My real name is Donna. My real last name is not Sirianni. That’s just a family name that’s the Italian equivalent to Smith. Plus it’s shorter and easier to pronounce although it is quite interesting to hear those telemarketers massacre my real last name, as if it isn’t phonetic or anything.
This name, Donna Sirianni, is what I write most of my work under, including fantasy and other random pieces. I have submitted stuff under my real name, and continue to submit under my birth name, but that’s not the name I want in print. Hiding the reality keeps “them” off my back, the nosy bastards. The pseudonym is as much protection as wrapping myself in plastic wrap and playing in traffic but it’s something. Like covering your head with tissue paper in the rain something.
In late 2007, early 2008, I had an epiphany. That epiphany was that I wanted to write fantasy. Interesting considering I didn’t even read it at the time. So I started and I started writing. The story I wrote ended up becoming my first manuscript, Diamond Crier, that’s now sitting collecting dust on my floor because it needs to be entirely rewritten. Such is the fun of realizing 3/4 of the way through the first edit that I’m in the head of the wrong character. Slightly irreparable. You can find stuff about it in it’s aptly named category. Original, I know. Don’t be jealous.
Not only was that my first manuscript, it was also an experiment in voice and writing style. It started as high fantasy; real naval-gazing stuff. A few chapters in the voice shifted to something younger and that’s when I had epiphany number two. I wanted to write YA. Interesting because I didn’t read the stuff! So I started to and I still do. In fact I’m a YA book reviewer with my own site but that’s all I’ll say on that here. So you can imagine what kind of hell is was like editing a manuscript that was my first, an experiment in finding my voice and shifting from adult high fantasy to young adult fantasy. Joy! Where are the matches?
Along the way I’m still trying to figure out the best balance for my own voice and it tends to teeter back and forth but I’m working on it. I’ve had a few more ideas for manuscripts that are waiting to get written, including one, Coney Island Psychic, that I’ve mentioned a few times on here. I’m going to make it more YA than what I’ve already mentioned but it’s still a work in progress.
For the most part this blog is about my writing with some tips scattered in, random rants and other bits and bobs that might not fit into any other category other than ‘Random.’ I post when I feel like it, usually at least once a week if my brain doesn’t fart out on me. You’re welcome to come along for the ride but I warn you, I’ve cut out the seat belts.
