Miller, Donna P. 1948–

PERSONAL: Born December 13, 1948, in Lindale, TX; daughter of Donald E. (in dairy business) and Patsy R. (a legal secretary) Pool; married James D. Miller (a certified financial planner); children: James D., Jr., John, Julie Miller James, Jaynie Miller Degnan. Education: Texas Woman's University, B.S., 1971, M.A., 1976; University of North Texas, M.S.L.S., 1987. Politics: Independent. Religion: Liberal Christian. Hobbies and other interests: Running, reading, border collies, fine food and wine, travel, religious studies.

ADDRESSES: Office—Mesa County Valley School District 51, 2523 Patterson Rd., Grand Junction, CO 81505. E-mail—[email protected].

CAREER: Educator in various Texas school districts, 1971–98; Mesa County Valley School District 51, Grand Junction, CO, library media coordinator, 1998–2001; Linworth Publishing, Inc., Worthington, OH, editor, 2001–04; Mesa County Valley School District 51, library media coordinator, 2004–. State of Colorado, member of library advisory board, 2002–04; public speaker; educational consultant. Habitat for Humanity, church relations chair; Rocky Mountain Border Collie Rescue, foster parent and volunteer.

MEMBER: American Library Association, American Association of School Librarians, Colorado Association of Libraries, Texas Parent Teacher Association (honorary life member), Beta Phi Mu.

WRITINGS:

(With J'Lynn Anderson) Developing an Integrated Library Program, Linworth Publishing (Worthington, OH), 1997.

(With Karen Larsen) Day by Day: Professional Journaling for Library Media Specialists, Linworth Publishing (Worthington, OH), 2003.

The Standards-Based Integrated Library: A Collaborative Approach, 2nd edition, Linworth Publishing (Worthington, OH), 2004.

Contributor to periodicals, including Technology Connection, Library Media Connection, and Library Talk.

WORK IN PROGRESS: Great Day for a Dog!, a children's book about a border collie puppy who wants to become a champion herding dog, illustrated by Nancee McClure; research on sheep-herding competition; research on personality and behavior styles and their impact on library public relations and advocacy efforts.

SIDELIGHTS: Donna P. Miller told CA: "I began my first serious writing project in fifth grade when I slowly and painfully wrote (actually scratched) my name on the girls' bathroom stall wall at school. This, of course, came to no good, and I was severely reprimanded (that is, paddled in front of all my friends, who also participated in this literary endeavor!) Fortunately subsequent writing projects were a bit more successful. I wrote poetry and short stories and kept a diary most of the way through school. This writing addiction has continued into my adult life and actually resulted in some financial reward, as well as emotional and mental gratification. Each of my books reflects a professional or personal passion.

"For as long as I can remember, writing has provided a 'safe' venue for me to express my passions, emotions, fears, joys, and hopes. No other endeavor provides this type of healing catharsis! I am constantly reading works by authors whose gifts inspire me to be better. There are too many of these folks to name!

"Since I am a random thinker, when I write, I do a first draft—brain dump—in which I try to get as much as possible on paper while it is still fresh in my mind. Then, I go back and begin the editing and organizing process. I read, re-read, write, and re-write until it looks right. And then, I lament every word or phrase that my editor changes, deletes, or adds but try to step back and appreciate the improvements that result.

"I continue to be surprised by what comes out when I write! My favorite book is not a book yet. It's a group of children's poems that I hope to get published some day soon. I also hope that the professional books I wrote will influence school librarians to aspire to the best practice in their library programs so that the resources, services, and programs they provide will positively impact student learning."