Gladiator’s Pen welcomes author Heather Kuehl to the arena. Heather has several books out on the shelves but today we’re celebrating the release of her latest book Far and Away. So grab a cuppa and get comfortable as we chat with Heather.
Well, I'm a stay at home mom who writes paranormal romance. When I'm not chasing my two year old monster around the house, I can be found gardening, clipping coupons (my newest addiction!) or plotting my next paranormal adventure.
When did you first consider yourself a writer?
When I finally published Fade to Black. Before that I had published numerous short stories and poems, but it seemed to be more of a hobby than an actual profession. Now that I'm working so hard, constantly editing and writing, I consider myself a writer.
Do you have a specific writing style or genre?
I love writing paranormal romance because it's set in our everyday world. It's anything but ordinary. Anything can happen!
Writers are usually avid readers as well. What book are you reading now?
Right now I'm reading Switched by Amanda Hocking. So far it's alright, but I'm hoping that it'll start to pick up soon. The pacing is rather slow.
What are your current projects?
I recently started work on the fourth book in my Sarah Vargas series. I'm halfway through writing Gray Magic, a paranormal romance about my favorite witch, Tabitha Desdemona Drake. I'm also trying to find a home for a young adult paranormal romance entitled Of Wolf and Man.
Is writing your career or do you have a “day job”?
I'm a stay at home mom for a beautiful little boy. He's my world! I like to garden, and recently I've discovered couponing. Not the extreme couponing that you read about or see on TV. I make a list of the items I use, and try to get them for the best price possible.
Did you learn anything from writing your book and what was it?
Far and Away took years to write. Stories, like "Hidden," I wrote back in 2001. While putting Far and Away together, I learned how to get all of the stories together in a way that made sure each story complemented the one that came before or after it.
Do you belong to any writing/author groups? Would you say your membership has been helpful?
I used to, when I first started writing, but I had a bad experience. I also found that I barely had time to edit my own writing, let alone someone else's, LoL.
What is the hardest scene you’ve ever had to write?
The hardest scene was within my short story "The Grave," which is in Far and Away. "The Grave" tells the story about a woman visiting her father and asking him to attend her upcoming wedding.
Chocolate, Vanilla, or Strawberry?
How about all three? LoL If I had to pick just one, it would be strawberry. They're sweet yet tart at the same time.
What is your favorite Facebook game?
I am addicted to Bejeweled. If I start playing it, I can't stop!
If you could choose one character in your books to make real who would it be?
Sarah Vargas. I've spent so much time writing about her, I'd give anything to see her become real.
Your book Far and Away released today is an Anthology of short works and poetry. Do you feel readers get as much out of short fiction as they do a full novel?
Yes, I think they do. There's interesting plots and characters that readers become invested in. Just because it's short doesn't make it any less captivating.
Do you have a favorite story or poem from this collection?
My favorite story would have to be "Hidden" just because it's one of the first stories I've ever written.
Do you have anything that you want to say to your readers?
2011 is a busy year for me. I have several books and stories slated for release. On August 7, Dream Lover will be released from Eternal Press. "Raising the Dead" will be in the October issue of Aoife's Kiss. In December, MuseItUp Publishing will publish my short story At All Costs. Epiphany will be published by Decadent Publishing sometime this year as well, but I don't have the actual date yet. "Into the Dark" will be in Ruby Red Cravings, also due out sometimes this year.
Thank you Heather for sharing with us in the arena of Gladiator’s Pen. Wish you much luck and success with Far and Away.
Here’s where to find Heather and her books
Heather Kuehl.com
It's great to meet you, Heather. All the best with your new release. It sounds as if you have a busy year in store.
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