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
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
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
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!
@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 😂
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
My #DiploBrats have lived the majority of their lives overseas because of my and my husband’s work, and every single day brings juxtaposition of the struggle and privilege and joy compiled in “Letters Now Sent.”
amzn.to/44Y3cCE
(Please forgive the “faux” book… I read everything on my phone!)
amzn.to/44Y3cCE
(Please forgive the “faux” book… I read everything on my phone!)
August 13, 2025 at 10:58 AM
My #DiploBrats have lived the majority of their lives overseas because of my and my husband’s work, and every single day brings juxtaposition of the struggle and privilege and joy compiled in “Letters Now Sent.”
amzn.to/44Y3cCE
(Please forgive the “faux” book… I read everything on my phone!)
amzn.to/44Y3cCE
(Please forgive the “faux” book… I read everything on my phone!)
One of the joys of serving overseas and traveling with young children is the opportunity to experience life anew through eyes that know only wonder.
#DiploBrats #travel
#DiploBrats #travel
August 11, 2025 at 1:50 PM
One of the joys of serving overseas and traveling with young children is the opportunity to experience life anew through eyes that know only wonder.
#DiploBrats #travel
#DiploBrats #travel
Although weekends are made for exploring, I’ll be locked up for the next few to polish my manuscript for submission 😱
That’s right! The #DiploBrats #YA mission is now represented by @BookishNajla ✨
So very excited for this next adventure!
#WritingCommunity
That’s right! The #DiploBrats #YA mission is now represented by @BookishNajla ✨
So very excited for this next adventure!
#WritingCommunity
June 28, 2025 at 1:58 AM
Although weekends are made for exploring, I’ll be locked up for the next few to polish my manuscript for submission 😱
That’s right! The #DiploBrats #YA mission is now represented by @BookishNajla ✨
So very excited for this next adventure!
#WritingCommunity
That’s right! The #DiploBrats #YA mission is now represented by @BookishNajla ✨
So very excited for this next adventure!
#WritingCommunity
May 11, 2025 at 2:58 AM
Spending a Friday evening in Beijing introducing the #DiploBrats to labor rights and collective bargaining courtesy of @disney and #Newsies - God bless when good parenting meets full-throated irony!
May 9, 2025 at 12:04 PM
Spending a Friday evening in Beijing introducing the #DiploBrats to labor rights and collective bargaining courtesy of @disney and #Newsies - God bless when good parenting meets full-throated irony!
Sooooo excited to join @candace_kade_author for her cover reveal for Augmented!
Coming in September, releasing from @enclavepublishing, this is the final book in the trilogy!
#candacekade #enclavepublishing #enclaveescape #augmented #thehybridseries #yascifi #scifibooks #yabooks
Coming in September, releasing from @enclavepublishing, this is the final book in the trilogy!
#candacekade #enclavepublishing #enclaveescape #augmented #thehybridseries #yascifi #scifibooks #yabooks
March 13, 2025 at 9:51 PM
Sooooo excited to join @candace_kade_author for her cover reveal for Augmented!
Coming in September, releasing from @enclavepublishing, this is the final book in the trilogy!
#candacekade #enclavepublishing #enclaveescape #augmented #thehybridseries #yascifi #scifibooks #yabooks
Coming in September, releasing from @enclavepublishing, this is the final book in the trilogy!
#candacekade #enclavepublishing #enclaveescape #augmented #thehybridseries #yascifi #scifibooks #yabooks
January 29, 2025 at 1:50 PM
Joined what is quite possibly the largest modern annual human migration—Chinese New Year! We decamped to Hong Kong, and I can’t help but share some castle magic!
#DiploBrats #travel
#DiploBrats #travel
January 28, 2025 at 2:01 PM
Joined what is quite possibly the largest modern annual human migration—Chinese New Year! We decamped to Hong Kong, and I can’t help but share some castle magic!
#DiploBrats #travel
#DiploBrats #travel
Accept the lies their parents told to protect them or risk their lives in the shadowy worlds of diplomats and spies to get justice for the victims of war, including themselves?
When MG's Spy School & City Spies grow up...
#P2Ppit #YA #T #Q #agentguide
When MG's Spy School & City Spies grow up...
#P2Ppit #YA #T #Q #agentguide
January 17, 2025 at 2:06 PM
Accept the lies their parents told to protect them or risk their lives in the shadowy worlds of diplomats and spies to get justice for the victims of war, including themselves?
When MG's Spy School & City Spies grow up...
#P2Ppit #YA #T #Q #agentguide
When MG's Spy School & City Spies grow up...
#P2Ppit #YA #T #Q #agentguide