Q&A with Jamie Donovan, author of The Wealthy Belgian

Q: What inspired you to write this book?
A: I’ve always wanted to write a book.  It’s been one of my life ambitions ever since I was twelve.

Q: Why a novel about a tavern?
A: I was inspired by Ed Burns’ earlier films – She’s The One and The Brothers’ McMullen.  I enjoyed those films, and I especially enjoyed the scenes where it was just the two brothers hashing things out over pints of beer.  I thought to myself, hey they could make a movie out of those scenes alone. 

Q: An entire movie?  Two guys talking and drinking beer?
A: Sounds tough to pull off, but I really thought it could be done.

Q: And hence, The Wealthy Belgian.
A: Sort of.  Eventually I came to the realization that it didn’t matter where the characters were, as long as the story was good.  So not all of the scenes are in the bar.  One of my pilot readers urged me to get the characters out of the bar from time to time.
 
Q: About the storyline.  Is this book about you?
A: I hope not.  My life wouldn’t make for good fiction. 

Q: But some of it’s based on personal experience.
A: Yeah.  Some of my personal challenges made their way in.  Unfortunately, warding off beautiful women isn’t one of them.

Q: Hmm.  So what kind of personal challenges?
A: Pregnancy, babies.  Much of the writing was done during my beloved’s pregnancy and times of nursing.  Hormones were definitely raging. 

Q: Yeah, it must have been hard to put up with you.
A: Laughter.

Q: So is Jason a reflection of yourself?
A: No, I would have played for The University of Georgia.

Q: Seriously.
A: You mean, just because we have the same initials?

Q: I’ll ask the questions.  So what do you hope people take away from this book?
A: Entertainment value.  Stirring a reader’s emotions and touching them in a way that leaves them with a positive vibe.

Q: How much do you hope to make from this book?
A: Right now, zero.

Q: Zero?
A: Yes.  I’m in the hole about $1,500 for production and marketing expenses.  I hope to sell enough copies to make that back.  Right now, zero would be sweet.

Q: This has been informative.  Maybe you could bump up the book’s financial goals.  I’ve always wanted a pair of diamond earrings, you know.
A: Yes, Sweetie.  I know.

Q: We’ll talk more about the hormone thing later.  And don’t forget.  You said you would unload the…
A: Yeah, babe.  Got the dishes covered.  Right after the game.

Q: (Frown.)
A: (Oblivious.)