We were lucky to catch up with DTM Harris recently and have shared our conversation below.

DTM, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. It’s always helpful to hear about times when someone’s had to take a risk – how did they think through the decision, why did they take the risk, and what ended up happening. We’d love to hear about a risk you’ve taken.

When my teacher gave me my first recognition and pushed me to keep writing; I started right then and there. First with poems, then storytelling, then I began focusing on novels.

As a working adult, I was always asked to “clean-up” copy for the different companies I worked for; I usually “lightened up” our meetings with more ingenious reviews of the different projects we were working on. Rather than criticize, I made the “hiccups” more laughable. So, they asked me to handle the “exiting” of certain key people because I could do it without animosity. I learned I was good with words, and they reinforced it!

DTM, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

My name is Donna Theresa Maria Harris, but I am also known as DTM Harris, which is how I introduce myself as a painter, initially, and now as an author. I am a Michigan native whose journey from painting and writing with an innate passion to becoming a published sci-fi author reflects the power of determination and creative expression. Guided by an inspiring elementary school teacher, my love for words and poetry took root and persisted throughout my life. Despite a career in commercial real estate, my creative spark endured, nurtured by the support of my daughter, whose belief in my talent motivated me to share my captivating sci-fi narratives with the world. Now residing in South Florida, my debut novel weaves worlds and philosophical explorations, inviting readers to embark on profound journeys of imagination and connection, bridging the gap between introversion and literary impact.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

Starting in a male dominated world of commercial real estate, I learned quickly what I was up against. But it was that way for most women who entered any type of career. Women fought hard for a voice back then and demanded to be recognized for their abilities in any path they chose. Sadly, I can remember my mother, who was one of the most intelligent and talented women I had ever known. She was an assistant to the manager at a bank. Her boss had a drinking problem, so she ran it single handedly. He announced his retirement, and everyone expected her to finally be awarded his position and the recognition she deserved. Instead, they brought in a young man who had never worked in a bank or any other capacity of a manager. She was to train him. I’ll never forget her disappointment. I knew right then that was never going to happen to me…not ever. I would have quit; walked out and moved on. Each generation learns from the previous and I definitely learned from hers. It was an exciting time for women and I’m proud to have been a part of it. Being a single mother, I had a drive to give my child a better life and hopefully instill in her the knowledge to know and believer in her value.

What’s been the most effective strategy for growing your clientele?

I’d say building your presence on social media is a tremendous channel to be able to reach a wide audience; engaging with them through compelling content and really treating these channels as a two-way channel of communication helps build lasting relationships with my audience and their relationship with my books and my characters.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.dtmharris.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dtmharris/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61550716779621&mibextid=LQQJ4d
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/donna-harris-18a461bb/
• Other: https://www.amazon.com/MOSSCROFT-Shadows-Not-Forgotten-1/dp/B0CBWLQXNN/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2YCAVNGPSMP2S&keywords=mosscroft&qid=1692639496&sprefix=%2Caps%2C173&sr=8-1

Image Credits
Julian Buitrago VRTL Pro Headshots