Barbara K. McDonald was born and raised on Long Island, New York. During her adult life, she has traveled extensively throughout the country. The deep respect and admiration for those individuals, who set out in covered wagons and followed trails westward, braving every adversity imaginable all for the sake of pursuing their dream inspired her to write her first novel, Memories Stir the Heart.

Looking at the milestones of life, as seen in our everyday reality as well as a reality, which is a shade different, was the inspiration of the anthology, Shades of Reality. The stories as varied and diverse as life itself include: imaginary friends, first best friends, relationships, the ordinary and not so ordinary people we meet along the various paths traveled in life, in addition to dreams, nightmares, and experiences we wish were merely nightmares.

She currently resides in Arkansas and is working on her next novel.