Authors Supporting Authors: Donna DeVane

What is your name? 
Donna (Kay) DeVane  My mother always made a big deal about it meaning lady.  I heard a million times, “Donna Kay your name means lady and ladies don't ask so many questions, talk so much or laugh so loud”.  My reply was that we would either have to change my name or change the meaning of it.  I've been defining the meaning for almost 59 years now.  

Where are you from? 
I live in the south, Alabama, USA.  I love being southern.  The drawl and all, ya'll.  We have so much beauty down here with most of the year filled with green leaves and flowers. 

What genre are you in?
I write about self empowerment, healing and living life to the fullest.  Amazon has me in spirituality and self help. 

Please list your books and the year of publication.
My most recent books are 
I Can Fill This Space With Any Thing I Want    2014
How To Thrive In A Survival Mindset World    2011
A Journey Back To Self                                               2014
How To Be Happy And Live Free                            2014
How To Stay Motivated And Live Free                  2014

Why are you an Author?  
I began writing as a child in order to say everything I thought was important.  Loving to find new ideas and express them I soon realized that rather than driving everyone I knew nuts telling them about it all, it was easier to just write it down.  I've kept journals for over 45 years.  I began writing poetry and essays as a teen, stories when my children were little and books about 20 years ago.  I didn't start publishing until just a few years ago.  

I write because I don't know how not to.  It's like sharing ideas, I can't keep them to myself.  The more I write the more I understand.  I write for a selfish reason, it helps me to discover the wisdom in all the thinking I do.  As I apply the new ideas it's a natural process to write it down.  Sometimes it turns into an article or a blog, sometimes a book. 

Writing is like talking to myself where I get to ask the questions, answer the questions and have a good debate on topics that really matter to me.  It's fun and I always go for the fun in life. 


What inspires you?
Life inspires  and thrills me.  Each moment of each day is a wonderful magic opportunity for me to experience something a bit different than ever before.  I find inspiration in people watching too.  Often just noticing what others are doing and talking about leads me into a new adventure which must be written down.  

I find a gift in everything that shows up for me.  No matter what the experience there are always gifts of insight and deeper understanding. 

Where and what times during the day do you work best?  
I write all over the place.  I have computers and laptops in several rooms so if inspiration hits I can start typing.  I also carry notebooks and pens around with me everywhere for making notes.  You never know when that one great idea will present itself.  I take notes when watching movies, reading books and even during conversations.  Wisdom pops up all over the place asking to be noticed and applied to life.  Doing so guarantees a life that is well loved and well lived. 

Who is your target audience?
I just got an image of people with bull's eyes on them with this question.  I write for anyone who wants to live a life that satisfies them in every way.  There is so much struggle and suffering today and I write words to encourage people to realize how powerful they are so that they may live a life they enjoy.  

How do you want your readers to feel as they read your book?  
I want to help people feel wonderful, brilliant, awesome and powerful when reading my books.  I write reminders of what is already known deep inside the soul.  My books are there to provide a little nudge to go ahead and BE.  There is nothing to become or deserve.  You already ARE Awesome in every way. 

What is one piece of advice you would give aspiring authors?
Write.  Write more.  Keep writing.  Let everything within you flow onto the word processor or paper.  Just write.  Enjoy the process.  You can edit it later if needed, but keep writing.  

Share one thing about yourself that you would like readers to know.
Only one thing?    I am just like you.  We are mirrors for each other.  I am enjoying life and reminding you to do the same. 

How did you get the name, “The Barefoot Guru?”  
Years ago I was doing a video session with a student who was telling me all about how when she was sharing with a friend about how wonderful I was and perhaps she would like to work with me... her friend warned that I could be a false teacher or false prophet or something.  Picture this.  I was sitting cross legged in the middle of my bed barefooted.  When I heard about the possibility of my being a false teacher or prophet I started laughing so much I fell backwards on the pillows, legs uncrossed and one of my bare feet was poised in front of the camera and I began laughing and saying, “yea, I'm the Barefoot Guru”.  It was so funny that both of us laughed till we cried.  The name suits me so it stuck.  Since I do poke a bit of fun at religious dogma now an then it's an appropriate title for me.  It also reminds me not to take myself too seriously. 

You are the owner of Awakened Radio Network.  Can you please explain what this is?
Awakened Radio Network is a live radio station and magazine plus videos.  I began it three years ago in order to talk all I wanted to on the air and provide space for others with messages to share.  We are live radio not a podcast.  You can listen in during the broadcasts through the radio station website or call in.  We are also streamed through TuneIn and other directories.  Our archives are available in Itunes too. 

How can someone be a guest on one of the shows?
For anyone who would like to take part in one of our radio shows send a message to Donna@AwakenedRadio.net 


Are you still looking for hosts?
I'm always open for another great messenger.  Send me a message Donna@AwakenedRadio.net or find me on Twitter, Facebook or my website www.DonnaDeVane.org  

What can my readers do to support the Awakened Radio Network?
Take part through listening in and most importantly calling in.  I'm always delighted when I hear from a listener.  People all around the world listen.  A guy named Alex from Russia called in and shared with me about a year ago.  Who would have ever thought that I'd be sitting in Alabama talking with a man in Russia?  What an incredible life this is.  Share yours with me.  

Visit the station website at www.AwakenedRadio.net