Portuguese: Brief Biography

Donna Hodges is an American playwright and novelist who writes under the pen-name Portuguese. Born in Pensacola, FL, Donna began developing her skill for writing during her time in the United States Navy. Overtime she developed a great interest in the means by which a story can be told thru romance; consequently, she has self-published 4 romance novels since 2002.

In 2006 Donna expanded into the world of live theater with her introductory play: I'm Sorry Momma. The play, a redemptive family drama,  debuted in Augusta, GA on July 21, 2007 at the Historic Imperial Theater. The success of this play was followed by Excuse Me Miss in 2009 and Steppin Out in 2013. She is currently completing work on Institutionalized, which is scheduled to debut in the Spring of 2014.

Adding to repertoire of writing, Donna wrote her first children's book: Cripple Like Me  in 2007. Our Youth Are Ruinin' Me followed in 2009. 

The mother of two sons lives in Augusta, GA with her husband, Terry Hodges. 

A complete collection of her writings is listed below. 

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Romance Novels

Written in a conversational-narrative tone, her romance novels are colored with a hint of an African-American Antebellum charm laid against the backdrop of an modern Southern reality. Through the extraordinary passions of her ordinary characters, her readers are reminded that loves - - both lost and found, mark the turning points in our lives. 

List of Works:

• Essence of Innocence (2002)
• Secret Lies (2005)
• Excuse Me Miss But I am in Love with Your Husband (2008)
• That Woman's House (2013) 

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Stage Plays:
Her stage plays are a unique addition to the growing theatrical landscape among African American playwrights in the American South. Each of her works explore the dynamics of dominant matriarchal figures and the families that look to them for strength, love and often forgiveness. 
List of Works:

• I'm Sorry Momma (2007)
• Excuse Me Miss (2009)
• Steppin' Out (2013) 
• Institutionalized (Scheduled to debut in 2014)

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Children's Books:

Her children's books address the personal identity and self-esteem issues that exist among African American youth. As each story unfolds, Donna promotes self acceptance among our youth for their own unique characteristics and as well as those within their peer groups. 

List of works:

• Cripple Like Me (2007)
• Our Youth Are Ruinin' Me (2009) 

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Short Stories:

Donna is currently working on a collection of short stories, which will include stories of different genres with an eclectic mix of characters. 

Completed Works to Date:

• Grandpa's Dilemma 
• What About Darius

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To find out more about the author please visit her website at:

Portuguese Productions

Follow her on Facebook at:
Portuguese