It’s time for my Wonderful Women Writer series again. You may have noticed by now that I have some standard questions. If you have some specific questions you’d like answered from my guests, feel free to leave me a comment or email me. So far all of my guests have been open to additional questions as well.
Today’s guest is Heidi Nicole Bird. I met Heidi online during NaNoWriMo. We would often sprint together in NaNO, until I had to return to my regular scheduled job. Heidi still sprints, but it never seems to quite fit into my schedule.
Heidi, so glad you could make it today. Did you bring any rain with you? We are parched here, in drought conditions. *Pours two tall glasses of lemonade* Shall we begin?
Tell me a little about yourself.
I am a recent graduate from Brigham Young University. I obtained a Bachelor of Arts in History and now I am looking into Family History and Creative Writing grad school programs. I am 22 years old and I am currently working on my fourth novel.
What genre do you write?
Everything I have written so far is young adult fiction. My favorite genre to write is fantasy. My first three books were a fantasy series, but I am trying my hand at something new with my current novel, entitled Ontario, which is general young adult fiction.
How did you get started?
I first began writing when I was very little, whether it was just keeping a daily journal or creating my own stories. I have always loved writing but it wasn’t until my roommate told me about NaNoWriMo that I finally finished a book. My first book became a three-part series, with each volume being written during subsequent NaNoWriMos. I plan on my current work in progress being my first published book and I am very excited to get it out there for the public.
Describe your writing routine.
I don’t set specific times for writing, though I would probably get more done if I did. I write when I feel it. Sometimes nothing comes, other times it comes like a hailstorm! I find that I write my best at my bedroom desk where I am only disturbed every once in a while. I have done most of my writing while “sprinting” with other writers in my online writing group. I find that the time limit motivates me more than just writing whenever. Oh, and I almost always have Adam Young playing in the background while I write. He inspires me more than any other artist.
How do you manage writing with the rest of your life as wife, mother, grandmother, employee and/or any other hats you wear?
I am currently single, but I did have to face three years of classes and finals! I live at home, but I am the resident cook and often taxi-driver. I tend to be busy, but no matter what I always make time for writing. It is my passion. It isn’t just something I want to do. It’s something I have to do. Whether it is early in the morning or in the middle of the night, I find time to write.
How long did it take you to have your first book published?
I have yet to be published, but I have been writing novels since the end of 2009 and I hope to be published by next year at the latest.
What method of publishing will you choose and why?
I see the great aspects of published e-books, but I am also very attached to physical books. I have looked a lot at self publishing and the traditional way, and I haven’t really decided which way I like best. I really like the aspect of having more control through self publishing, and also being able to make my books available as physical books as well as e-books.
What advice would you give to aspiring authors?
For anyone who wants to be an author I would say get going! You never know your potential until you try. I know so many people who have pitched fabulous ideas to me, but have never set out to actually write the story. By actually writing you grow closer to the story and your characters and you also learn a lot about yourself and the writing process. I would also encourage them to read! Find out what you like about your favorite books and try to learn those techniques yourself.
Who are your favorite authors?
My favorite author of all time, hands down, is J.K. Rowling. It seems that every day I find myself marveling at her incredible talent! It is my goal to create a world so complete that it becomes real to those who read my books, and that is exactly what Rowling did. I mean, there’s an official Quidditch league of people who actually play! I also really love Lisa Mangum. I have never been able to put any of her books down.
Tell me a little about your current work in progress.
The novel I am currently working on is entitled “Ontario.” It tells the first person story of a girl who has lost all trust in those around her. She lost her Dad and her Mom abandoned her. She is left alone with her older brother and she begins to lose trust in him as well. In order to help support herself and her brother she takes up a job at a diner where she meets just the people she needed to find. Her new friends and romantic interest Austin show her that even though she has been hurt by so many she does have people in her life who truly love her will never leave her alone again.
Sounds like an intriguing story. Please keep us updated when it comes out!
Check out my author page for more information and the most current news! www.facebook.com/HeidiNicoleBird
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