We are delighted to introduce Donna Goodacre, a talented New Zealand author whose writing career blossomed after an impressive 40 years in education. As an ex-high school and correctional center English and foreign languages teacher, Donna has embraced her second career as an author with passion and dedication. Drawing on her Tainui heritage, Donna infuses her stories with cultural depth, taking readers on journeys across New Zealand, England, and India. In this interview, Donna shares her path to writing, the inspiration behind her novels, and how her ancestors shape the characters in her work.
Can you share your background and how you became a writer?
I’m an ex high school/correctional centre English and foreign languages teacher. I always wanted to write but never had the time. Now, after 40 years of full-time teaching, I’m loving my new career as an author.What inspired you to write your first book?
Originally I wanted a family record for my children, and was continuing my mother’s search for her ancestor, Miriama Potiki. It all came together when I found her resting place in Awhitu, and her story was so fascinating it became a novel.Who are some of your biggest literary influences?
I love crime novels but don’t write them. JPPomare and Michael Robotham are high in my list. Their way of thinking fascinates me. Having said that I also love Shakespeare and Dickens.
How does being from New Zealand shape your writing?
It’s central to all of my stories. Even though my books are set in England and India as well as NZ, I’m a proud Tainui member and incorporate as much of our culture as I can through my main characters.
What is your typical writing routine like?
When in NZ I get up and go to the gym, then come home and write for two hours or so before lunch.
In Australia I have no set routine because my children and grandson are my focus. I just do it when I have a spare moment. I’m in a Friday writing group in Caloundra and get a lot done there.
How do you approach creating your characters?
Most of my characters are my ancestors, so they were already created. I just pad them out a bit and imagine conversations. Fortunately their stories are interesting.
What part of the writing process do you find most challenging?
I actually find the writing process fairly simple. It’s the marketing and keeping up with promotion I find challenging. I’m much better now than I was 5 years ago fortunately.
Do you use any specific tools or methods to keep your writing on track?
I’m a Pantser rather than a Plotter, so I never know what a character is going to do from day to day. I know the overall story but they often surprise me, in a good way! If I’m stuck on something it often comes to me while I’m driving or even in a dream. Having said that, the dreams can sometimes be totally ridiculous.
What inspired your latest book, and can you give us a brief synopsis?
My latest book, Of Greenstone and Violins, is a sequel to Finding Miriama. You don’t need to have read the first one though. It’s the story of Miriama’s illegitimate son, Hohepa, to Captain Joseph Greenwood, and his quest to discover who he really is. Is he Maori or Pakeha and where does he fit in the world? Meanwhile his half brother Colin, an English artist, is facing his own identity challenges. It is set in England and New Zealand in the late 1800s.
How long did it take to complete your latest book from start to finish?
This latest one has taken a year, compared to Finding Miriama, which took five years. Publication will be early 2025.
What are the biggest challenges and advantages of being an indie author in New Zealand?
The biggest challenge for me is finding my readers. It has taken patience and determination but the advantage is I have total control over it.
How do you approach book promotion and marketing as an indie author?
I attend as many book fairs as I can get to in NZ and always carry my business cards with me. Word of mouth works well. I also have my book in quite a few libraries now, which makes me proud. Of course I have a website and Facebook and Instagram pages to back me up.
What advice would you give to aspiring indie authors in New Zealand?
Keep putting yourself out there and meet as many fellow authors as you can. Also don’t be backwards in asking for help when you feel overwhelmed. Get a good beta reader or two and make sure your book is edited and is as good as it can be before publication. Also stay positive and don’t be put off by criticism.
What do you hope readers take away from your books?
I hope they are entertained but also have some food for thought. Determination and self discovery are themes that run through my stories.
What’s next for you as a writer? Any upcoming projects?
Once this present novel is published I will probably do a third in the series as there is still a story to be told. That will take it into the early 1900s. Who knows after that? I started late so I have to keep up the momentum. I can’t imagine not writing now.
It’s been an absolute pleasure hearing from Donna Goodacre and learning about her inspiring journey from teacher to author. Her stories, rich in cultural history and personal discovery, offer readers a unique glimpse into the past while exploring universal themes of identity and belonging. Be sure to keep an eye out for her upcoming novel, Of Greenstone and Violins, and follow along for more exciting projects in the future!
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Noho ora mai, stay well! Happy reading 📚
