MV Donovan | The Civic Compass
@theciviccompass.bsky.social
Author, Speaker, Civil servant and champion of all things civic and civility. Writing the YA series, The DiploBrats, to "Make civics cool again!" | rep’ed by Najla Mamou
Final Marine Corps Ball overseas in the books!
In the Donovan household, the event is sacred. With both a former Recon Marine and having served in the Embassy communities that the Marines guard, this celebration is an annual act of gratitude and admiration.
Happy 250th birthday, Marines!
In the Donovan household, the event is sacred. With both a former Recon Marine and having served in the Embassy communities that the Marines guard, this celebration is an annual act of gratitude and admiration.
Happy 250th birthday, Marines!
November 22, 2025 at 12:24 AM
Final Marine Corps Ball overseas in the books!
In the Donovan household, the event is sacred. With both a former Recon Marine and having served in the Embassy communities that the Marines guard, this celebration is an annual act of gratitude and admiration.
Happy 250th birthday, Marines!
In the Donovan household, the event is sacred. With both a former Recon Marine and having served in the Embassy communities that the Marines guard, this celebration is an annual act of gratitude and admiration.
Happy 250th birthday, Marines!
Buoyed to see that not even the shutdown can kill humor and spirit in an Embassy!
Happy Halloween! 🎃
#DiploBrats
Happy Halloween! 🎃
#DiploBrats
October 31, 2025 at 12:43 PM
Buoyed to see that not even the shutdown can kill humor and spirit in an Embassy!
Happy Halloween! 🎃
#DiploBrats
Happy Halloween! 🎃
#DiploBrats
If China and Thailand had a baby that went to school in Japan…we imagine it would look like T🇹🇼
We fled the crush of migrating humanity of China’s Golden Week and explored Taiwan 🇹🇼 .
It wasn’t their National Day 🤣
#irony #WritingCommunity #DiploBrats
We fled the crush of migrating humanity of China’s Golden Week and explored Taiwan 🇹🇼 .
It wasn’t their National Day 🤣
#irony #WritingCommunity #DiploBrats
October 10, 2025 at 12:34 AM
If China and Thailand had a baby that went to school in Japan…we imagine it would look like T🇹🇼
We fled the crush of migrating humanity of China’s Golden Week and explored Taiwan 🇹🇼 .
It wasn’t their National Day 🤣
#irony #WritingCommunity #DiploBrats
We fled the crush of migrating humanity of China’s Golden Week and explored Taiwan 🇹🇼 .
It wasn’t their National Day 🤣
#irony #WritingCommunity #DiploBrats
Say hello to my new Author newsletter!
1 - get access to a free writing tool I built that will give you your text’s grade level (reading difficulty) and most-used words
2 - be first to hear when my teaser prequel novella drops.
Don’t miss out!
mvdonovanbooks.substack.com/p/the-in-bet...
1 - get access to a free writing tool I built that will give you your text’s grade level (reading difficulty) and most-used words
2 - be first to hear when my teaser prequel novella drops.
Don’t miss out!
mvdonovanbooks.substack.com/p/the-in-bet...
The In-Between Time...
On Submission and Endeavoring to Keep at it All
mvdonovanbooks.substack.com
October 3, 2025 at 12:21 AM
Say hello to my new Author newsletter!
1 - get access to a free writing tool I built that will give you your text’s grade level (reading difficulty) and most-used words
2 - be first to hear when my teaser prequel novella drops.
Don’t miss out!
mvdonovanbooks.substack.com/p/the-in-bet...
1 - get access to a free writing tool I built that will give you your text’s grade level (reading difficulty) and most-used words
2 - be first to hear when my teaser prequel novella drops.
Don’t miss out!
mvdonovanbooks.substack.com/p/the-in-bet...
I finished CS50
So what?
Well, at 41, starting to learn to code isn’t nothing, but more to the point, I believe in continuous learning and growth.
As I raise my children, as I write my novels, as I live in the world 🌍, the science behind computers and AI undergirds our lives…
… and my WIP ;)
So what?
Well, at 41, starting to learn to code isn’t nothing, but more to the point, I believe in continuous learning and growth.
As I raise my children, as I write my novels, as I live in the world 🌍, the science behind computers and AI undergirds our lives…
… and my WIP ;)
September 29, 2025 at 10:55 PM
I finished CS50
So what?
Well, at 41, starting to learn to code isn’t nothing, but more to the point, I believe in continuous learning and growth.
As I raise my children, as I write my novels, as I live in the world 🌍, the science behind computers and AI undergirds our lives…
… and my WIP ;)
So what?
Well, at 41, starting to learn to code isn’t nothing, but more to the point, I believe in continuous learning and growth.
As I raise my children, as I write my novels, as I live in the world 🌍, the science behind computers and AI undergirds our lives…
… and my WIP ;)
Ever wondered what grade level of difficulty your writing is?
Wonder whether you have words you use too often?
I did and do, so I coded a writing analyzer.
Sign up for my newsletter, and you can use the tool for free!
mvdonovanbooks.substack.com
#WritingCommunity #DiploBrats #booksky
Wonder whether you have words you use too often?
I did and do, so I coded a writing analyzer.
Sign up for my newsletter, and you can use the tool for free!
mvdonovanbooks.substack.com
#WritingCommunity #DiploBrats #booksky
September 24, 2025 at 11:33 PM
Ever wondered what grade level of difficulty your writing is?
Wonder whether you have words you use too often?
I did and do, so I coded a writing analyzer.
Sign up for my newsletter, and you can use the tool for free!
mvdonovanbooks.substack.com
#WritingCommunity #DiploBrats #booksky
Wonder whether you have words you use too often?
I did and do, so I coded a writing analyzer.
Sign up for my newsletter, and you can use the tool for free!
mvdonovanbooks.substack.com
#WritingCommunity #DiploBrats #booksky
Augmented’s pub day is here!!
@candace_kade_author is one of a handful of generous mentors as I have tried to bring my own YA publishing dreams to fruition.
If you haven’t already read her Hybrid trilogy, you can binge them all now! She weaves bravery, family, tech, and action all into a YA bundle
@candace_kade_author is one of a handful of generous mentors as I have tried to bring my own YA publishing dreams to fruition.
If you haven’t already read her Hybrid trilogy, you can binge them all now! She weaves bravery, family, tech, and action all into a YA bundle
Augmented (Volume 3) (The Hybrid Series)
Amazon.com: Augmented (Volume 3) (The Hybrid Series): 9798886052220: Kade, Candace: Books
amzn.to
September 23, 2025 at 11:09 AM
Augmented’s pub day is here!!
@candace_kade_author is one of a handful of generous mentors as I have tried to bring my own YA publishing dreams to fruition.
If you haven’t already read her Hybrid trilogy, you can binge them all now! She weaves bravery, family, tech, and action all into a YA bundle
@candace_kade_author is one of a handful of generous mentors as I have tried to bring my own YA publishing dreams to fruition.
If you haven’t already read her Hybrid trilogy, you can binge them all now! She weaves bravery, family, tech, and action all into a YA bundle
Super excited about this! Love love love that this kind of YA is having a moment.
Praying some of the pixie dust ✨ lands on my YA family spy thriller while it is out on submission!
open.substack.com/pub/somancha...
Praying some of the pixie dust ✨ lands on my YA family spy thriller while it is out on submission!
open.substack.com/pub/somancha...
Special Announcement
YOUNG WORLD Cover Reveal and Ultra-Cool Preorder Gift!
open.substack.com
September 18, 2025 at 5:54 AM
Super excited about this! Love love love that this kind of YA is having a moment.
Praying some of the pixie dust ✨ lands on my YA family spy thriller while it is out on submission!
open.substack.com/pub/somancha...
Praying some of the pixie dust ✨ lands on my YA family spy thriller while it is out on submission!
open.substack.com/pub/somancha...
Finishing up my final project for CS50… #WritingCommunity - what feature would you want most in a quick writing analyzer? Reading grade level? Over-used words? I’ll share the tool for free in next week or so!
September 17, 2025 at 10:13 PM
Finishing up my final project for CS50… #WritingCommunity - what feature would you want most in a quick writing analyzer? Reading grade level? Over-used words? I’ll share the tool for free in next week or so!
Not every trip has to be a profound intellectual journey, but I learn something valuable on each one!
theciviccompass.substack.com/p/bali-indon...
#travel #DiploBrats
theciviccompass.substack.com/p/bali-indon...
#travel #DiploBrats
Bali (Indonesia)
A first taste of aspirational travel
theciviccompass.substack.com
September 4, 2025 at 10:54 AM
Not every trip has to be a profound intellectual journey, but I learn something valuable on each one!
theciviccompass.substack.com/p/bali-indon...
#travel #DiploBrats
theciviccompass.substack.com/p/bali-indon...
#travel #DiploBrats
Geneva had never held any significance to the Donovan Family.
#1stlinepit - check it out on IG!
Rep - Najla Mamou
#OnSubmission
#YoungAdult
#Thriller
#EditorsGuide
#booksky
#1stlinepit - check it out on IG!
Rep - Najla Mamou
#OnSubmission
#YoungAdult
#Thriller
#EditorsGuide
#booksky
August 30, 2025 at 1:29 PM
Geneva had never held any significance to the Donovan Family.
#1stlinepit - check it out on IG!
Rep - Najla Mamou
#OnSubmission
#YoungAdult
#Thriller
#EditorsGuide
#booksky
#1stlinepit - check it out on IG!
Rep - Najla Mamou
#OnSubmission
#YoungAdult
#Thriller
#EditorsGuide
#booksky
Friday game night is how we come together as a family for wholesome fun that keeps us from turning into total blobs in front of our screens.
This week?
Coyote by @timferriss.bsky.social
This week?
Coyote by @timferriss.bsky.social
August 29, 2025 at 12:48 PM
Friday game night is how we come together as a family for wholesome fun that keeps us from turning into total blobs in front of our screens.
This week?
Coyote by @timferriss.bsky.social
This week?
Coyote by @timferriss.bsky.social
Also known as a fish bowl, the US military and diplomatic corps overseas often houses officers and families in bases, compounds, and assigned buildings that take on a cloistered atmosphere. For some, this feels supportive…
theciviccompass.substack.com/p/germany
theciviccompass.substack.com/p/germany
Germany
Welcome to a US military bubble abroad
theciviccompass.substack.com
August 28, 2025 at 11:47 AM
Also known as a fish bowl, the US military and diplomatic corps overseas often houses officers and families in bases, compounds, and assigned buildings that take on a cloistered atmosphere. For some, this feels supportive…
theciviccompass.substack.com/p/germany
theciviccompass.substack.com/p/germany
Guess what your kid does NOT learn in an international school?
American history, currency, weights/measures
In-depth English grammar
Standardized testing
So I put on my big girl panties and got to teaching the Pledge of Allegiance, test taking, prepositional phrases, and more
American history, currency, weights/measures
In-depth English grammar
Standardized testing
So I put on my big girl panties and got to teaching the Pledge of Allegiance, test taking, prepositional phrases, and more
August 26, 2025 at 12:06 PM
Guess what your kid does NOT learn in an international school?
American history, currency, weights/measures
In-depth English grammar
Standardized testing
So I put on my big girl panties and got to teaching the Pledge of Allegiance, test taking, prepositional phrases, and more
American history, currency, weights/measures
In-depth English grammar
Standardized testing
So I put on my big girl panties and got to teaching the Pledge of Allegiance, test taking, prepositional phrases, and more
Overseas life comes with tons of challenges, but one of our biggest blessings has been how much the kids have loved their international schools! With a two working parent household, our #DiploBrats have enjoyed a ton of opportunities they might not otherwise have had!
August 25, 2025 at 12:09 PM
Overseas life comes with tons of challenges, but one of our biggest blessings has been how much the kids have loved their international schools! With a two working parent household, our #DiploBrats have enjoyed a ton of opportunities they might not otherwise have had!
Proud to say this was easily one of my stronger Mom summers for reading! Had a healthy mix of genres, almost all of which contributed to the writing project of getting my book to sub!
Now, onto fall reading to fill up for the next endeavor—a prequel novella!
theciviccompass.com/reading-list/
Now, onto fall reading to fill up for the next endeavor—a prequel novella!
theciviccompass.com/reading-list/
Reading List
When MV Donovan isn’t writing, she’s reading! Check out her selected recommended books across genres–Adult, YA, and MG fiction, histories & biographies, issues, and profession…
theciviccompass.com
August 24, 2025 at 12:32 PM
Proud to say this was easily one of my stronger Mom summers for reading! Had a healthy mix of genres, almost all of which contributed to the writing project of getting my book to sub!
Now, onto fall reading to fill up for the next endeavor—a prequel novella!
theciviccompass.com/reading-list/
Now, onto fall reading to fill up for the next endeavor—a prequel novella!
theciviccompass.com/reading-list/
@candace_kade_author was one of the first YA authors to generously share of her experience publishing as I set out on my journey. She trusted me with the ARC of her trilogy finale, and I LOVED it. Check out the Goodreads reviews (they’re fire 🔥) and preorder!
bestofbooksok.com/list/candace...
bestofbooksok.com/list/candace...
August 22, 2025 at 11:16 AM
@candace_kade_author was one of the first YA authors to generously share of her experience publishing as I set out on my journey. She trusted me with the ARC of her trilogy finale, and I LOVED it. Check out the Goodreads reviews (they’re fire 🔥) and preorder!
bestofbooksok.com/list/candace...
bestofbooksok.com/list/candace...
Last #firstdayofschool overseas for these #DiploBrats! They have no idea how much they are going to miss scootering down hallways, parking at the INDOOR bus stop, and then arranging their pre-homework play dates with friends in our building via landline 🤣
Thank you WAB for the excitement!
Thank you WAB for the excitement!
August 21, 2025 at 11:07 AM
Last #firstdayofschool overseas for these #DiploBrats! They have no idea how much they are going to miss scootering down hallways, parking at the INDOOR bus stop, and then arranging their pre-homework play dates with friends in our building via landline 🤣
Thank you WAB for the excitement!
Thank you WAB for the excitement!
As an #author, having one of your #DiploBrats allergic to reading HURTS! And so, I have to shout thanks to @stuartgibbs.bsky.social for Spy School! Summer reading has been a success for the first time! Boy-friendly, my son prefers the FMC and the crusty grandpa because they are the legit spies 😂
August 20, 2025 at 11:57 AM
As an #author, having one of your #DiploBrats allergic to reading HURTS! And so, I have to shout thanks to @stuartgibbs.bsky.social for Spy School! Summer reading has been a success for the first time! Boy-friendly, my son prefers the FMC and the crusty grandpa because they are the legit spies 😂
This horrible reality is the inspiration behind STATELESS, my YA spy thriller currently on submission. These stories, these people deserve attention.
Refugees and migrants are increasingly taking a new, lengthier, and more dangerous sea route from Libya to Greece.
inkstickmedia.com/as-boats-sai...
inkstickmedia.com/as-boats-sai...
As Boats Sail from Libya, Greece Swings Right on Migration
Greek authorities have turned hard to the right on migration, but boats continue to set sail from Libya with the hope of reaching Europe.
inkstickmedia.com
August 19, 2025 at 2:00 PM
This horrible reality is the inspiration behind STATELESS, my YA spy thriller currently on submission. These stories, these people deserve attention.
Long before Emily in Paris, A Tale of one of the Two most shorted Posts!
#travel #DiploBrats #WritingCommunity #Booksky
theciviccompass.substack.com/p/france
#travel #DiploBrats #WritingCommunity #Booksky
theciviccompass.substack.com/p/france
France
A Tale of One of the Two Most Shorted Posts
theciviccompass.substack.com
August 19, 2025 at 11:21 AM
Long before Emily in Paris, A Tale of one of the Two most shorted Posts!
#travel #DiploBrats #WritingCommunity #Booksky
theciviccompass.substack.com/p/france
#travel #DiploBrats #WritingCommunity #Booksky
theciviccompass.substack.com/p/france
Final year overseas = seeing as much as we can before hunkering back down in America!
We hit the road for Inner Mongolia, Serengeti (spoiler for Book Three setting!), and Zanzibar this summer. Fall break will be Taiwan!
School starts Thursday!! (mwahahaha)
#travel #DiploBrats #WritingCommunity
We hit the road for Inner Mongolia, Serengeti (spoiler for Book Three setting!), and Zanzibar this summer. Fall break will be Taiwan!
School starts Thursday!! (mwahahaha)
#travel #DiploBrats #WritingCommunity
August 18, 2025 at 12:39 PM
Final year overseas = seeing as much as we can before hunkering back down in America!
We hit the road for Inner Mongolia, Serengeti (spoiler for Book Three setting!), and Zanzibar this summer. Fall break will be Taiwan!
School starts Thursday!! (mwahahaha)
#travel #DiploBrats #WritingCommunity
We hit the road for Inner Mongolia, Serengeti (spoiler for Book Three setting!), and Zanzibar this summer. Fall break will be Taiwan!
School starts Thursday!! (mwahahaha)
#travel #DiploBrats #WritingCommunity
What to do when on submission?
Pick up your next project!
While I was #amquerying, I wrote my second #DiploBrats book. Now that STATELESS is #onsub, I am applying the lessons learned in revision.
First up? The Save the Cat method of @jessicabrody
#Booksky #kidlit
Pick up your next project!
While I was #amquerying, I wrote my second #DiploBrats book. Now that STATELESS is #onsub, I am applying the lessons learned in revision.
First up? The Save the Cat method of @jessicabrody
#Booksky #kidlit
August 17, 2025 at 12:11 PM
What to do when on submission?
Pick up your next project!
While I was #amquerying, I wrote my second #DiploBrats book. Now that STATELESS is #onsub, I am applying the lessons learned in revision.
First up? The Save the Cat method of @jessicabrody
#Booksky #kidlit
Pick up your next project!
While I was #amquerying, I wrote my second #DiploBrats book. Now that STATELESS is #onsub, I am applying the lessons learned in revision.
First up? The Save the Cat method of @jessicabrody
#Booksky #kidlit
#Summer 2025 was our last overseas. Jam packed with camps and #travel and activities, our #DiploBrats made the most of every opportunity.
This time next year?
America!!!! 🇺🇸
This time next year?
America!!!! 🇺🇸
August 16, 2025 at 11:43 AM
#Summer 2025 was our last overseas. Jam packed with camps and #travel and activities, our #DiploBrats made the most of every opportunity.
This time next year?
America!!!! 🇺🇸
This time next year?
America!!!! 🇺🇸
When I was #amquerying, Redditors flagged this future comp. Fast forward, I download Codebreaker by @jaymartelbooks ahead of a once-in-a-lifetime family adventure. Smart spy #YA with a social justice angle is getting a moment! Thank you @WednesdayBooks
#diplobrats #amwriting amzn.to/44Y3rxy
#diplobrats #amwriting amzn.to/44Y3rxy
August 15, 2025 at 11:13 AM
When I was #amquerying, Redditors flagged this future comp. Fast forward, I download Codebreaker by @jaymartelbooks ahead of a once-in-a-lifetime family adventure. Smart spy #YA with a social justice angle is getting a moment! Thank you @WednesdayBooks
#diplobrats #amwriting amzn.to/44Y3rxy
#diplobrats #amwriting amzn.to/44Y3rxy