About Donahue B. Silvis

Hello, and welcome. My name is Donahue B. Silvis — author, storyteller, former actor, and lifelong student of imagination. My creative path began on the stage, where I immersed myself in performance at the renowned Pasadena Playhouse. It was there that I first understood the force a story could carry when voice, character, and emotion unite. Later, I continued my education at Florida Atlantic University, where I earned a degree in film studies and creative writing, shaping the foundation of the work I do today.

Before turning fully to novels, I built a career in film as both an actor and screenwriter, becoming a member of the Screen Actors Guild and spending years close to the camera. That experience gave me a cinematic eye and a deep respect for pacing, tension, and character — qualities that continue to influence my writing. Eventually, storytelling through prose became my home, and I shifted my focus from screen to page, where I could explore worlds without limitation.

I now live and write in Naples, Florida, surrounded by sun, sea air, and endless inspiration. Over the years, I have written across a range of genres, including crime thrillers, psychological drama, historical fiction, science fiction, and even an illustrated children’s book. Whether I am following a relentless detective, digging into the dark past of wartime Europe, or imagining futures not yet seen, my goal remains the same: to create stories that grip the reader, stir the emotions, and linger in the mind long after the final chapter.

My writing is driven by character and curiosity. I am fascinated by human motive — the choices we make, the lies we tell, the secrets we bury, and the truths we fear. I believe that the most powerful stories, no matter their setting, must draw on genuine human emotion. In my work, I strive to build characters who feel real and flawed, and to place them in narratives that challenge them, transform them, or, at times, destroy them. Whether the tale unfolds through crime, suspense, or history, the humanity of the character — not the plot twist — is what gives the story its soul.

When I am not writing, I enjoy classic films, long walks that allow stories to unspool in my thoughts, and quiet time at home in Naples with my wife, Katie. Creativity, for me, is a lifelong pursuit. Each story is a new challenge and a new chance to grow, and I continue to approach the page with the same curiosity that first drew me to storytelling.

Thank you for taking the time to learn a little about me and for exploring my work. I hope the stories I create offer escape, excitement, and moments that stay with you. It is my greatest pleasure to share them with readers like you.

— Donahue B. Silvis

Interviews

Ex-actor, screenwriter rekindles love of writing by Lauren Schoepfer