Video Interview of the author of the Breathing Series by Rebecca Donovan

WHO AM I: Optimism seeps from every pore of my body. I truly believe what’s supposed to happen… will. In that regard, I don’t know how to give up; it’s not part of my biological make-up.

I’m a passionate (and some would say overly enthusiastic) individual. I learn by doing (and have been burned more times than I’d like to admit). But I will always throw my entire self into whatever I do – fail or succeed.

I think this is evident when I write. I leave nothing behind, and spill it all out onto the pages. I give it all to my readers – love it or hate it.

The path I’m on is very often my own. Sometimes I veer off at the sight of something more interesting or captivating and get caught in the vines and thorns in order to experience the beauty and intrigue others often pass by. And I always meet the most interesting people along the way…

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When I first met Rebecca at the author event she was engrossed in talking and taking photo pics with her fans! She has stunning good looks and a heart of gold when it comes to caring about people and her fans. Go check out her new web site: http://www.rebeccadonovan.com/ – you will know what I am talking about.  Rebecca was approachable to her fans and I watched her time and time again comfort her fans that thought the world of her series and may have experienced some sort of abuse like her main character in her book.  It was like watching a Rock Star signing.

Rebecca gave out her breathing symbol she has tattooed on her shoulder: 

Thank you for taking the time to answer questions from Andrea’s Book Blog!

When did you first start writing and what made you decide to write in this genre?

I’ve always written – whether it was journaling, poetry, captured emotions. But it was the snowy winter of 2009 in Bristol, Rhode Island when I was laid-off that I decided to attempt a novel. I found it instantaneously addicting and couldn’t stop until all three novels of The Breathing Series were completed. I didn’t necessarily choose this genre, it chose me when I had a bout of insomnia and tried to force a dream to get me back to sleep. Images of this guy and girl in an art room captivated me, and a heart-stopping kiss later, I had the beginning of Reason to Breathe.

The title of your second book, Barely Breathing, describes exactly how I felt the whole time reading it. Emma’s (Emily) journeys in the first two books are very believable and very intense.  Did you do any research before writing this book?

I have a degree in psychology, and after college, I worked in human services for three years with troubled teens. Their stories became my inspiration. Yes, there is plenty of research interspersed throughout this story, but the intimate knowledge of what a teenager goes through in an abusive home was witnessed first hand.

How long did it take you to write and publish your first book? 

I hate the snow. So I locked myself away most of the winter I wrote Reason to Breathe, allowing me to complete the first draft within six weeks. But it was two years later before I took the chance to independently publish the story. I wanted to be certain it was worthy of being judged by the world, and after forcing it on anyone who would listen to me, editing it, over-editing, then fixing all that I messed up by editing too much, I read an article about eBooks and how they were outselling paperbacks. So I did research on self-publishing, deciding that was the route I wanted to explore.

What has been the toughest criticism given to you as an author? What has been the best compliment?

I try my best not to dwell on the criticism. Not everyone is going to appreciate my style of writing or the stories I create. I had to recognize early on that I’m writing for me – because it’s who I am. Remaining true to my voice is what’s the most important. Knowing that others are listening to this voice, and that it’s making an emotional impact on them is the best compliment in the world.

There was a bit of a break between your second release and the last installment of the Breathing Series coming out in July.  Would mind telling us what you were up to? Are you writing another book?

I may have written all three novels in succession during the winter of 2009, but Barely Breathing and Out of Breath were far from what they have now become. I chose to write them over from beginning to end, using the original drafts as outlines. So after I published Barely Breathing , I rewrote Out of Breath. That in itself took time. And in the interim, I was approached by an agent and by publishers. Once I signed with Trident Media Group, Penguin UK/Razorbill and Amazon Children’s Publishing/Skyscape, I had to edit… all three books… twice (one version for the UK edition, and the other for the North American edition). That’s over 1,500 pages, and fourteen rounds of editing in six months time. Deadlines. Deadlines. Deadlines. Traditionally publishing takes time. It’s been a crazy, amazing process, but the result is a series I’m so very proud to have my name displayed on their covers.

Now to the important stuff: can you tell us a about Out of Breath?!!  Please tell me you are leaving it with a happy ending!  Your cliff-hangers are killing me and I would like to have a nice July 4th 🙂

Out of Breath is the conclusion of Emma’s story. It ends at a very clear point in the characters’ lives, without a need to continue. All I can assure you is that it’s not a cliff-hanger ending.

You were self-published for the first two books – Reason to Breathe and Barely Breathing – and now you have signed with Amazon Publishing/Skyscape – Congratulations!  Now that the Breathing Series’ final installment Out of Breath is releasing on July 2nd, what kind of projects are you working on next? 

My head is full of endless stories I cannot wait to express in written forms– to share with my passionate and amazing audience. Time, on the other hand, can be elusive and tricky to capture, so as soon as I can escape from everything for a while, I will begin the story of Cal and Nyelle. The novel will be told through Cal’s point of view. His voice is distinct, and I can’t wait for you to hear it too!

 Ohhhh that sounds good I can’t wait!

Andrea’s book blog believes in helping others help themselves. Are there any charities or organizations that you support? 

Bringing awareness to social issues through my novels is important to me. I’m in awe of the messages I receive from survivors of abuse, or those who have been inspired to make a difference by contributing their time and passion toward a cause. The smallest efforts can make the biggest difference, starting with hope and compassion. Be human. Be kind. And the world will be better for it.


These are the two organizations the author suggest you can contact for support:

http://youtu.be/iTj6xQ0UAiA

—–> pre-order/ goes live July 2