Topic: Author Interview
Kelley Heckart the person:
1. What three words do you think describe you as a human being?
Loyal, compassionate and introverted.
2. How do you think others would describe you?
Well, my husband would probably describe me as moody, chatty and a bit obsessive compulsive. I do have this habit of straightening things.
3. Please tell us what you are most passionate about outside of writing.
That would be music because I am also a musician. I played in bands for a long time before writing, but writing lyrics helped me to take that next step in my life.
4. Do you have any pets? If so, introduce us to them.
Yes. I have two dogs. One is a Chi-Weenie that thinks he is a Pitbull, and an American Eskimo that is so intelligent she lets him think he is the boss when in reality she is the alpha dog.
5. What is your most precious memory?
My memories of being in a band are the ones I cherish the most. The girls in my band were like sisters to me and I miss that a lot.
6. What is your most embarrassing memory?
I can't really think of one, but I had many embarrassing moments when I used to drink too much alcohol and act stupid. I always cringed at the memory the next day while I nursed a hangover. Fortunately, I do not have clear memories of those times.
7. If you weren't a writer, what would you be doing with your life?
I might still be involved more in music or I might be doing nothing constructive with my time at all. I think writing has saved me from wasting my life.
8. In two paragraphs or less write your obituary.
Her life was never boring, having played in rock bands and later becoming a published author. Besides music and writing, she loved animals and supported animal rights. She is survived by her husband, two dogs, and her many children--her songs and her works of fiction.
Kelley Heckart the writer:
9. Can you describe the time you realized you were indeed a "real" writer?
When my first manuscript was accepted for publication. It felt good to have someone believe in my writing.
10. What is going on with your writing these days?
I have been really busy. I have a short story coming out March 2008 in an anthology from Freya's Bower titled In the Gloaming: An Anthology of Faery Stories. I am very excited about that because this is my first anthology. In 2009 I have two books scheduled for release from Awe-Struck. The first one is the prequel to my Of Water and Dragons and Ravenwolf books called Night's Daughter. The title is another name for the Greek Erinyes and the Roman Furies. This story is a different telling of the conflict between the Titans and the Olympian gods and also about the origins of the mysterious Tuatha de Danaan of Ireland. The second book is the first book in my Dark Goddess trilogy, which is set in sixth century Scotland. I am currently working on books two and three of that series.
11. What are your future goals for your writing?
First I have to finish my Dark Goddess trilogy. I have no idea what I am going to write after that. I have been kicking around some ideas, one of which is a fantasy romance set in ancient Greece.
12. Can you describe a typical writing day for you?
I usually write for a couple of hours in the morning, take a lunch break, and write for a couple of more hours in the afternoon. When I am full of ideas and on a roll, I will work non-stop.
13. Why do you write?
I have all of this creative energy that I have to release or I go crazy. I also love doing research and learning about obscure times in history.
14. What writer most inspires you? Why?
I have a lot of favorite writers, but I think Marion Zimmer Bradley inspired me the most. Her Mists of Avalon was a unique take on King Arthur and I like writers who take chances like that.
15. How do you define your writing?
Lyrical and emotional.
16. In one sentence-what do you want people to say about your writing in fifty years?
Hopefully something nice like she didn't follow trends, but wrote from her heart with an eye for a unique approach to romance.
Kelley Heckart the details:
17. Can you tell us where to find more information on you? Website? Blog?
My website is www.kelleyheckart.com
18. Is there a place where readers can reach you?
I can be reached at kelleyheckart@kelleyheckart.com
19. Can you list all your book titles so people can look for them?
Of Water and Dragons, Ravenwolf and White Rose of Avalon are available on www.awe-struck.net
20. For new readers-what can they expect when they read your book(s)?
New readers can expect some romance, conflicted characters and always a touch of the supernatural in my Celtic fantasy romances.
In conclusion:
21. Take as much space as necessary to speak to our readers-what would you like them to know about you and your writing?
I write from the heart and try to create lifelike characters that have flaws. My sex scenes are sensual and work with the plot. I also think sex scenes reveal a lot about a character so I always try to incorporate that in my romances. I am a storyteller who tries to write a compelling story to draw the reader into my world of romance, conflict, fierce warriors, bold women and otherworldly creatures. Read my books if you desire an escape from reality and tales that will incite your most inner emotions.
