Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Donovan Neal. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Donovan , thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. How did you learn to do what you do? Knowing what you know now, what could you have done to speed up your learning process? What skills do you think were most essential? What obstacles stood in the way of learning more?

Wow, that’s such a great question! I learned to write by simply practicing. The more you write, the better you become. Over time, you’ll start asking yourself how to describe things in a way that resonates with your readers. This understanding comes only through dedicating time to your craft. It’s in this process that you discover new words, techniques, and approaches to achieve your goals. Eventually, you’ll find yourself seeking advice from others, learning how they mastered their craft. So, practice telling your story to yourself and read about the art of writing the kinds of books you want to create. This includes reading works from the genre you’re writing in.

As for speeding up the learning process, I’d say it helps to join writing groups and author communities. Writing doesn’t have to be a solitary journey despite the common stereotype. There are plenty of authors looking for community—so find them!

When it comes to the most essential skill, it’s all about persistence. Be consistent in your writing. That’s the key to progressing in your journey. After all, no one can read your work if you give up, so stick with it and finish what you start.

In terms of obstacles, I’d say that I’m often my own biggest enemy. Our minds create limitations, but they also offer the solutions. It’s crucial to view moments of uncertainty as opportunities to learn new skills or seek mentorship. Limiting beliefs can be one of our greatest impediments. Some authors might get discouraged when their book sales aren’t as high as they’d hoped, but part of the secret is understanding your target market and learning the best ways to connect with your readers. This is a skill that all authors, including myself, must master to be successful.

Donovan , love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

My passion lies in creating worlds and blending faith, fantasy, and fiction in a way that entertains and resonates with my audience. To that end, I wrote The Third Heaven, an Amazon best-selling Christian Fiction series. It’s a four-book saga about the fall of Lucifer, and I’ve received wonderful reviews and feedback from readers. Having served in the ordained ministry for almost two decades, I developed a deep love for the Bible and for people. But I also have a passion for comics, movies, and video games, all of which have been incredible sources of inspiration for crafting compelling stories.

I entered the publishing world because I felt compelled to tell the story of the fall of Lucifer. The idea of a being who once dwelled in the presence of God turning against his creator was utterly captivating. The desire to explore what could have gone so horribly wrong led me to sit down and write my speculative Christian take on this biblical event. Now, over a decade later, I’m still telling stories!

Since then, I’ve written a children’s book, a new comic series, several devotionals, and books on author marketing and writing. I’ve also completed a graphic novel and my eighth novel, which launches a new fantasy series called Hutari for a general audience. In addition, I’m working on a military sci-fi novel and a stand-alone horror story. So, it’s clear that I’ll be busy for some time! It’s an exciting period to be a creator.

What I’m most proud of is leaving a lasting legacy. I hope to inspire my children to see that nothing is out of reach through planning and resourcefulness. The most rewarding moments are hearing from my readers, whether through letters or in-person at events, about the impact my books have had on their lives. Those moments give me the greatest sense of accomplishment.

Ultimately, I want my readers to be fully immersed in the story. I want them to escape their lives for a brief moment and step into a world that’s unlike their own, where they can experience new protagonists and villains. And when they close the book, I hope they feel as if they’ve completed a journey together with the characters. If I leave you wanting more when you turn that last page, I know I’ve done my job.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

For me, there are several. I am always elated when I can release a new creative story into the world. So those moments are incredibly rewarding. As a business person, I have another product that will resonate with a particular buyer. As a creator, I am ecstatic about birthing a new book for people to dive into.

The second most rewarding aspect is the wonderful interactions with fans. I most recently had an experience where a fan almost seemingly froze in place when she saw me at an event. She went on about how she was so honored to meet me and had read my entire series of books. Others have written me personal letters, and emails or DM’d my Facebook page to communicate how they have been touched. It’s always a humbling experience and encourages me to continue.

We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?

Grow your audience organically. Start by capturing emails at in-person events and building your email list. Create a Facebook business profile and consistently post content that’s relevant to your readers. Additionally, build a website to direct people to. Always remember that you don’t control social media platforms or their reach, so it’s essential to have your own digital space that serves as the hub for your activity.

Engage with people in relevant groups and focus on finding a problem you can solve for them. Don’t hesitate to ask for help when needed. Utilize newsletter swaps and book email lists to increase your visibility.

Look for opportunities to appear on podcasts, visit local libraries, and check if they host author fairs. Don’t limit yourself to the online world—get out there and meet the public. Over time, your audience will naturally grow.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://donovanmneal.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/donovanmneal
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/donovanmartinneal
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/donovan-m-neal-m-s-n-p-09a64046/
• Twitter: https://x.com/Donovanmneal

Image Credits

Donovan M. Neal