It’s time for Ozarks Maven’s April Author Spotlight! This is my favorite and most popular segment of my blog. I love learning about the wonderful authors who share the Ozarks with me.
Today, I’m interviewing Bestselling Author Heather Burch. She was kind enough to not only answer my interview questions, but to share a poem from one of her novels, as well! I hope you enjoy this glimpse into Heather’s writing life.
Ozarks Maven Author Spotlight Interview
Heather, thank you for talking to us today!
1. For those readers who are unfamiliar with you, please tell us a little about yourself.
Thanks for having me! I’ve lived the last several years in South Florida. But I grew up right here in the Ozarks. I’m loving that we’ve returned “home.” https://www.heatherburchbooks.com/
A little about the writing… I write in multiple genres and have books published by three major publishers. My 2014 title, ONE LAVENDER RIBBON took the #1 spot overall on Amazon. That was surreal and set my writing career on a trajectory I’d never imagined. Well, okay, maybe I imagined it, but only in my dreams. Now, I have thirteen novels that have been translated into around a dozen languages. I think that’s the most exciting thing for me…knowing my books are reaching around the world. https://www.facebook.com/heather.burch.50
2. What kinds of writing do you enjoy?
I’m a novelist, so that’s my writing of choice. I used to write poetry. Now that I think about it, poems do find their way into my novels pretty frequently. My novel, IN THE LIGHT OF THE GARDEN, has a poem that has become a fan favorite. I’ve placed it here for those who are interested. The book is about a woman who has lost her ability to see the magical beauty in the world around her. It is a very special weeping willow tree that helps her believe again. Will you come, sit with me. We’ll tell our troubles ‘neath the tree. The tears we shed will surely be Water for the Weeping Tree. And in its shade our woes will fall. Pain and suffering sorrow and all. They’ll fall like glistening diamond drops. You see, the tree, our pain, it stops. ~Heather Burch, IN THE LIGHT OF THE GARDEN
3. What do you enjoy most about the writing process?
I think my favorite part of the writing process is the initial creativity. I always have a story working in my head. Everything I witness, live through, or experience—is viewed through my writer’s eye. https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4983102.Heather_Burch
4. When did you start writing?
I grew up in a printshop. So, writing was as natural to me as breathing. My mom always wrote poetry and fun little short stories and honestly, I just thought that was how everyone lived—hearing made-up stories, telling made-up stories, and eventually writing made-up stories.
5. To what or whom do your attribute your love of reading and writing stories? My mom first, then the family I married into. My husband’s mom and sister wrote romances back in the 80s and into the early 90s. I was amazed that ‘real people’ could write books that would end up in bookstores across the country. https://www.amazon.com/Heather-Burch/e/B006957ATO/
6. What inspires you?
I’m so inspired by the people I meet. I’m also inspired by our military personnel both active and retired. I adore older people. They’re a huge inspiration for me. I was really close to my grandparents, so older people find their way into my stories often. My book, ONE LAVENDER RIBBON tells the story of a modern-day woman who learns to believe in love again after finding love letters from a WWII soldier. She finds that soldier … and his annoying grandson … and yes, there is a love story. Okay, two love stories. *wink*
7. Have you met any interesting people while researching your books?
Two fellow authors and I were commissioned by Princess Cruise Lines to write novellas which took place aboard a Princess cruise ship. They treated us to an inspiration cruise where we received a five-star cruise experience. It was absolutely incredible. I had the opportunity to spend time with the ship’s staff. From the captain to the waitstaff, I was allowed all access to the crew. Wow, the stories. By the way, that book is available for free—readers can get the details when they sign up for my newsletter. https://www.heatherburchbooks.com/
8. What is the most difficult part of writing?
The solitude. I’m a social person by nature. I love people, and I’m fascinated by their life stories. Writing is solitary. I make a point to get out of my writing cave when possible.
9. What writing advice did you find most useful when you were honing your craft?
Have confidence. Never ever ever give up. It’s so important to learn and learn and learn. But there comes a time when you have to trust what you’ve learned. Then, put everything you’ve got into it! https://twitter.com/heatherburch
10. Do you have any new work just released or coming out soon? If so, would you please tell us a little about it?
This has been an exciting year! I launched my own publishing house, HezLand Publishing, and have launched a four book paranormal series. On April 1, ANGEL RAVEN, book four, released. https://www.instagram.com/heathereburch/
11. Can you tell us a little about your current project?
I split my time between writing upmarket women’s fiction novels for traditional publishers and paranormal young adult novels published under my own imprint. Since I just released The Halflings Series, I’ll be writing another women’s fiction novel next. https://www.bookbub.com/authors/heather-burch
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