Heather’s Bookshelf: Author Interview with Deanna Jackson
Book Title: Mr. Christmas
Released: 10/13/20
Genre: Holiday Short Story Romance
Interview by Heather L. Barksdale
What inspired you to write “Mr. Christmas”?
Jackson: Mr. Christmas is loosely based off of my childhood. My dad was Mr. Christmas, in a way, and had a very similar Christmas display as described in the story. He passed away almost 20 years ago, but I choose to keep his spirit alive through having my own display now, that my awesome husband helps me put up every year. His obituary actually referred to him as Mr. Christmas, and I really wanted to share him and his love for the holiday with the world.
Is there anything that you want readers to know about you, your writing process, or your book?
Jackson: I let the seasons inspire my stories. If it’s summer, I like to write a story about the summer love. If it’s fall/ Halloween, I like to write stories about that holiday. Christmas is my favorite time of year, so I can write a Christmas story any day out of the year . I write reviews for Hallmark Publishing, so I am a true Hallmarkie (addicted to Hallmark hahaha) So naturally anything I write will have romance and a happy ending.
If "Mr. Christmas" were adapted into a movie, who would you like to see cast to play your lead characters?
Jackson: I have thought about this! I have had people tell me it would make a great Hallmark Christmas movie, so I would have Lacey Chabert play Leann and Tyler Hynes as Andy. Mr. Christmas would go to Donavan Scott. He played “Santa Claus” in one of my favorite movies, and I think he would be perfect for the role.
When you encounter writer’s block, what do you do to break yourself out of it?
Jackson: I read. I write romance, so I buy a new book or grab a old one from the shelf and lose myself in it. I think it helps get my mind working again.
What is your favorite book, genre, and/or author?
Jackson: My favorite genre is romance, but oddly enough my favorite book is The Book of Lost Things by John Connolly. It is a fantasy novel with zero romance. I read it when I was younger, and I think his imaginative storytelling really stuck with me. It was the one book that made me want to start writing. I don’t have a favorite author. I enjoy reading different styles and genres, so its hard to just pick one.
Are there any tips that you would like to share with other aspiring authors?
Jackson: Don’t beat yourself up if you don’t write every day. I know there are a lot of inspirational quotes out there telling you to do the opposite, but I think forcing yourself is a waste of time. Readers don’t know, or care, how long it takes you to write something. Finish it on your time. It is more gratifying to know you gave it your all when you did sit down to write, versus writing something that you couldn’t put your whole heart into.
What are you working on next?
Jackson: Right now I am editing my novella, and writing the sequel to Mr. Christmas. I hope both will be published in 2021.
Find out more about the author here:
Blog- www.thewackywriter.com
Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/confessionsofawackywriter/
Twitter- https://twitter.com/JackDeanna
Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/thewackywriter
Interested in checking out the book for yourself?
Find it for purchase here or on Kindle Unlimited:
(paid link by Amazon Associates)
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