Name  Heidi Lis

Age 45

Where are you from: I grew up in Iowa, but now reside in Washington, State.

A little about your self `ie your education Family life etc :

I have a husband and four children. They keep us plenty busy. We enjoy all the outdoor activities this beautiful state has to offer, so we take advantage of exploring new things all the time. Late at night is my time to write. Trying to find quiet times during the day just never happens.

 

Fiona: Tell us your latest news?

I released my 2nd novel, Never Give Up in September. Right now, I’m finishing up my revamped version to my debut novel, Defying Fate. I’ll be uploading that within the next week or two. I’m super excited to announce, my current WIP is the second book to Defying Fate. My revised version that I’ll be uploading includes a new ending setting up book 2.

 

 
Fiona: When and why did you begin writing?

I’ve always wanted to write a book. The desire was always there, but my shyness held me back. It took a near death experience for me to have a new outlook on life. I have to live for today because tomorrow is never promised.

 

 
Fiona: When did you first consider yourself a writer?

That’s a great question. After my first book had come out and I started writing the second. I think that’s when it hit me. That, I can do this.

 

 
Fiona: What inspired you to write your first book?

I’m an avid reader and a storyteller in my mind. I started out with a single idea, and as I began writing it, the story took on a life of its own. I let my imagination take charge and let the story develop with each word.

 

 
Fiona: Do you have a specific writing style?

I pride myself on making my stories realistic in nature. I like real life situations. I’m an emotional person, so I tend to write emotionally. My goal is to reach my readers in such a way they are forced to become emotionally involved.

 

 
Fiona: How did you come up with the title?

For Defying Fate, it was all about my cover and storyline. The model was the perfect person for my cover, because when I looked at her, I saw my character. Not only her physical features but the raw expression on her face. Never Give Up, was easier for me. I had the name picked out from the beginning. It’s the message the book delivers from start to finish.

 

 
Fiona: Is there a message in your novel that you want readers to grasp?

I want my readers to feel every emotion my characters can bring out in them.

 

 
Fiona: How much of the book is realistic?

I strive to make my storylines very realistic.

 

 


Fiona: Are experiences based on someone you know, or events in your own life?

Not per say, no, but I’ve taken some events in my life and weaved them into my storylines.

 

 
Fiona: What books have most influenced your life most? a mentor?

I have a few authors I greatly enjoy reading. All in different genres. Sydney Sheldon started my obsession to becoming a twenty book a month reading addict. After years of reading so many great books, I wanted to tell my stories.

 

 
Fiona: What book are you reading now?

I’m not reading anything at the moment. My free time is dedicated to writing for now. I’ll get back to reading soon.

 

 
Fiona: Are there any new authors that have grasped your interest?

I love finding new writers to follow. Waiting for me on my Kindle is Xavier Cold by Michelle Valentine.

 

 
Fiona: What are your current projects?

I’m working on Liam and Kara’s story that takes place right after Defying Fate ends.  I don’t have a name just yet, but I can tell you, I’m having a lot of fun with this one.

My other project has been one in the making for awhile. I’ve not fully committed to finishing it, I tend to come back to it now and then. My goal after I finish with Liam and Kara’s story is to finish that other one. It’s an incredibly emotional story, and part of that is the reason it’s taken me this long. Writing it has been an emotional journey for me.

 

 


Fiona: Name one entity that you feel supported you outside of family members.

I had a person reach out to me at a time when I needed it the most. That individual took time out of his daily life to help me when it came to the art and style of writing. We worked on many different aspects of the whole writing journey. I learned a great deal from my time with him. The only thing he asked in return is to ‘give back’ and help others. That, and to keep his name private. For this person, it was not about him, it was about helping me evolve as a writer. That person changed my life.

 

 
Fiona: Do you see writing as a career?

I see writing as a way of life for me.  A personal journey to push myself. It’s therapeutic for me too, a way to escape my day. Published or not, I would still write my stories.

 

 
Fiona: If you had to do it all over again, would you change anything in your latest book?

Not so much in my latest book. My first book, yes! That is why I’m revising it now. I wanted certain scenes to be changed. I’ve added bonus chapters to highlight individual characters. The biggest surprise is in the newly revised ending.  I’m most excited about that.

 

 
Fiona: Do you recall how your interest in writing originated?

After high school for sure. It was normal for me to have several journals with outlines, short stories, things of that nature just lying around.

 

 
Fiona: Is there anything you find particularly challenging in your writing?

Getting my character’s dialogue to flow seamlessly is most challenging. Remaining true to that character’s style.

 

 
Fiona: Who is your favorite author and what is it that really strikes you about their work?

I write romantic suspense. For me, the best part is building up to the point you unleash your biggest surprise. The ‘wow, didn’t see that coming’ part. Lisa Gardner and James Patterson are my favorite mystery writers, they had the ‘wow’ down perfectly.

 

 
Fiona: Do you have to travel much concerning your book(s)?

I’ve not traveled. Having four children, that’s not possible for now.

 

 
Fiona: Who designed the covers?

Shardel designed Defying Fate- ‘Pink Ink Designs’ created Never Give Up.

 

 


Fiona: What was the hardest part of writing your book?

The beginning is the hardest part for me.  Finding the perfect scene to start your whole adventure with. It’s significant, and often for me, it changes a LOT.

 

 
Fiona: Did you learn anything from writing your book and what was it?

To remember to stay true to the character in the story. Making sure that you’re consistent throughout the whole book.

 

 
Fiona: Do you have any advice for other writers?

Never stop writing, never stop trying to learn all that you can.

 

 
Fiona: Do you have anything specific that you want to say to your readers?

I would want them to know that I appreciate each one of them. I hope they enjoy the stories that I’ve written and to thank them.

 

 

Fiona: Do you remember the first book you read?

The Hobbit. My first series were the Sweet Valley High books.

 

 

Fiona: What makes you laugh/cry?

Everything, I’m an emotional person.

 

 

Fiona: Is there one person pass or present you would meet and why?

Lady Diana, if ever a person it would be her. I can’t think of a more genuine and caring humanitarian.

 

 

Fiona: What do you want written on your head stone and why ?

Oh, not that I enjoy this question, but…it would say, ‘I was a loving and caring person.’

 

 

Fiona: Other than writing do you have any hobbies ?

I collect rocks from the beaches we travel and visit. My collection is growing pretty fast.

 

 

Fiona: What TV shows/films do you enjoy watching?

The Voice- Survivor- Amazing Race-Empire. I am a huge football (Nebraska) & hockey fan (Chicago Blackhawks) as well.

 

 

Fiona: Favorite foods / Colors/ Music

I like Mexican and Chinese. My favorite color is yellow—I love all sorts of music. Maroon 5- favorite group.

 

 

Fiona: If you were not a writer what else would you like to have done?

I worked in the dental field for much of my younger years. I was then involved in helping run a family owned business for many years before I started to raise my children.

 

 

Fiona: Do you have a blog/website? If so what is it?

Not presently, but you can follow me on:

Facebook Author Page– https://goo.gl/JFqlw4

Goodreads: https://goo.gl/BsywDS

Never Give Up Link:  http://goo.gl/Mqh7is

Defying Fate Link: http://goo.gl/NnirVc

 

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