Author Spotlight: Heather Long
August 29, 2023 • News
CJC: How did you get started as an author and what made you want to pursue that field?
HL: Oh, I’ve been writing for years. I was writing stories when I was in elementary school and it just grew from there. Writing is quite literally my joy.
CJC: What do you find to be the most rewarding and challenging part of being an author and what hurdles have you overcome while striving towards your goals?
HL: Every once in a while, I look up and go, I do this for a living. I have a career that I love. I’ve also been on the cusp of an ever-changing market. When I got started there was no self-publishing the way we have now. Indie authors just didn’t have this kind of freedom to grow and control their own career. This also means that I am constantly learning to stay on top of things. There’s a saying that if you do what you love, you will never work a day in your life. I actually work twice as hard for myself but that’s the blessing too.
CJC: Which novel has been your favorite to write and why?
HL: I can never pick a favorite. Arguably, my favorite is always going to be the one I am working on right now.
CJC: For first time readers of your work, which book would you recommend?
HL: Absolutely depends on what you enjoy. So, if you like friends to lovers, I’d say Untouchable. If paranormal, I’d say the Wolves of Willow Bend or Shackled Souls. Enemies to lovers and dark romance? 82nd Street Vandals. Definitely check the trigger warnings and the different types of books that I write. I’m pretty eclectic.
CJC: If one of your books were made into a movie, which would you select and who would you like to star in it?
HL: This is one of those where I don’t know that I’d ever want one of mine made into a movie cause I don’t think books always translate well to film. That said, I’d have a blast if they took Space Cowboy Survival Guide and turned that into a film. I’d probably want someone like Michael Fassbender to star in it.
CJC: For those looking to become an author, what advice would you give them?
HL: There is no way to write a book nor one way to tell a story. Write the book you want to read.
CJC: If you could co-write a book with any author, who would it be and why?
HL: I co-write with the bestest chickie already. I love my co-wrifey Blake Blessing.
CJC: Favorite motto?
HL: Finishing the book is the same as starting it, put your butt in the chair and your fingers on the keyboard.
CJC: What do you do to overcome writer’s block?
HL: I went through a severe bout of depression and didn’t write for a year. That was probably the one time I experienced what most people think of as writer’s block. That took changing medication after I identified that it was medication related. Other times, I do a thirty second dance party, switch the PoV that I am writing… there’s a lot of little tricks. Sometimes, I just have to indulge my ADHD and clean my house then come back to it.
CJC: In one word, how would you describe your writing style?
HL: Organized chaos.
CJC: Which do you find harder to do… writing the blurb for your story or selecting the cover?
HL: Um… since I tend to do these before I even start writing, I’m going to say cover but that’s only because creating a cover has to answer a lot of questions and the blur is a little more flexible.
CJC: Do you have authors who inspire you? And if so, who and why?
HL: Lots of them. Authors I’ve admired or read for years whether it’s their craft or them personally. I’d say Nora Roberts, Nalini Singh, Kay Hooper, Carole Mortimer, Penny Jordan – there are so many. They have invited me into their worlds and I’ve loved getting to be there.
CJC: What is your writing process like?
HL: LOL more organized chaos. I write pretty linear and I usually create what I call a road map so I have an idea of the big moments that I need to hit and then everything else is in the character’s hands.
CJC: What new projects are you currently working on and what are your goals for the remainder of the year?
CJC: Working on this brand new series that I have literally been waiting to write for the last two years. Bay Ridge Royals is going to be lit!
CJC: Any final thoughts you would like to share with the CJC Photography readers?
HL: Thanks for reading this far! I appreciate you.
CJC: “Shamelessly Loyal” is now available!
Learn more about Heather’s latest releases here.
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