Donna grew up near Abingdon, Virginia in the valleys of the Holston River, and now lives in the mountains of western North Carolina. She credits hearing stories about Daniel Boone camping and his dogs being attacked by wolves in Abingdon with developing her love of history. She has combined her love of history, writing, and Appalachian heritage by writing two books about the area.

She has published short stories and poetry in Appalachian Heritage and Branches. Donna has received awards for short stories and poems in East Tennesse State University's Appalachian fiction contest and the Virginia Highlands Festival Creative Writing contest.

"Donna Akers is a wonderful writer, so entertaining that the story really takes over and history comes alive on the page before us. Great reading for all ages." - Lee Smith, award winning author of The Last Girls

"Readers young and old will find a treasure trove of Virginia history in this lovingly-crafted tale of Abingdon past and present" - Sharyn McCrumb, New York Times Best-Selling author of The Songcatcher