Are there any characters in your books that represent you?
I think there is a little of me in every one of my main characters. I mostly write first person, so little bits of my personality, my humor, sometimes sneaks in.
How much of the characters and story lines come from people you know and your own experiences versus your imagination?
I love taking typical news stories and twisting and turning to fit my plots. For example, in the first book in the Lucy Valentine series, set in Massachusetts, there’s a little boy missing in a local state park and psychic Lucy is determined to find him. Locally, here in the Cincinnati area, there had been a little boy missing from a park. The real story did not have a happy ending. But the mom in me made sure the fictional story did.
How do you keep your characters fresh and the plot exciting?
There’s a saying in the writing world that there are no new plots — just different ways to write them. I think that’s fairly true. For me, it’s the characters that bring a story to life, whether it’s a historical romance or a futuristic thriller. I try to write characters I care about, that I can relate to. They’re usually on the quirky side, yet they have their flaws.
Can you tell us one thing about yourself that most of your fans don’t already know?
I’m laughing again, because between my two websites, I list over 75 things that you might not know about me on my "about me" pages. Hmm. One more? If I didn’t love bacon so much I’d probably be a vegetarian.
What impact do electronic readers create on the bottom line for authors in the end? Do you feel they have a negative impact or positive, or no impact at all that you can see?
There is definitely a shift going on, but I’m not sure yet if it’s positive or negative. Time will tell for sure. Personally, I hope the two (print books and ebooks) can peacefully coexist. I love both.
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Article comments
1 - Kristin A.
Thanks for a fun interview. I love the idea you shared about there being no new plots, just different ways to write them. I think there is definitely some amount of truth to that. I feel for you being on the panel and not being able to recall the plot of your book. With three other books in between, it is no wonder you weren't sure. I hope you were given some grace as you sat there trying to remember. Did you hide your confusion or admit? One time I watched a musician perform on a talk show and a certain song was requested and the musician couldn't remember how the song started! It is funny or at least unexpected to see that happen. He seemed embarrassed, but recovered well. I believe the host (Oprah?) sang the first line and that got him on track. I'll have to read all your fun, random facts about you on your sites. I've visited both, but think I thought they were identical lists. Fun stuff! Thanks again for the interview!
2 - Tonya Kappes
Heather, you are tooooo fun!! I'm so excited to get to read your Witch Series!! It Takes A Witch is amazing!!
3 - Diane
Kristin,
I had a blast with this interview. Heather is an faboo woman.
4 - Diane
Tonya,
Heather makes me laugh so hard my sides ache.
5 - Heather Blake
Kristin, I'm no good at hiding anything. Play poker with me and you'll win. LOL. The audience was very gracious, but it taught me a valuable lesson--prep before panels! Now I have a cheat sheet with all my books and plots. I study that beforehand. I have NO idea how singers remember all their lyrics. I couldn't ever do that!
6 - Heather Blake
Thank you, Tonya! :)
7 - Heather Blake
Diane, I love that my books make you laugh. That makes me so happy!