|
|
|
|
Blogs by L.T. Suzuki
Heidi Garrett Interview
6/15/2013 2:33:55 PM
Fantasy author Heidi Garrett discusses her new faerie series and the writing life!
LTS: Do you love enchanting tales set in an imaginary world filled with fantastical beings? Well then, you’ll enjoy meeting my featured author, Heidi Garrett, the creator of The Queen of the Faerie series. I’d like to begin by having you share a little information about yourself with our readers, Heidi. What do you enjoy doing when you are not writing?
HG: Spending time with my husband and my cats. I love cooking and reading. I also have several favorite TV shows I enjoying watching. Occasional trips. However, writing and being an indie author fills a lot of time.
LTS: Has writing stories always been a part of your life and becoming a published author a lifelong dream?
HG: It’s funny, I never even considered that I might become an author until I was in my twenties. I grew up in the shadows of people who I believed were much better writers than I could ever be. However, I’ve always written. Putting words on the page is as necessary to my life as breathing. So whether its been journals, poetry, song lyrics, or stories, I’ve always thrilled at the blank page.
LTS: The Queen of the Faerie series has been receiving some great reviews, Heidi. What was the inspiration behind this fantasy series and can you tell us a little bit about your protagonist, the wingless faerie Melia?
HG: My grandmother and my relationship with her was the seed. The story—in its broadest sense—came to me the moment she passed. I was with her when she took her last breath and it was a deeply spiritual experience. The story came to me in that moment.
As a half-faerie, Melia straddles two very different worlds. My own experience has left me fascinated with the ideas of borders and the interactions between different cultures, especially as they are played out between the individuals who cross the invisible lines.
LTS: Without giving away too much, can you reveal what’s in store for the readers when they crack open the first novel in The Queen of the Faerie series?
HG: A journey of self-discovery in a fantastical world. It’s also a book about relationships. Ironically most journey’s about self-discovery are about relationship. It’s also quirky and whimsical, as well as dark. And it’s epic, but it all starts with one half-faerie and her best friend, a pixie.
LTS: The road to publication is difficult at the best of times. What made you decide to take the indie route and self-publish your novels?
HG: I’d gone through two rounds of submissions and rejections. After the last round of rejections, I worked another year on my project. I intended to query again after the holidays. However, my husband gave me an iPhone for Christmas. I loved it so much, I searched for apps so I could use it more often. I’d heard of Twitter, so I downloaded the app on a whim. I was shocked to find myself immediately hooked. There’s a huge writing/publishing community on Twitter. That was December/January 2012. Amanda Hocking had just hit big. When I read her story my insides ignited. I never considered querying another agent.
LTS: What is the best and the worst part of being an indie author? Would you recommend this method of publishing to others?
HG: The best part: You’ll never write a book that won’t get published. That’s motivating. Sitting down to write a book that you know will be published transforms the entire process. It infuses it with a level of energy that potential rejection deflates. The worst part is the massive amount of work involved. It’s a lot of work. I would definitely recommend self-publishing to others. I personally think it’s the most effective way to grow as a writer.
LTS: What is the most important lesson you’ve learned on the road to publication?
HG: The value of patience, or maybe endurance. Definitely, the value of time. Give things time. Be patient with yourself. It’s unlikely you’ll get things 100% right out of the gate, but as long as you’re willing to learn and grow, over time some amazing things can blossom.
LTS: I admit I am one of those who will judge a book by its cover. Your book covers are beautiful! Do you mind sharing who created these images for you?
HG: That’s a great question. My husband. I always wanted him to do the covers, but since he studied oils, he wasn’t comfortable taking on a digital project. After our original covers didn’t pan out, I convinced him—begged and pleaded—to give it a shot. I’m so glad he did. I love to see what he comes up with. I think they’re beautiful, too.
LTS: WOW! Tell your husband he did a fabulous job! Now, still on the subject of writing styles, are you a plotter or pantser? The readers would like to know if you tend to plot out your story line in great detail or if your writing is more organic with the characters and events unfolding as you write.
HG: I plot out my storyline, but not in detail. I know all the main points, arcs I want/need to hit, but I leave room for surprises. I write in layers. The first draft is usually the shortest and lacking in scenes. That gives my subconscious time to work. Each time I go back and revise, interesting connections and details will surface. That’s one of my favorite parts about the writing process.
LTS: Some authors meditate, others need to fuel up on coffee or listen to music. Do you have any rituals, ones that can be shared with the readers, that you must do before you hunker down for a writing session?
HG: Feed the cats. Make green tea. Say hello to Twitter. Surf the net a bit. Once I’ve checked into the world around me and know everything’s okay, I’m ready to dive into that deeper place that I prefer to write from.
LTS: At one time or another, most writers hit the wall and their work stalls because of the dreaded writer’s block. What do you do to get around or over this mental wall to resume writing?
HG: I have several approaches. 1. I talk through whatever the problem is with my husband. Although he’s not a writer, he’s an avid fan of fantasy. I call him my secret weapon because he can almost always help me solve my plot problems. 2. I lie on the floor and do deep breathing. Breath connects the body and mind. It activates the subconscious. Sometimes when I do this, amazing things float into consciousness. Things that feel like a gift. 3. My last resort is taking a blank page and writing down what I’m struggling with. Often this can lead to a solution, but it’s my least favorite method.
LTS: Who is your favourite author and how has he/she inspired you to write or influenced your writing style or choice of genre?
HG: My favorite contemporary author is Alice Hoffman. She’s described her books as gritty fairy tales. Her writing style is mystical and full of poetry. Reading her books never fails to move me. However, I also discovered Gabriel Garcia Marquez about a year ago and became fascinated with his style and voice. I can’t say if or how much my writing reflects either of their work because they are so far beyond me, however I love reading them. The most direct influence on my series has been the Lord of the Rings. Like LOTR, the QotRoF is an epic fantasy of fellowship.
LTS: What do you foresee in your future over the next five years and do you hope to branch out from fantasy into other genres? When can your fans expect Book Three of The Queen of the Faerie series to be released?
HG: My plans are to complete The Queen of the Realm of Series, which I currently anticipate being between five to seven books. The Dragon Carnivale, Book 3, will be released Tuesday, June 18, along with True Love’s First Kiss, which is a compilation of the first three books in the series. My dream is to one day write a book in the genre of Magical Realism. However, I don’t think I’ll every stray from the fantastical. Its inherent acknowledgment of other layers of reality best represents my core of values.
Lorna, Thank you for inviting me and giving me the opportunity to share The Queen of the Realm of Faerie with you and your readers.
LTS: You’re welcome, Heidi! It was my pleasure! Thank you so much for taking the time for doing this interview and sharing in your writing experiences and novels! Catch you on Twitter.
For more information about Heidi and her novels, check out:
Website: www.heidigwrites.blogspot.com
Follow Heidi on Twitter: .heidigwrites
Where to buy the book:
Amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/HeidiGarrett/e/B008Y61UYM/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_1
Barnes & Noble:
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/nandanas-mark-heidi-garrett/1112474235?ean=2940014866026
iTunes:
https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/nandanas-mark/id554801786?mt=11
Kobo:http://www.kobobooks.com/ebook/Nandanas-Mark/book-5QRlT0vKTU6bG21Xg23lwA/page1.html?s=M5ypLcMru068d0DFZTpMtA&r=4
Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/HeidiG
Comments (1)
More Blogs by L.T. Suzuki
• Heidi Garrett Interview - Saturday, June 15, 2013
• Loren Kleinman Interview - Saturday, June 08, 2013
• Leanne Shirtliffe Interview - Saturday, June 01, 2013
• Hannah Fielding Interview - Saturday, May 25, 2013
• Erica Lucke Dean Interview - Saturday, May 18, 2013
• Amber Lea Easton Interview - Sunday, May 12, 2013
• Ruth Nestvold Interview - Saturday, May 04, 2013
• Rose Garcia Interview - Saturday, April 20, 2013
• Robert Pruneda Interview - Saturday, April 13, 2013
• Lance Burson Interview - Saturday, April 06, 2013
• Rachel Thompson Interview: - Saturday, March 23, 2013
• Samantha Martin Interview - Saturday, March 16, 2013
• Lisette Brodey Interview - Saturday, March 09, 2013
• Jack Whyte Interview Part Two - Saturday, March 02, 2013
• Jack Whyte Interview Part One - Saturday, February 23, 2013
• Molly Greene Interview - Saturday, February 16, 2013
• Dionne Lister Interview - Saturday, February 09, 2013
• Anita Reynolds MacArthur Interview: - Saturday, February 02, 2013
• Alicia Kat Dillman Interview - Saturday, January 26, 2013
• John Gregory Hancock Interview - Saturday, January 19, 2013
• Adriana Ryan Interview - Saturday, January 12, 2013
• Jennifer McConnel Interview - Friday, January 04, 2013
• S.M. Boyce Interview - Saturday, December 15, 2012
• James Tallett Interview - Saturday, December 08, 2012
• Melissa McPhail Interview - Saturday, December 01, 2012
• Roz Morris Interview - Sunday, November 18, 2012
• Tania Johansson Interview - Saturday, November 10, 2012
• Dale Ivan Smith Interview - Sunday, November 04, 2012
• Respect Your Readers - Sunday, October 28, 2012
• Greta van der Rol Interview - Sunday, October 21, 2012
• Justin Bog Interview - Saturday, October 13, 2012
• Thanksgiving Day: Gratitude - Saturday, October 06, 2012
• Steena Holmes Interview - Saturday, September 29, 2012
• Kenneth Hoss Interview - Saturday, September 22, 2012
• Patty Jansen Interview - Saturday, September 15, 2012
• Joshua E. Bigger Interview - Saturday, September 08, 2012
• Joyce Damask Interview - Saturday, September 01, 2012
• Marketing & Twitter - Saturday, August 25, 2012
• Henry Herz Interview - Saturday, August 18, 2012
• Kristin Bair O'Keeffe Interview - Sunday, August 12, 2012
• William Linde Interview - Saturday, August 04, 2012
• Micheal Rivers Interview - Saturday, July 21, 2012
• Robert James Russell Interview - Saturday, July 14, 2012
• Becka Sutton Interview - Saturday, July 07, 2012
• Canadian Authors Feature - Saturday, June 30, 2012
• Gini Koch Interview - Sunday, June 17, 2012
• M. Pax Interview - Saturday, June 09, 2012
• Karina Halle Interview - Saturday, June 02, 2012
• Novice Writing Mistakes - Sunday, May 27, 2012
• Pippa Jay Interview - Sunday, May 20, 2012
• Glenn Starkey Interview - Saturday, May 12, 2012
• Maurice G. Nicholson Interview - Saturday, May 05, 2012
• How I Select Followers on Twitter - Saturday, April 28, 2012
• Shaun Allan Interview - Sunday, April 22, 2012
• Darlene Foster Interview - Saturday, April 14, 2012
• Kim Aleksander Interview - Saturday, April 07, 2012
• Hope Collier Interview - Saturday, March 31, 2012
• John Kolson’s Writeado: A New Online Writing Tool - Saturday, March 24, 2012
• Jeff Shanley Interview - Saturday, March 17, 2012
• Stephen England Interview - Saturday, March 10, 2012
• Everett Powers Interview - Saturday, March 03, 2012
• The Kindle Prime Experiment - Saturday, February 25, 2012
• Edward Lazellari Interview - Saturday, February 18, 2012
• Connie J. Jasperson Interview - Saturday, February 11, 2012
• Sally Dubats - Saturday, February 04, 2012
• Selecting Writers For My Author Feature - Sunday, January 29, 2012
• Tarek Refaat Interview - Sunday, January 22, 2012
• Toby Neal Interview: - Saturday, January 14, 2012
• Thomas A. Knight Interview - Sunday, January 08, 2012
• Linda Poitevin Interview - Sunday, January 01, 2012
• 2011: A Year in Review - Monday, December 26, 2011
• Angeline Kace Interview - Sunday, December 18, 2011
• Eden Baylee Interview - Saturday, December 10, 2011
• Cyndi Tefft Interview - Saturday, December 03, 2011
• The Conference Experience - Sunday, November 27, 2011
• A.R. Silverberry Interview - Sunday, November 20, 2011
• Suzy Turner Interview - Sunday, November 13, 2011
• Patti Roberts Interview - Sunday, November 06, 2011
• Raine Thomas Interview - Sunday, October 23, 2011
• LK Gardner-Griffie Interview - Saturday, October 15, 2011
• Jonathan Gould Interview - Saturday, October 08, 2011
• Brian Rathbone Interview - Saturday, October 01, 2011
• Matthew Merrick Interview - Sunday, September 25, 2011
• Dean Lappi Interview - Saturday, September 17, 2011
• J.T. Ellison Interview - Sunday, September 11, 2011
• Carolyn Arnold Interview - Sunday, September 04, 2011
• John Kolson Interview - Sunday, August 21, 2011
• Megan Curd Interview - Saturday, August 06, 2011
• Elena Aitken - Sunday, July 31, 2011
• When Book Reviews are Misleading… - Sunday, July 24, 2011
• Deborah Riley-Magnus - Saturday, July 16, 2011
• Jessica Subject Interview - Sunday, July 10, 2011
• J. Alexander Greenwood Interview: - Sunday, July 03, 2011
• When Social Networking is no so social... - Monday, June 27, 2011
• Dannie C. Hill - Monday, June 20, 2011
• Shay Fabbro Interview - Tuesday, June 14, 2011
• Genevieve P. Ching Interview - Monday, June 06, 2011
• Al Boudreau Interview - Monday, May 30, 2011
• Jennifer Hudock Interview - Monday, May 23, 2011
• Paul Mansfield Keefe Interview - Monday, May 16, 2011
• Rusty Fischer Interview - Monday, May 09, 2011
• Jason McIntyre Interview - Monday, May 02, 2011
• Emlyn Chand & Novel Publicity - Monday, April 25, 2011
• Steve Umstead Interview - Monday, April 18, 2011
• John Betcher Interview - Monday, April 11, 2011
• Kimberly Kinrade Interview - Monday, April 04, 2011
• Inspiration & Where You Find It - Monday, March 28, 2011
• Christie Yant - Tuesday, March 22, 2011
• Amy J. Rose David Interview - Monday, March 14, 2011
• George H. Sirois Interview - Monday, March 07, 2011
• Linda Nagata Interview - Monday, February 28, 2011
• Adventures in Editing or... Is it Done Yet? - Monday, February 21, 2011
• Greg Messel Interview - Monday, February 14, 2011
• Jen Wylie Interview - Monday, February 07, 2011
• Katie M. John Interview - Monday, January 31, 2011
• How Do You Measure Success: - Tuesday, January 25, 2011
• Avery Tingle Interview - Monday, January 17, 2011
• Kristie Cook Interview - Tuesday, January 11, 2011
• Ren Cummins - Tuesday, January 04, 2011
• A Wish For the New Year - Tuesday, December 28, 2010
• Trish Wolfe Interview - Monday, December 20, 2010
• Jesi Lea Ryan Interview - Monday, December 13, 2010
• Cat Connor Interview - Monday, December 06, 2010
• How to Make a Story Ring True - Monday, November 29, 2010
• Sharon Bially Interview - Monday, November 22, 2010
• Donna Carrick Interview - Monday, November 15, 2010
• Brenda Sedore Interview - Tuesday, November 09, 2010
• Robert Feagan Interview - Monday, November 01, 2010
• Of Book Signings, Volunteering & Option Agreements… - Tuesday, October 26, 2010
• Daryl Sedore Interview - Monday, October 18, 2010
• Seven Day Blog Tour Begins October 17th - Tuesday, October 12, 2010
• Todd A. Ritter Interview - Monday, October 04, 2010
• Cheryl Kaye Tardif Interview - Monday, September 27, 2010
• Claude Bouchard Interview - Tuesday, September 21, 2010
• Dr. Peter Clement Interview - Tuesday, September 14, 2010
• Elizabeth Isaacs Interview - Monday, September 06, 2010
• Introducing a New YA Fantasy - Monday, August 30, 2010
• Interview with Author Gene Doucette - Monday, August 23, 2010
• It's All About the Books Part 2 - Monday, August 16, 2010
• It's All About the Books - Monday, August 09, 2010
• When to Abandon Your Manuscript - Monday, August 02, 2010
• 1st Anniversary Blog: A Celebration of Authors - Tuesday, July 27, 2010
• Kathy Chung & the SiWC Part Twp - Tuesday, July 20, 2010
• Kathy Chung & the Surrey International Writers Conference Part One - Tuesday, July 13, 2010
• Deanna Jewel Interview - Tuesday, July 06, 2010
• The Happiest Indie Author (me) in the World! - Tuesday, June 29, 2010
• The Author Effect - Tuesday, June 22, 2010
• Jacqueline Pearce Interview - Tuesday, June 15, 2010
• Peggy Richardson Interview - Tuesday, June 08, 2010
• Wendy Nelson Tokunaga Interview - Tuesday, June 01, 2010
• The Importance of a Critique Group - Saturday, May 29, 2010
• Zoe Winters Interview - Tuesday, May 18, 2010
• Zoe Winters Interview - Tuesday, May 11, 2010
• Tonya R. Moore Interview - Monday, May 03, 2010
• Write On Bowen! - Monday, April 26, 2010
• Dayna Hester Interview - Monday, April 19, 2010
• Luke Romyn Interview - Monday, April 12, 2010
• Rhonda Carpenter Interview - Monday, March 29, 2010
• Lacey Weatherford Interview - Monday, March 22, 2010
• K.M. Weiland Interview - Tuesday, March 16, 2010
• Mark Coker, CEO of Smashwords Interview! - Tuesday, March 09, 2010
• Jo Lynne Valerie Interview - Tuesday, March 02, 2010
• Dan McNeil Interview - Tuesday, February 23, 2010
• Catherine McKenzie Interview - Tuesday, February 16, 2010
• 8 Years of Writing! 8 eBook Winners! - Sunday, February 07, 2010
• Birthday Blog (or an Ode to Aging Gracelessly) - Monday, January 18, 2010
• Interview with Paranormal Author Kate Austin - Monday, January 11, 2010
• Riley Carney Interview - Tuesday, January 05, 2010
• Ask an Editor - Monday, December 28, 2009
• Lee Edward Fodi Interview - Monday, December 21, 2009
• Interview with YA Author James McCann - Tuesday, December 15, 2009
• Researching Historical Fiction with Diana Gabaldon - Tuesday, December 08, 2009
• kc dyer Interview & Enter to Win an Autographed Novel! - Tuesday, December 01, 2009
• Bev Katz Rosenbaum Interview - Tuesday, November 24, 2009
• Writing Tips I Learned from Terry Brooks - Tuesday, November 17, 2009
• An Interview with Tamara Sheehan - Monday, November 09, 2009
• YA Author Loreena M. Lee Interview - Tuesday, November 03, 2009
• Why Do I Blog About Other Authors? - Thursday, October 29, 2009
• Critique by Author Jack Whyte - Tuesday, October 27, 2009
• BookCamp 2009 - Monday, October 19, 2009
• Participating at VCON 34 - Wednesday, October 14, 2009
• Therese Walsh Interview - Tuesday, October 06, 2009
• Interview with Debra Purdy Kong - Tuesday, September 29, 2009
• Twitter – The Power of the Tweet - Tuesday, September 22, 2009
• Part Two: Publishing in a Foreign Market - Tuesday, September 15, 2009
• An Interview with author Christopher Belton - Tuesday, September 08, 2009
• Part Two of the Caroline Leavitt Interview: - Thursday, September 03, 2009
• An Interview with Author & Book Reviewer Caroline Leavitt - Tuesday, September 01, 2009
• An Interview with Kathleen Bolton - Tuesday, August 25, 2009
• Interview with author/artist Scott Kessman: - Tuesday, August 18, 2009
• Interview with author/artist Scott Kessman: - Tuesday, August 18, 2009
• Part 2 of the Kim Falconer Interview - Thursday, August 13, 2009
• An Interview with Kim Falconer - Tuesday, August 11, 2009
• Part 2 An Interview with Alan Baxter - Thursday, August 06, 2009
• An Interview with Alan Baxter - Tuesday, August 04, 2009
• If You Write It, They Will Come (buy it)… Not! - Sunday, July 26, 2009
• Lori A. May: Author Extraordinaire - Tuesday, July 21, 2009
• Merits of a Writers Conference - Sunday, July 19, 2009
• Part 2 Publishing in the Digital Age - Thursday, July 16, 2009
• Publishing in the Digital Age - Monday, July 13, 2009
• Writing Tips for the Novice Novelist - Tuesday, July 07, 2009
• Flog the Blog - Tuesday, June 30, 2009
• Do's & Don't of a TV interview - Saturday, June 27, 2009
• Mortality & Writing - Friday, June 26, 2009
• The Art of Editing 101 - Tuesday, June 23, 2009
• How To Write When Suffering from Bad Memory Retention - Saturday, June 20, 2009
• Finding Inspiration from Others - Thursday, June 18, 2009
• To Blog or Twitter... - Tuesday, June 16, 2009
|
|
Bookmarks
