Local Author Series: Donna Beserra
Join local author Donna Beserra as she discusses her Twirley Shirley series, as well as her Christmas books and movies. She will discuss how she came to write the series, as well as how this series helps kids learn to deal with their emotions.
Donna Beserra was inspired to write books because of a hobby she shared with her children. When they were very young, the children loved to act out their favorite fairy tales. In order to encourage their creativity, Donna began making costumes and allowing her kids to perform the stories on home video. Donna decided to invent her own fairy tale, and Twirly Shirley, a little with spinning braids, was born. Donna’s first story was titled, “Twirly Shirley In My Sister The Twister”.
- Date:
- Saturday, December 7, 2019
- Time:
- 3:00pm - 4:00pm
- Location:
- Meeting Room B
- Branch:
- Eastern
- Audience:
- Adults All ages Kids Teens
- Categories:
- Educational
Donna later decided to publish her story as a book so she could share it with others. This evolved into a series. Donna went on to publish “Twirly Shirley In Hurricane Shirley”, “Twirly Shirley And the Brother Like No Other” and “Twirly Shirley And The Tsunami Mommy”. Donna began visiting schools and children’s organizations to discuss the importance of reading and writing.
Donna went on to add Creative Creatures to her collection of published work. These books were designed to inspire children to discover their talents. Each book features a different child and animal, therefore emphasizing that each person is unique, with his or her own special set of talents.
Donna’s Autobiography/Book Publishing guide, “Money Coming Out of My Ears” and “Christmas in Heaven” are newly added titles.
Donna has taught a variety of classes at Black Hawk College. Children’s classes include; “Jump Write In” (How to write and illustrate a book), “Movie Making Fun”, and “Discover Your Talent”. Donna teaches writing and publishing classes for adults as well.
Besides teaching, Donna has organized and directed performances throughout the community based on her books. She has worked with children at Midwest Writing Center and Mississippi Valley Boys and Girls Club. Donna also produces her own “Discover Your Talent” television show, and works as a “College for Kids” instructor at Black Hawk College.
Donna has recently added an animated DVD movie version of “Twirly Shirley in My Sister the Twister” https://www.facebook.com/twirlytwister/ to her collection of work. She is currently working on an animated version of her Christmas movie, “Twirly Shirley and the Brother Like No Other” which is set to be available this Christmas.