SOMETIMES she stares at the book with a sheepish grin on her face, and at a complete loss for words.
She would also get so lost in the book that it would take her a while to remember that she is the author, and that she managed to write a book all by herself.
For 37-year-old housewife, Doné Martin, known to most as Donna, having her first book published has been a dream come true.
The mother of three, who has been married to her best friend for 12 years, said that she loved “reading” before she could even read at all.
The Hillside resident explained that as a pre-schooler, she was extremely curious as to why her grandfather was so devoted to the Evening Post and her grandmother to Huisgenoot.
“I would always “read it” and make assumptions from the pictures whilst helping my mother with her crossword puzzles,” said Martin.
She added that when she was in Grade 2 her teacher handed out magazines for them to cut out pictures.
“I, instead, was busy with the crosswords. She came over to me and asked if I knew what I was doing. I said yes very confidently and told her that I always helped my mother at home.
“She looked at me with astonishment; then it changed to pride as she saw that a 7-year-old girl remembered the name of the god of the sun, Ra,” she added.
“Growing up, I fondly remember my love for reading and books. I always asked my mother when she would be done with her five books, so that we could go to the library already! My favourite subject at school became English, which is my second language, as I knew that I wanted to write stories when I grew up.”
Stroke of Luck is Martin’s debut novel and centres on two people that are instantly attracted to each other, but chances of them meeting again are unlikely.
“Then, by a stroke of luck, they do. The whirlwind romance happens during a challenging and strange week whereby their relationship opens up a chest of secrets and old wounds. You will have to read the book to find out what happens next! The book is set in Nelson Mandela Bay, because I feel that our beautiful city needs be shared with the world,” said Martin.
According to Martin, although everyone in her family is fond of reading, she is the first one to publish a book. It is also her job to perform poetry at family gatherings, as she is known as the one in the family being good with words.
“The feeling of having my own book is still so unreal. All the glory goes to God. Just being able to complete a whole book in itself is a challenge and a blessing.
“It was always just a dream, but a dream that came to pass by the grace of God.”
To get a copy of the book for R220, Martin can be contacted on 065 631 3785.
