Interview with Christine Donovan, author of BlackJack

Christine Donovan is an International Bestselling Author and a PAN member of Romance Writers of America. She lives on the Southeast Coast of Massachusetts with her husband, four sons, one granddaughter and four cats. In addition to writing Contemporary Romance, she writers Regency and Paranormal Romance. When she is not writing or reading, she is either painting or gardening.

Her latest book is the contemporary romance, BlackJack.

For More Information

• Visit Christine Donovan’s website.
• Connect with Christine on Facebook and Twitter.
• Visit Christine’s blog.
• Contact Chistine.

About the Book:

Cole Jackson spends fifteen years in prison for a murder he did not commit, the murder of his wife, Lindsey.

His talent as a songwriter and an avid reader save him from the loneliness of the cold, dark and unforgiving prison walls. But as he joins the world of the free again, he struggles with his once again fame, because of his rock-n-roll band, of being a convicted killer and the fact that his self-esteem and self-respect were lost years ago. Prison will do that to you, not to mention drugs, alcohol and an unfaithful wife. He no longer has the drugs, the alcohol or the unfaithful wife. What he has is a tarnished reputation and the determination to find the true killer and restore his life.

Shannon Gallagher's hard work as a writer has finally paid off. She believes her life is complete living in her dream home on the ocean until she meets Cole Jackson. She idolized him at sixteen, cried at twenty-one when he went to prison. Now at thirty-six she meets him and falls instantly in love. But as Cole gets closer to his wife's killer, he puts Shannon's life in danger. Can he expose the murderer and keep Shannon safe?

For More Information

• BlackJack is available at Amazon.
• Pick up your copy at Barnes & Noble.
• Discuss this book at PUYB Virtual Book Club at Goodreads.

Q: Welcome to The Writer's Life!  Now that your book has been published, we’d love to find out more about the process.  Can we begin by having you take us at the beginning?  Where did you come up with the idea to write your book?

The idea for BlackJack came to me as I was driving down the highway listening to Aerosmith’s Greatest Hits. During that forty minute drive the whole book flew through my mind like a movie.  I couldn’t wait to get home and dive in to writing a book about a rock star who, after spending fifteen years in prison for a murder he didn’t commit, has to rebuild his life. Find his fans, clear his name and keep the new woman in his life safe.

Q: How hard was it to write a book like this and do you have any tips that you could pass on which would make the journey easier for other writers?

I’ve written some books that were hard, but BlackJack came easily. That’s not to say I didn’t have any problems with the book, I did. But as opposed to others I’ve written, which were like pulling words from my brain that didn’t want to come forward, BlackJack, came easy. Even during those difficult books, I kept at it. My advice for other writers, is keep writing and don’t give up. Sometimes words come easy and other times not, but in the end the finished novel will be worth the struggle it took to get to the last page.

Q: Who is your publisher and how did you find them or did you self-publish?

I am a self-published author.

Q: Is there anything that surprised you about getting your first book published?

When I published my first book in 2012, A Regency Romance, I was pleasantly surprised at how well it was received. As an Indie Published Author I had no idea what to expect and because it did so well I had the confidence to continue self-publishing. 

Q: What other books (if any) are you working on and when will they be published?

BlackJack is the first book in my new contemporary series, A Standish Bay Romance. The next book, Bridget, is already available and Mitch, will be out this month.

Q: What’s your favorite place to hang out online?

Pinterest. It is so fun to create boards. I could spend hours there, although I try not to.

Q: Finally, what message (if any) are you trying to get across with your book? 

I’m not convinced there is a message, but if I had to say I had one it would be redemption, forgiveness and love.

  

Q: Thank you again for this interview!  Do you have any final words?

It is an honor to be here with you today. Thank you for inviting me, I had a wonderful time.