Online for Authors Episode 10-7-25

​The Deadly Donor Game: Heart Transplant Secrets with Thriller Author Cristina LePort

​Welcome to another thrilling post from Online for Authors. Today, I delve into the exciting world of thrillers and mysteries with none other than Cristina LePort, the brilliant author behind the gripping novel, Change of Heart. In our intriguing conversation, Cristina and I discuss the essence of her writing and what inspired her to weave a story that keeps readers on the edge of their seats.

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A Mystery Right from the Start

Cristina LePort is no stranger to building suspense, and she does it masterfully in Change of Heart. From the get-go, readers are plunged into a mystery revolving around an unusual rise in heart transplants in New York City, linked disturbingly to a spike in suicides. These incidents are methodically done to preserve the heart, making them ready for immediate transplantation. The plot thickens as questions arise: are these suicides or something more sinister?

The Love for Thrillers

Cristina’s passion for the thriller genre comes alive as she shares her journey into writing. Although she began writing in her late fifties, her love for thrillers had always been a constant. Her reading preferences naturally lent themselves to crafting narratives full of suspense and intrigue.

Real-Life Inspirations and Medical Mysteries

Drawing from her background as a cardiologist, Cristina chose to use her medical knowledge to heighten the stakes in her storyline. She explores the complex dynamics surrounding heart transplants, which require the tragic death of the organ donor to save another life. Fascinatingly, she integrates real medical advancements like the innovative "heart in a box," which allows hearts to be transported beyond the typical four-hour window.

Research: Bringing Characters to Life

Creating authentic characters involves extensive research. Cristina shared her meticulous process of researching the FBI and cybercrime for her characters. The protagonist, Charlotte Bloom, embarks on a journey reflecting Cristina’s own experiences in detailed research, although the cyber aspects proved challenging even for her!

The Craft of Writing

Cristina is a plotter at heart, preferring to sketch outlines to guide her storytelling. Her stories are enlivened through a balance of well-researched details and spontaneous creativity, leading to exhilarating reading experiences.

Upcoming Works and Inspirations

Cristina’s upcoming projects are just as fascinating. Her next book, Defrosted, slated for release in February 2026, is a mix of sci-fi and mystery. The story follows a doctor frozen in time, awakened 200 years later to solve a biological epidemic. This imaginative leap is grounded in real scientific endeavors.

Following Defrosted, her very first story, Dying to Remember, will be published. It embarks on a mind-bending journey of medical breakthroughs and memory, drawing readers into the enigmatic world of Kirk Miner.

Are you thrilled to explore Cristina LePort’s Change of Heart? Head over to the Novels N Latte Book Club on Facebook for a chance to win a digital copy. Share something you found intriguing or learned from our conversation to enter the drawing. Don’t forget to run to your nearest bookstore to grab a copy of Change of Heart, and make sure to leave a review; authors love hearing from their readers!

I hope you enjoyed this deep dive into Cristina's unique blend of thrills and medical mysteries. Until next time, happy reading!

Purchase Change of Heart on Amazon:
Paperback: https://amzn.to/4kStNav
Ebook: https://amzn.to/46TVLit

*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.