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Today, Norm Goldman Publisher & Editor of Bookpleasures.com is pleased to have as our guest, JP O’Donnell author of Fatal Gamble: A Novel and Deadly Codes; A Gallagher Novel.

JP is a board-certified pediatric dentist who holds graduate degrees from the University of Pittsburgh and Tufts University. For more than thirty- five years he has been involved in clinical practice and dental education.

Good day JP and thanks for participating in our interview.

Norm:

How did you get started in writing? What keeps you going? Did you read any special books on how to write?

JP:

I have done a lot of writing in my professional career as a pediatric dentist and as a faculty member at Tufts University. Most of this writing included articles in dental journals on subjects such as pediatric oral pathology, clinical studies on sealants, and the field of special needs dentistry. I wrote an article on the management of pediatric dental trauma in a Special Issue of the Journal of the Massachusetts Dental Society, and the International College of Dentists recognized that journal with the Golden Pen award. It was so satisfying to have someone say I was a good writer. This award inspired me to keep writing and eventually venture into a new genre—mystery fiction.

Norm:

What, in your opinion, are the most important elements of good mystery writing?

JP:

The objective of all mystery writers is to keep the reader turning the pages. In Fatal Gamble and Deadly Codes I used short chapters and frequent scene changes to keep the story flowing. It’s also important to create “twists” so the reader is taken in different directions as he/she thinks along with the private detective to eventually solve the case.

Norm:

Does your writing career ever conflict with your career as a pediatric dentist? How do you balance the two?

JP:

I’m still actively involved in pediatric dentistry, not only in private practice but as a faculty member at Tufts University School of Dental Medicine. Fortunately, I am able to conduct my professional career on a part-time basis, so I can devote ample time to writing my Gallagher novels. If I was eighteen years old and starting all over again, I would still be a pediatric dentist. The kids are great fun, and I thoroughly enjoy treating them. The parents of my patients have been very supportive. Many of them have purchased my books and brought them into the office to be signed.

Norm:

Why have you been drawn to writing mystery thrillers?

JP:

It really happened unexpectedly. In the 1980s, I was involved in a real estate partnership that developed a medical office building. In 2006 the partnership had pretty much run its course and several partners were considering selling off their interests in anticipation of retirement. I thought it might be fun to fictionalize the story of how we built the building and then distribute copies of the “mystery” at our break-up dinner. As I began writing the story, three women in my office, who love mysteries, asked if they could read a few chapters. Within a short time, I would arrive at the office in the morning and find them at the door asking if I had written any more chapters. They couldn’t wait to find out what was happening to Gallagher and Kate. Their enthusiasm inspired me to keep writing. I finished Fatal Gamble in eight months and then began the arduous task of finding an agent and a publisher.

Norm:

How did you develop the plot and characters of both books? Did you use any set formula?

JP:

Except for the main theme of Fatal Gamble in which a group of doctors formed a real estate partnership, the plot and characters are a creation of my imagination. In both Fatal Gamble and the sequel, Deadly Codes, I wrote the first chapter and the last chapter, and then connected the rest of the story together.

Norm:

What was your main focus when you created your protagonist Gallagher and how did you go about creating him?

JP:

My father was a career fire-fighter in Scranton, Pennsylvania. He had a best friend named Bob Gallagher, but no one, including his wife, ever called him “Bob.” He was simply known as “Gallagher.” When I began writing Fatal Gamble, I thought that would be a great name for my protagonist. I also wanted Gallagher to be different from most private investigators who are usually “loners” without a permanent love interest. Gallagher loves Kate, but knows that his career as a private eye creates a conflict of priorities. What comes first? Kate or the irresistible, magnetic attraction to solving his mystery cases? I hope that this dilemma also creates emotional tension and conflict for the reader. Should Gallagher and Kate to stay safely together or should Gallagher go off and solve the mystery, even though danger appears to lurk around every corner?

Norm:

What kind of research did you do to write both of your books?

JP:

Most of my research was conducted through the Internet. There’s a wealth of information available—you just need to spend the time to dig it out.

Norm:

What do you see as the influences on your writing?

JP:

I try not to let other mystery writers influence my writing style. I do, however, read mystery thrillers for enjoyment. Some of my favorite authors are Harlan Coben, Michael Palmer and Tess Gerritsen. In fact, I took a fiction writing program in which Michael Palmer and Tess Gerritsen were the featured instructors. I learned a lot from them about how to structure and develop a mystery novel.

Norm:

What did you enjoy most about writing both of your books?

JP:

I love how the story unfolds in ways I never expected. Then my imagination takes over, and I just run with it. In Deadly Codes, Rebecca Johnson became a real person to me. She was deliciously evil. I had so much fun describing her every movement including the way she held a cigarette and drank her vodka.

Norm:

Are you working on any books/projects that you would like to share with us? (We would love to hear all about them!)

JP:

Yes, I’m working on the third book in the Gallagher novel series. I don’t want to give away too much about the plot, but suffice it to say that Kate disappears, and Gallagher uncovers a deep, dark secret about her past. Stay tuned.

Norm:

Where can our readers find out more about you and your books?

JP:

They can visit my website: www.jpodonnell.com. My books are available at barnesandnoble.com and amazon.com.

Norm:

Is there anything else you wish to add that we have not covered?

JP:

I never expected that I would be attending book signings, speaking to local book clubs or interviewed on the radio as an author. I truly appreciate the many calls, emails and letters I have received from people who read my first two novels. It remains a thrill to be told that someone has enjoyed my writing. I don’t know how long all of this will last, but I’m having fun.

Thanks once again and good luck with all of your future endeavors

Click Here To Purchase Deadly Codes

Click Here To Purchase Fatal Gamble: A Novel

Click Here To Read Norm's Review Of Deadly Codes

Click Here To Read Norm's Review of Fatal Gamble