Welcome to the blog, Heidi. I’m so honored to have you here today. Congratulations on the upcoming release of your debut novel. I am so excited to read it. 🙂
Thanks for having me, Savanna!
So tell us a little about your book. 🙂 Which character are you most excited for readers to meet and why?
Freedom’s Ring begins when an antique ring reunites a Boston Marathon bombing survivor with the man who saved her. Together they unearth the two-hundred-year-old history of a woman who suffered tremendous loss in the Boston Massacre, a woman torn between the love of two men—one a Patriot and one a Redcoat.
I am so excited for you to meet all the characters in Freedom’s Ring, but I think if I had to pick one it would be Liberty. She definitely has some spunk to bring to colonial Boston and I loved getting to know her—and learn from her—as I wrote!
It sounds soooo good! I’m so excited to read it soon.
When did you first start writing this book and how long did it take you to finish it?
Although this is my debut novel, this was the sixth manuscript I wrote. I’ve gotten faster at writing with each manuscript. (I think my first manuscript took two to three years—and that one isn’t fit to ever see the light of day!) The actual writing on this book took about four months, which didn’t include research—that was at least another three. 🙂
Who is one of your favorite authors? It’s okay if you want to name more than one. 😉
My all-time favorite is definitely Francine Rivers. Her Mark of the Lion series totally changed how I viewed fiction and inspired me in so many ways. Other favorites include Cathy Gohlke, Katie Ganshert, Melanie Dobson, Susan Meissner, Kristin Hannah and Christa Parrish. I could keep going, but I’ll stop myself!
That’s a great group of authors right there! 🙂
When did you first start speaking? Do you have a personal favorite subject among the topics you offer?
Speaking is definitely a newer thing for me. I’ve done many Bible studies at my church, but only recently began branching out. I recently spoke to a MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) group, and that was tons of fun. I think eventually I would really enjoy speaking encouragement to other writers as well. We’ll see where God leads on that.
I was there in 2014 at ACFW when you won the Genesis Award. 🙂 What a special moment! Can you share with us something you’ve learned along the way as you’ve entered in writing contests?
That was a special moment I will always treasure. Contests though, are a funny thing. The first time I received feedback from the Genesis (about ten years ago) I stopped writing for months. I was devastated over my scores and feedback. But after I finished moping and chose to learn from the judges’s comments, my writing did improve. No one has this writing thing perfected. We can all learn something, so it really is best if we humble ourselves and try to view our writing as a piece of art that can always be bettered. Not always an easy task, I know!
The strange fact is, no agent or editor was interested in the manuscript that won the Genesis in 2014. Tears of the Outcast is still one of my favorites, and hopefully I will be able to share it one day. But while the contest was useful in helping me secure an agent, and while it definitely got the attention of the publishing community, it didn’t magically propel me to publication.
I would definitely encourage writers to enter contests, but don’t hang your entire career on them. Learn from them and use them as a tool to persevere in the industry. 🙂
Wonderful advice, thank you. Is there anything else you’d like to add? Any upcoming projects you can tell us about?
My next novel also has a dual contemporary/historical storyline and will be releasing with Tyndale in the summer of ’18. The story explores what happens when a family is torn apart by the unspeakable actions of one of its members—and how a woman from the past helps them to heal. The historical story will take readers back to the Revolutionary War and will focus on a real historical character—a woman who served as a spy for the Patriots. I’m eager to share it with you!
Awww, I’m adding this to my TBR list already! 😉 Thanks so much for sharing with us today, Heidi. I’m looking forward to reading and reviewing your book soon. 😉
GIVEAWAY!!
Heidi has graciously offered to give away a copy of Freedom’s Ring. Enter below and it could be YOU!
Thanks for entering! Contest ends July 4, 2017. The winner will be notified by email. Happy Reading, everybody!
Just started a new one The Art of Keeping Secrets by Rachel Johns
Now THAT is a great title. Sounds good, Vera!
I agree with Heidi. I’m so intrigued by that title. Happy Reading, Vera.
Just about to open My Heart Belongs on Mackinac Island by Carrie Fancet Pagels. It came in the mail yesterday. Finished Newton and Polly by Jody Hedlund this morning. It was awesome! Thanks for the review. This book looks sooo good!
Thank you, Paula! I really want to read Newton and Polly, too. So many books! I need more time. 🙂
Thanks for joining us, Paula. Awww, Newton and Polly looks so good. It’s on my TBR list too. 😉
Hi Savanna and Heidi! I’m just finishing For the Record by Regina Jennings. Fun stuff. I’m so excited about this release by Heidi! I had the privilege of being a Genesis Finalist in 2014 alongside her and was so thrilled to get to know her. Wishing you all the best, my friend! I hope to win a copy of your book. Can’t wait to read it!!
Thank you so much for your kind words, Cynthia!
Hi Cynthia! So glad you stopped by, my friend. You were the one who introduced me to Heidi at the conference. 🙂 It’s been so neat for me to watch both of your stories unfold.
Wasn’t Regina’s book so much fun? I loved that it was set around here in the Ozarks too!
Yes it was fun! And I didn’t remember I’d introduced you two! How neat is that! Blessings!
Awesome how God works, right Cynthia? And we met because we finaled together. So cool
Thank you so much for having me here, Savanna!
I’m so happy you could stop by for a chat, Heidi. I love getting to know author friends! 🙂
I literally just finished “Distorted” by Christy Barritt, love her books! Will be starting a lovely historical next, ” So Pure a Love” by Amber Perry.
Both of those look great, Rebecca!
Hi Rebecca, I’ve not heard of the book by Christy Barritt. I’ll have to look that one up. I have Amber’s book on my kindle just waiting to be read. Hopefully soon! 😉
I just – as in today 🙂 – finished The Last Sin Eater by Francine Rivers – It was *phenomenally* good! Now, on to the next book… 🙂
LOVED that book, Alicia (love everything by Francine Rivers, actually!). They made a movie out of that book, too. It was done well. Thanks for commenting!
Francine Rivers is one of my favorites! That book is still on my list to read. I didn’t know it was made in to a movie, though. How cool! Thanks for visiting, Alicia.
I just finished Just Look Up by Courtney Walsh.
Another one on my to-read list!
I’ve been hearing a lot about that one lately, Nancy. Looks like a good one!
I’m just starting one named In Everything GiveThanks
I just finished Ann Voskamp’s One Thousand Gifts. I need to read more books like that. This one sounds like another to add to my list, Bev. 🙂
That’s a new one to me. I’ll have to check it out, Bev. Thanks!
First of all, CONGRATULATIONS to being published with Tyndale! They are high on my list of awesome. 🙂
Okay, so in answer to the giveaway question, I’m reading a few books right now.
Born for Battle (a book on prayer)
Dark Deception by Nancy Mehl
My Not So Perfect Life by Sophie Kinsella
A Sort Of Southern Serenade by Krista Phillips
I like to always have a few irons in the fire. 😀
Thank you so much! Yes, Tyndale is high on my list of awesome too. Now that I’m working with them, I appreciate them in a whole new way. 🙂 Love their mission.
So glad you could join us, Barbara. 🙂 You’re one busy reader! That’s a great list. 🙂
I am almost finished with My Heart Belongs in Ruby City, Idaho by Susanne Dietze and it has been such an enjoyable book. Congratulations Heidi on your debut novel. I loon forward to reading it!
Thank you so much, Connie! I hope you like it!
Thanks for visiting us, Connie. I’ve heard about that book. I’ll have to add that to my list as well. 😉 My TBR pile grows bigger every day.
I am just starting Naomi’s Hope by Han Drexler. Great so far.
That’s a new one to me, Virginia. Hope you enjoy it!
New to me, too, Virginia, but it’s amazing how many times I’ve picked up a new book and been blessed by it. Enjoy!
Today I will begin reading To Write a Wrong (Justice Seekers #2)
by Robin Caroll. She is a new-to-me author. I enjoyed her first book in this series.
I’ve heard a lot about her books. Hope you enjoy them, Caryl! 🙂
Oh I haven’t read any of hers yet, but I want to! Enjoy, Caryl!
I’m reading The Tethered World by Heather L. L. FitzGerald
Breakwater by Catherine Jones Payne
And Scarlet Moon by S. D. Grimm!
And ALL of these books are AWESOME so far! =D
How fun! Thanks for sharing.
Wow, you are a busy reader! Love those titles. Enjoy!
Almost finished with “The Convenient Groom” by Denise Hunter, next read “High As The Heavens” by Kate Breslin.
Love both of those authors! I’m reading “High As the Heavens” right now myself. SO good!
Both of those authors are ones I need to check out because I’ve heard such great things!!
Just started The Curiosity Keeper by Sarah E. Ladd.
Such a good book. Love Sarah’s stories!
Love Sarah! She’s not only an awesome writer, she’s a super-sweet person. 🙂
Rising Strong and Finding Love
Who are the authors, Sonnetta? I haven’t heard of those, I don’t think.
Rene Brown for Rising Strong and Sheryl Sandberg for Option B.
Those both look like inspiring reads, Sonnetta!
I just started ‘Killer Assignment’ by Maggie K. Black.
Thanks for the giveaway!
Good luck in the drawing, Megan!
Thanks for entering, Megan!
I just finished A Table for Two.
That looks like such a cute story. Thanks for visiting, Melanie. 🙂
Melanie, I would love to hear your thoughts on that. Looks like something I might want to read.
I am reading “The Bound Heart” the second book in the Everstone chronicles by Dawn Crandall
Joan
Fun, Joan! I think that was my favorite of the whole series. 🙂 Enjoy!
Looks like another good one! Wow, you all are making me realize just how many awesome books are out there! Love it!
We were going to take a family trip to Boston for the 4th, but airfare costs were prohibitive. Instead, my hubby will take the kids to see his parents towards the end of the month. Originally, I thought this book would be the perfect travel read for the trip. I confess that I was also looking forward to bookstagraming from Boston. 🙂
I have a random question for Heidi. Why did you and the team fromTydale House decide to change the cover art? Is it because the majority of the story takes place in the historical period? The other cover was kind of half and half.
Oh that would have been neat, Amanda! But I can imagine how crazy the airfare costs would be, especially around the 4th. 🙂
That’s a great question about the cover. Tyndale does such a great job–I loved both of the covers they came up with! Though this is truly a time-slip novel in that we spend almost equal time in both the contemporary and historical stories, you might see as you read that the historical story drives both parts of the book in many ways.
Also, while we loved the initial cover, it was difficult to lay a finger on a definite historical time period with it. The new cover conveys the American Revolution with a quick glance, and hopefully communicates (with its colors and that gorgeous dress) some of the romance thread a bit more strongly.
Thanks for asking that question, Amanda, because it has come up here and there, and it’s nice to give an answer!
I hope you enjoy the book, and thanks so much for stopping by!
Hi Amanda! Thanks for taking the time to chat with us here. Loved your question for Heidi. (And thanks, Heidi, for the answer. That makes perfect sense. Loved hearing some behind-the-scenes to your book cover!)
Hope you get to go to Boston some day soon, Amanda! 🙂
Thanks for the chance!
Thanks for visiting, Kelly! 🙂