Tuesday Debut – Presenting Donna Marx! PLUS A Giveaway!!!

Happy Tuesday to you!
Happy Tuesday to you!
Happy Tuesday, Happy Tuesday!
Happy Tuesday Debut!

Just when you think I can’t get any more talented, I write an amazing original song and just knock your socks right off! 🤣

And in case that wasn’t enough to affect your socks, we’ve got the first Tuesday Debut of 2026 – WOO HOO! – AND a giveaway along with it! Today’s debut-ess says, “As an aspiring author who has purchased many books,  I was always excited when I won a free one! So I am offering a signed and personalized copy of Good Luck, Puck! – along with some fun swag!” If you leave a comment on today’s post by Monday January 19th at 3 PM Eastern, you will be in the running to be the randomly selected winner of this wonderful giveaway!

And now, it is my pleasure to introduce you to today’s debut-ess, Donna Marx, and her hockey-inspired debut picture book, GOOD LUCK, PUCK!

Title: Good Luck, Puck! A Winter Sports Adventure
Author: Donna Marx
Illustrator: Daniel Sulzberg
Publishing House: The Little Press
Date of Publication: February 10, 2026
Fiction or Nonfiction: Fiction
age range of your book: 4-8

When Puck does all the work, but his teammates get the credit, he decides to find a life outside the hockey rink. He searches for a winter sport where he can be the star.  Despite a series of penalties, Puck realizes he can shine and be a team player.

SUSANNA: Welcome, Donna! We are delighted to have you here with us today to share your publication journey AND to get us warmed up for the Olympics! Where did the idea for this book come from?

DONNA: After I retired, I spent a lot of time with my grandsons while their parents worked. Since I was a teacher, I liked planning our days with themed activities, like Dinosaur Day or Space Day, and we started calling it Camp Grandma.  So it was Hockey Day and we were playing hockey in the driveway.  The puck kept getting away from us and rolling down the street. So every time that happened we would shout, “Runaway Puck!” (the first story title).  It reminded me of the book,  The Runaway Pea, by Kjartan Poskitt. It’s a story about a pea that rolls off the plate and into some adventures. So I started writing the story with a similar pattern.

street hockey with the boys 😊

Overall, I tend to focus on ideas that are inspired by my time with the boys. 

SUSANNA: How long did it take you to write this book?

DONNA: I worked on this story over the course of three years.  The first version was much more one-dimensional and lacked the extra layers that make a picture book appeal to editors.  This was also very early in my journey of learning and investing in my craft, so in addition to sending it to critique partners and working on it with my mentor, Lynne Marie (owner of Rate Your Story), I continued to stay open to feedback and make changes.

SUSANNA: Did you go through many revisions?

DONNA: YES – a LOT!  My grandsons, who are my beta-readers, probably heard 50 versions of this story.  The number of revisions got frustrating at times.  However, each one was essential for adding the “missing” elements: stronger stakes, the right combination of adventures, a better setting, more layers, a catchier title, more kid-friendly language, etc.

hockey family 😊

SUSANNA: When did you know your manuscript was ready for submission?

DONNA: Eventually, the critiques became more focused on choosing the right words and less about the essential elements in a marketable picture book. Also, at a session with Lynne Marie, she gave me some additional suggestions and said, “This is almost ready.” That’s when I knew it was close. So, I stepped away from it for a while, made one more final version, and got serious about submitting. 

SUSANNA: When and how did you submit?

DONNA: I do not have an agent, so my options were a bit more limited. I sent it to several publishers that accepted unsolicited manuscripts and received no replies. Then I sent it to an agent for a submission opportunity as a result of a webinar.  It was rejected. Now, I know every story is not for every agent or publisher, but I wondered, “What’s wrong with this story?” So I took advantage of a First Pages event that Lynne Marie was offering at the Girl Power Conference, hosted by The Little Press.  I knew from experience that Lynne Marie was a tough critic in these sessions.  Well, it got a glowing review! As a result, I sent it to The Little Press for their open call after the conference. 

In my opinion, First Pages opportunities are one of the best ways to get feedback on your work.  If the first page is falling short, it doesn’t matter what follows.  It’s like missing ONE piece to your puzzle.  

SUSANNA: How long after you found out about your book going to acquisitions (if you did) or after you submitted were you told it was a “yes”?

DONNA: This acquisition was highly unusual. I heard within a week that The Little Press was interested.  And just a few days later, they offered me the contract.  This was in November of 2024. Just a little over a year later, Good Luck, Puck! will be in the hands of kids! The publisher wanted to capitalize on the marketing opportunity to release during the 2026 Winter Olympics. 

SUSANNA: When did you get “the call”, which these days is more likely to be “the email”?  (Best moment ever! 😊) and how did you celebrate (if you care to share 😊)

DONNA: I was SO excited to share this news with my grandsons!  The oldest one, in particular, just couldn’t understand why no one “wanted” this story.  So I bought some hockey pucks, added a face, wrapped them up, and surprised them with the good news.  I think they may have been even more excited than I was! (pic attached)

announcing PUCK’s publication to the boys! 😊

SUSANNA: Can you tell us a little about the editorial process?

DONNA: This is another unusual circumstance in my situation.  My mentor, Lynne Marie, had just been brought on board at The Little Press as the Seasonal Acquisition Editor. So, we did several read-alouds to smooth out sentences and double-check transitions and page turns. In that regard, the exhausting number of revisions I did for this story paid off in the end.

SUSANNA: What was your experience of the illustration process like?

DONNA: I did not have any input on the choice of illustrators.  That said, I could not be happier with Daniel Sulzberg’s work and interpretation of my story.  He does a ton of anthropomorphic drawings, so it was obvious why he was chosen.

The illustration process was done without my feedback, as is the case with many other publishers.  Although I was deeply curious about how that was going, I understand the idea that too many opinions, during too many stages of development, can slow things down.

I did include art notes. I use them sparingly to clarify what might not be in the text.  Here is an example of one of my art notes and the resulting illustration. 

[Art: A crash scene in a snowbank near a frozen lake.]

text copyright Donna Marx 2026, illustration copyright Daniel Sulzberg 2026, The Little Press

SUSANNA: What kind of marketing and promotion has your publisher done for this book?

DONNA: The Little Press has been great. They have been pushing the announcement out to their huge newsletter and text message database. They are also very active on social media.  Since my book is the first release of the year, it’s getting a lot of love.  Brittany Pomales is the Social Media and Marketing Lead.  She has been instrumental in building a full internal campaign and providing me with ideas I can implement on my own. 

Another exciting note I can add is that a large bookstore company in Canada will be selling Good Luck, Puck! This is amazing since hockey is the most popular sport in that country.

SUSANNA: Describe any marketing/promotion you did for this book.

DONNA: Most of my marketing and promotion has been focused on my Facebook and Instagram accounts.  Also, I am a retired teacher, so I have created an author visit presentation.  I’m in the midst of doing visits and scheduling more for this school year.  I worked with a freelancer, Julie Hansen, on a full Educational Resource Guide for the book.  Since I am a retired teacher, it’s my way of giving back to educators who are looking for follow-up and extension activities or ideas for planning a mini-Olympics unit for their classrooms.  I have an author event coming up at a local Barnes and Noble bookstore.  And yes – my techie husband has helped me design bookmarks, coloring pages, video clips, and social media posts.  Now that we are less than 30 days out, my social media promotion will ramp up.  And, finally, I am doing a series of blogs.  I could not be more grateful and honored to be highlighted on your Tuesday Debut.  Thank you so much!

SUSANNA: It is my pleasure, Donna! How long was it between the time you started writing seriously and the time you sold your first picture book?

DONNA: I started writing picture books in 2021, so my journey has been shorter than most.  I’m not any more talented than those reading this blog.  I just had the right idea, at the right time, in front of the right person. 

SUSANNA: What is the most important/helpful thing you learned on your way to publication? (Or what is your most helpful piece of advice for up and coming writers?)

DONNA: Writing picture books is hard.  It takes practice, persistence, and investment in the craft.  I consider myself lucky.  I started this journey in 2021, and Good Luck, Puck! will be in the hands of kids in 2026. Never stop learning and always be open to suggestions and changes.  That single critique comment might be the one thing that causes your story to pivot in the right direction.

SUSANNA: Great advice! Thank you so much for taking the time to participate in this series and paying it forward to other writers, Donna! We so appreciate the opportunity to learn from your experience! Wishing you all the best with this and future titles!

Readers, if you have questions for Donna, please post them in the comments below and if she has time I’m sure she’ll respond! And remember, your comment on today’s post by Monday January 19th at 3 PM Eastern puts you in the running to be the randomly selected winner of Donna’s generous giveaway – a personalized, signed copy of GOOD LUCK, PUCK! and some fun swag!

https://www.donnamarx.com/
https://www.facebook.com/donnamarx/
Instagram: @donnaj_marx
                    @danvillage_illustration
                    @littlepresspublishing
@literally.lynne.marie

You may purchase Donna’s book at:
(all links below are book-specific)

Indiebound/Bookshop.org
Amazon
Barnes&Noble

We can help our debut authors successfully launch their careers by:

– purchasing their books

– recommending their books to friends and family

– recommending their books to our children’s teachers and librarians

– recommending their books to our local libraries and bookstores

– suggesting them as visiting authors at our children’s schools and our local libraries

– sharing their books on social media

– reviewing their books on Goodreads, Amazon, Barnes&Noble, and other sites where people go to learn about books.

Thank you all for stopping by to read today!  Have a lovely, inspiration-filled Tuesday!  Maybe today is the day you’ll write your debut picture book 😊

Missed any previous Tuesday Debuts?  Check them out HERE!

76 thoughts on “Tuesday Debut – Presenting Donna Marx! PLUS A Giveaway!!!”

  1. elyset20 says:
    Reply
    elyset20's avatar

    The book looks adorable and the illustrations are amazing! Your comments were a good reminder of how many revisions a writer needs to go through before finding success

    Good luck!

  8. Wendy Greenley says:
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    Wendy Greenley's avatar

    Congratulations, Donna! I’m wondering how you decided on Lynne Marie for a mentor and whether you took any other webinars or classes that helped you find your way through all those revisions?

    • Donna Williams Marx says:
      Reply
      Donna Williams Marx's avatar

      Thanks so much, Wendy! Yes – I took LOTS of classes and webinars and still do. Each time I learn something new, or information I gathered is reinforced. Rate Your Story became my main KidLit community. I like Lynne’Marie’s direct and unabashed critique approach. She brings many years of schooling and experience to the table, as well. However, although she is my mentor, I do seek other critiques through additional opportunities. Plus, I get feedback from the judges at Rate Your Story and my small critique groups. I hope that’s helpful! Thanks for asking.

  10. lodobocreates says:
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    lodobocreates's avatar

    Susanna, your Tuesday song debut brightened my morning, as did Donna’s colorful and fun story. Thanks for bringing some giggles! Congrats, Donna.

  17. Danielle Hammelef says:
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    Danielle Hammelef's avatar

    I live in Hockeytown (Metro Detroit) so this adorable and fun book will do well here with all the hockey fans. I love watching hockey, so I can’t wait to read a book from the POV of the puck. Congratulations on your new book!

  19. christym1234 says:
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    christym1234's avatar

    Congratulations, Donna! I’m thrilled for you, and I have a few copies on the way. I’ve also recommended your book to our library. Hockey is big here in Michigan. 🙂 It is so much fun to see another workshop friend launch a new book.

  20. helenedebelak says:
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    helenedebelak's avatar

    Congratulations, Donna! I’m happy for you that you got that break early in your career. You had an opportunity and you went for it! I’m encouraged. 🙂. Helene Debelak

  22. Sherry Dubis says:
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    Sherry Dubis's avatar

    Donna, if this is not already on your radar, you may want to contact The Bookstore Plus in Lake Placid, NY. The 1980 “Miracle” location draws hockey fans and the youth events are frequent and prolific. Also, the store, public library, and the 1980 arena itself are within walking distance on the main street. Reading/signing events at any or all of those would be well-attended. In August there is The Adirondack Family Book Festival. I’m not sure whether authors are invited or can request to join. Kate Messner might be the contact for that event. Here’s a link. https://www.lakeplacid.com/events/adirondack-family-book-festival

    • Donna Williams Marx says:
      Reply
      Donna Williams Marx's avatar

      Wow, Sherry! Thanks SO much for this information. I am ON it!! How amazingly generous of you to share. I really appreciate it!

      • Sherry Dubis says:
        Sherry Dubis's avatar

        Finding the market is surprisingly complex. I’m still at the finding my niche stage, and other authors have been generous with their time. I live in about an hour and half west of Lake Placid so that connection was a no-brainer for me. Best of luck!

  26. Margaret Zotkiewicz says:
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    Margaret Zotkiewicz's avatar

    Congratulations, Donna! Although I’m not a hockey fan, I live in a hockey city (Toledo, Ohio), and this book will certainly be one of my fav little Walleye fan’s favorite picture book. Best of luck and congrats again!

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