hope, who has Downs Syndrome, who is her hot man’s daughter. Although Hope is disabled, Munro’s story embraces her and she is respected by the other characters for what she is: a lovely young girl.
Because this reviewer is male and enjoyed reading Elephant Creek, it seems more than chic lit. There are critical feminine perspectives on relationships and just the right amount of sizzling love-making. The book chronicles happiness and heartaches in a close family, like Home and Away, with endearing characters whose interactions are closely observed and authentic.
I recommend Elephant Creek for an exciting romance and entertaining holiday read. - Martin Knox, Author

I loved her latest book Elephant Creek. It is set in Currumbin, so that makes it extra special for me, but as usual Donna has romance, intrigue and a bit of sizzle too with lots of twists and turns. If you haven’t read The Zanzibar Moon and Kendwa’s Secret, read them first and then grab this one. Guys a great idea for a birthday pressie too!!!
Every girl should do themselves a favour and read the three books, they are definitely a nice way to spoil yourself and take some time out to let your mind wander……you can order through amazon or contact me and I’ll put you in touch with Donna. - Teresa Gartner - reader

This was a wonderful book. It didn’t seem rushed. This was sweet and steamy, full of romance and passion with great characters that were interesting enough to draw you in.

Author's Books
Book Title
Action/Adventure, Romance, Women's Fiction

The prequel to A Summer in Paradise is the story of Kendwa’s earlier life.
A thrilling adventure romance to have you wishing you were on a Borneo beach.
Sexy crocodile wrangler and wildlife ranger Kendwa Ely’s troubles didn’t begin when he buried his parent; they started long before that. When he was seven years old, the unthinkable happens in Africa, and he must stay silent. In a constant effort to forget it, he travels the world, wrangling crocodiles in Australia’s Northern Territory, roping live alligators out of rich people’s pools in Florida, fighting for eco-tourism and bedding a constant stream of women.
That is until he meets Sharli Ahu.
Exquisite as a Hindu princess, Sharli has values, humility and beliefs. A resilient, resourceful woman, she doesn’t need a man like Kendwa. Borneo’s orangutans are her priority. But there’s something about Kendwa that has her lusting after the wild guy despite trying to avoid him.
In the jungles of Borneo, Sharli flees Kendwa. But when a venomous snake strikes him, will she stay and be the only one who can save him?
Can true love survive the secrets people keep?
This book was previously published as Kendwa's Secret.

“This was a most unexpected story. I found the beginning slow so I had my doubts. Then somewhere around chapter three the story kicked off and what a story it was. The author had a distinctly Australian voice which I loved. The story had so many elements, so many complications. I found myself unable to stop reading. The pacing was terrific and the plot was multifaceted and every storyline was intriguing. Yes, this is a romance but it’s also a story about families and their loving complicated relationships. I loved that it was set on the Gold Coast. I could see every scene clearly, almost had me tempted to return to live on the coast ( nope never going to happen). I enjoyed the back story of the elephant. Noah and Emma were a great couple.”- Kirribilligirl 4-Star Goodreads

“Loved the book Kendwa’s Secret, Donna. It was a great read I was done n dusted in 2 days. Looking forward to the next one. - Jenny Stedman, Travel Agent.

“Glad you had a great launch of Kendwa’s Secret!!! Absolutely loved the book, Donna. Looking forward to the next one!!!f Books.” - Corine Martin, Avid Reader and bibliophile.

Book Title
Action/Adventure, Romance, Women's Fiction

A magical adventure romance to have you wishing you were on a Zanzibar beach.
Alkina Jarvis reckons the best way to deal with the end of her marriage is to travel from Australia to Africa to volunteer. But she envisions elephants and lions, not the exotic island paradise of Zanzibar. Turning a dilapidated beach resort into a self-sustainable refuge seems straightforward enough until handsome men keep popping up to distract her.
Kendwa Ely is a wild and sexy adventurer. Sparks fly between Ali and the risk-taking crocodile hunter. Though he may be the Tarzan of her dreams, he has a three-year-old son and an unpredictable side.
Don Cloutier, the island’s doctor, struggles with his demons; drink, women and temptation. Will he stop comparing himself to Kendwa and perhaps win Ali’s heart?
Shaun Flannery is Ali’s handsome neighbour and friend. Can he make her see sense, or is he just wasting his time?
When a medical emergency sends Ali racing home to Australia, she renews her family bonds, uncovers a new betrayal and finds an inner strength from her time with Kendwa in exotic Zanzibar and the wilds of Africa.
But on her return to the island, will the grief of what she finds overwhelm her?

"I finished reading The Zanzibar Moon and absolutely loved it, Donna. I didn't predict the ending either. It's exotic, funny and full of adventure. It's also inspired me to go to Zanzibar one day." - Leesa Bennett (volunteer teacher abroad)
"I thoroughly enjoyed being in Africa. I think women will love reading this, as it is most women's fantasy at some point." - Tracy Wilkinson (avid reader)

"I am really impressed by the book, you have really done your homework and if I did not l know any better I would have sworn that you have lived in Africa for a period of time. You have captured life here so well with the chaos, the beauty, the nature, even down to the sometimes not so pleasant aromas (haha). The story line is great and the characters are interesting. I also like how you have put the relevant chapters in the first tense for Alkina and Dr Don. It lets you get closer to the character I think. I showed some of the Swahili to my colleague and as far as she could tell you were spot on." - Kerry Zillner (UN worker in Africa)

“Absolutely loved the Trilogy. Easy read, and highly romantic.” - Teebee (verified Amazon purchase)

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