"For a time after I was assaulted, I behaved much like the Sphinx - stone cold and quiet. Talking was difficult and, when I finally did speak, it was harsh and directed at my mother. Why? Because I knew she would recognize and understand my pain. I was confident that her love for me would never change. She had been where I was and although forty years had passed, I knew she had not forgotten.
Now it is your turn. We will be your shoulder to lean on. We will be the ears that listen. We will hear you!"
Jessica Carbone-McKinney was the victim of sexual assault in 2007. She was kidnapped from her apartment in the middle of the night, brutally beaten and repeatedly raped. Her attacker used a machete to guarantee her cooperation. By all that is logical, she should be dead but fate had other plans for her. Jessica has become a vocal advocate for victims of violent crime, her intention being to make all women aware that safety is an illusion. She firmly believes that until rape victims come forward and identify themselves, crime against women will continue to escalate.
Donna speaks:
Although I have been married to a wonderful man for 45 years, I have not forgotten that first marriage or the lessons learned. In fact, if a genie were to pop out of a bottle and offer an opportunity to go back and change the past, I would refuse. The most valuable lessons are those learned through adversity. I hope that the pain I experienced will make it possible for someone else to be spared. As a writer, I hope to use my skills to bring about a greater awareness of the prevalence of crimes against women.
I am partial to this quote by Lord Byron: "A drop of ink may make a million think." I do not care if no one knows my name. Forget me. I am not important. Do not forget what I have written. If one editorial, one book, one speech prevents one person from suffering the pain of rape, a drop of ink can become a tidal wave.
Donna M. Carbone is a freelance writer and contributor to numerous news services. Her poetry and short stories have been featured in recognized publications.
Donna has published three books in her Cat Leigh and Marci Welles crime novels series, which is set in Palm Beach County. Through Thick and Thin, Silk Suit/Stone Heart, and Total Submission use the true account of her daughter Jessica’s kidnapping and rape in 2007 to focus a spotlight on crimes against women.
So miraculous was Jessica’s survival that the story has been featured on both Surviving Evil (History Channel) and I Survived (Investigation Discovery). Donna and Jessica have appeared on the Katie Couric Show and on numerous radio programs where they discussed safety awareness with the audience.
Donna has also published Private Hell, a separate crime novel which uses her own experience with domestic abuse as a focal point. As with all of her writing, keeping women safe in an ever increasingly dangerous world is her goal.
In a recent interview, she said, “Every author has his/her personal reason for writing. Some crave fame and fortune… a sure to be disappointment. Others have more personal reasons for setting pen to paper.
For me, a quote spoken 200 years ago by the British poet Lord Byron says it all. ‘A drop of ink may make a million think.’ I write in the hope that the millions of drops of ink that become words on the pages of my books will keep people safe in an ever increasingly dangerous world. I know what it is like to be on the receiving end of violence. I know what it’s like to have someone you love survive a violent crime.
While my books are categorized as crime novels, they are … to borrow a television term… dramadies. Yes. people die. But people also live, laugh and love. My stories are about friendship, loyalty, dedication and values. The stories feature people like you and me… people who are humanized by their strengths and weaknesses.”
Donna has also published two other crime novels: Bread and Bullets - The Rosario Liotta Story and Charlie's Molasses. For more information on all of Donna's books, visit writeforyoullc.com.
Donna's first children’s book, Lambie and Me, is based on conversations she has had with her grandson, Blake. He convinced her that reincarnation is real. Donna swears there was a 40-year-old man living inside that then 4-year-old body. “This book is a morality tale,” she said, “one that weaves the importance of good character into the narrative.” Blake is now seven. His insights continue to amaze his Nonna.
For the past few years, Donna has moderated author meet and greets through which she introduces the public to up and coming writers living in Palm Beach and Martin Counties. These events are presented at local restaurants and shine a spotlight on literacy – one of Donna’s passions. To that end, Donna volunteered her talents to help gifted 4th-grade students in the Martin County school system hone their writing skills. She was honored with an award given by the 4C (Caring Children/Clothing Children) organization for her efforts.
Donna is also a recognized playwright. Her play, Shell of a Man, was presented at the Dallas Convention Center in 2015 under the auspices of The Black Academy of Arts and Letters. Shell of a Man is the true story of a Vietnam veteran’s 40 year battle with PTSD. The play was also performed at the Vanilla Box Theatre in Jupiter, Florida and at the then Burt Reynolds Institute for Film and Theatre in North Palm Beach, Florida.
Her newest play, The Intersection of Lincoln and Parks, is in pre-production. This play envisions what could have happened the night Rosa Parks was arrested had the last-living relative of Abraham Lincoln also been a passenger on the bus. The play is expected to premier in early 2021.
Fear Sells, Donna’s one man show about negative advertising, was commissioned as the closing offering at the TEDxJupiter conference in November 2013. She was a Scenemaker of the Week in the Palm Beach Post in 2012. Donna is also the Managing Director of the Palm Beach Institute for the Entertainment Arts, where she teaches novel, stage and screen play writing.
Donna and Jessica founded the website feelnoshame.org, which offers support and resources for survivors of assault. Donna is an outspoken advocate for victims of violent crime and also advocates for better healthcare for our veterans.
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