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
After five years overseas, we are finally back!
July 4, 2026 at 1:52 AM
After five years overseas, we are finally back!
Couldn’t wait for my hardcopy to make it to Beijing, so I listened to the audiobook!
Let’s get the youth excited about running our world!
amzn.to/3Pn79xd
#DiploBrats #revoltingyouth
Let’s get the youth excited about running our world!
amzn.to/3Pn79xd
#DiploBrats #revoltingyouth
May 18, 2026 at 12:02 PM
Couldn’t wait for my hardcopy to make it to Beijing, so I listened to the audiobook!
Let’s get the youth excited about running our world!
amzn.to/3Pn79xd
#DiploBrats #revoltingyouth
Let’s get the youth excited about running our world!
amzn.to/3Pn79xd
#DiploBrats #revoltingyouth
Starting off Sunday morning in Beijing on a lovely, cracking 🎵
April 26, 2026 at 12:03 AM
Starting off Sunday morning in Beijing on a lovely, cracking 🎵
Exploring Singapore! 🇸🇬 our last Asia adventure before we return to the USA 🇺🇸 in July!
#DiploBrats #travel
#DiploBrats #travel
April 20, 2026 at 1:30 PM
Exploring Singapore! 🇸🇬 our last Asia adventure before we return to the USA 🇺🇸 in July!
#DiploBrats #travel
#DiploBrats #travel
First time eating Indian food at a hawker stand in Singapore 🇸🇬 and last Asia trip before we head back to the US of A! 🇺🇸
#DiploBrats #travel
#DiploBrats #travel
April 8, 2026 at 12:06 PM
First time eating Indian food at a hawker stand in Singapore 🇸🇬 and last Asia trip before we head back to the US of A! 🇺🇸
#DiploBrats #travel
#DiploBrats #travel
Definitely not in Bali anymore 🥴🤦🏻♀️😷
February 21, 2026 at 12:47 PM
Definitely not in Bali anymore 🥴🤦🏻♀️😷
Lots of creativity flowing after hitting all of my high notes in Bali! Natural beauty, art, food, culture, #diplobrats playing, and, of course, excellent coffee!!
#travel #writingcommunity
#travel #writingcommunity
February 21, 2026 at 1:56 AM
Lots of creativity flowing after hitting all of my high notes in Bali! Natural beauty, art, food, culture, #diplobrats playing, and, of course, excellent coffee!!
#travel #writingcommunity
#travel #writingcommunity
MV’s birthday meets lunar new year hits new heights with a Donovan family getaway in Bali!
#diplobrats #travel #author #ya
#diplobrats #travel #author #ya
February 17, 2026 at 12:14 PM
MV’s birthday meets lunar new year hits new heights with a Donovan family getaway in Bali!
#diplobrats #travel #author #ya
#diplobrats #travel #author #ya
China’s lunar new year spurs the world’s largest human migration. This year, we fled to Bali!
#diplobrats #travel
#diplobrats #travel
February 15, 2026 at 3:04 AM
China’s lunar new year spurs the world’s largest human migration. This year, we fled to Bali!
#diplobrats #travel
#diplobrats #travel
Tokyo, Disney, Nagano skiing, Nara, Kyoto & Oooooosaka!
Thank you for a fabulous final R&R and an inspired start to the New Year!
US bound in t-minus 5 months and twenty-eight days!
#DiploBrats
Thank you for a fabulous final R&R and an inspired start to the New Year!
US bound in t-minus 5 months and twenty-eight days!
#DiploBrats
January 3, 2026 at 10:44 AM
Tokyo, Disney, Nagano skiing, Nara, Kyoto & Oooooosaka!
Thank you for a fabulous final R&R and an inspired start to the New Year!
US bound in t-minus 5 months and twenty-eight days!
#DiploBrats
Thank you for a fabulous final R&R and an inspired start to the New Year!
US bound in t-minus 5 months and twenty-eight days!
#DiploBrats
From the real-life Donovan’s- Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good night! 💕 from Japan, and so very ready to be back in the US of A this summer!!
December 24, 2025 at 10:40 AM
From the real-life Donovan’s- Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good night! 💕 from Japan, and so very ready to be back in the US of A this summer!!
Checked another site off the China bucket list! We loved Xi’an for its historical significance, awesome food, and color!
#DiploBrats
#DiploBrats
December 2, 2025 at 12:40 PM
Checked another site off the China bucket list! We loved Xi’an for its historical significance, awesome food, and color!
#DiploBrats
#DiploBrats
Happiest of Thanksgivings to you and yours!
November 27, 2025 at 11:19 PM
Happiest of Thanksgivings to you and yours!
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