Donna (D.M.) Green never intended to publish a book for the general public. “My first idea was just to write a book for my kids and grandkids,” the Hope Falls writer recalls. “But after my husband, Jeff, proofread In the Moment, In the Forest, he encouraged me to consider getting it published.”
And we’re so glad she took his advice! Readers of In The Moment, In The Forest (Troy Bookmakers, 2024), a beautifully written book of day-by-day journal entries, accompany Green for one full year as she observes and records the natural wonders of her beloved North Country.
The author’s keen and lyrically written notes — coupled with her extensive research, personal reflections, and quotes from renowned naturalists and environmentalists — seamlessly create a four-season adventure that inspires, educates, and entertains.
“I’ve been fascinated by nature and the written word since childhood,” Green says. “I started writing poetry at age 10. But a light-bulb went off in 7th or 8th grade when I realized that a really good essay had an intro, the meat of the subject in the middle and, then, a summary at the end. I really enjoyed the process, and since then I’ve successfully used that basic format in all my writing.”
Since the 1980s, Green’s work has been published in numerous national and regional magazines, including Country Woman, American Forests, St. Anthony Messenger, and Adirondack Life.
“Years ago, when I was a young aspiring writer, I signed up for a writer’s workshop hosted by Ballston Spa author Ann Hauprich. Ann was a mentor extraordinaire! Thoughtful, kind, and supportive, she provided me with detailed information about writing for magazines and shared examples of her published work. When I mentioned that I’d also like to write a book, she encouraged me to go for it.
“After founding Saratoga County Living Magazine (soon renamed Saratoga Living) in the late 1990s, Ann gave me several story assignments, which helped bolster my confidence and gave me writing credits as well. Today, having finally published a book, I credit Ann for her part in my writing success. She believed that I could achieve what long ago seemed like an impossible dream. A good teacher makes all the difference.”
When asked if another book is in the works, Green replies, “Right now, I’m taking a breather from writing and just celebrating this time in my life. After working on my book for four years, seeing it published is a triumph in so many ways. And its lovely cover photo, taken by renowned Adirondack photographer Carl Heilman II, perfectly conveys the spirit of my book.
“I’ve been having a ball visiting the different bookstores, trying to get my book out there, and everywhere I’ve gone, people have been so receptive and kind. Many readers have written positive Amazon reviews also, saying they’ve found the book soothing and comforting. Hearing that, I couldn’t be happier.”
Donna and Jeff Green have lived on their 100-acre Hope Falls property for 50 wondrous years. “Jeff’s father had some friends that lived in Hope Falls,” Donna explains, “and when we were visiting them one day the man said, ‘You know, if the right people came along, we might just sell this place.’ Jeff didn’t pick up on that, but driving back I said, ‘You know, he really means it.’
“So that’s how it happened, how we came to live up here. From the start, we determined that this would be our retirement home. We wanted our son and daughter to have a homestead, a place where they grew up… a place that they could come back to. Some people question our living up here, but we absolutely love it. There is so much wildlife! You just never know what you’re going to see.”
From her home in the town of Hope in the Southern Adirondack foothills of Hamilton County, Donna Green watches the natural world change daily, sometimes in big, boisterous ways but more often in gentler, nuanced moments.
By sharing her observations and contemplating their existential and environmental significance, she encourages readers to pay closer attention to the amazing natural world in which we live and to delve more deeply into its limitless wonders.
“I begin In the Moment, In the Forest with a quote from Henry David Thoreau,” Green reflects, “and his words really set the tone for everything that follows: I should like to keep some book of natural history always with me as a sort of elixir, the reading of which would restore the tone of my system, and secure me true and cheerful views of life.”
In the Moment, In the Forest is available at The Open Door Bookstore in Schenectady; Mocha Lisa Coffeehouse, Clifton Park; Brookside Museum, Ballston Spa; The Adirondack Country Store, Northville; Charlie John’s, Speculator; Adirondack Reflections, Inlet; Friar Tuck Newsroom, Rensselaer; Ace Hardware Store, Queensbury.
Book Purchases made through Bookshop.org support both your local independent bookstore and New York Almanack’s mission to report new publications relevant to New York State. Purchases via this Amazon link also support the Almanack.
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