Heather Beck: Having a Terror of a Time

Twenty one-year-old Heather Beck is an interesting person to say the least. She’s a university student, active outdoorswoman, and a published author. I have read all three of Heather’s published works and was immediately impressed by them all. For such a young author Heather writes in a manner which is casual yet very throughout-provoking.

I was lucky enough to interview this talented young woman and am proud to present the end results to other readers. Enjoy! – Jeff Wilkins

Jeff: How did you first become interested in writing?
Heather: I’ve always loved reading. The fact that one could invent plots, characters, and settings which felt real intrigued me. English was one of my strongest subjects throughout school. When I took a writing course in grade 12 I was required to write the first nine chapters of an original book. That’s how The Paradise Chronicles came into existence. I finished The Paradise Chronicles in my spare time and then went on to write another book, and another, and another. Writing is a cycle I can’t get out of, but I love it!

Jeff: When did you first realize that you had made it as an author?
Heather: I don’t consider myself as having made it as an author. I felt as if I had made a step towards “making it” when I got a book contract, received my first check from a publisher, and when I got my first fan letter.

Jeff: Do you hear from fans a lot? What comments do you usually receive?
Heather: It was something I never expected but I do receive quite a bit of fan mail. The comments have all been positive but I suppose if a person had something negative to say they probably wouldn’t write to me.

Jeff: Writing for the Fable Farm series has certainty increased your popularity with fans. Can you tell us more about the series?
Heather: I initially wrote eight scary stories and compiled them into one book. I shopped that book around as Echoes of the Strange: Eight Unusual Stories. I gained the interest of Sparklesoup LLC and the next thing I knew my book had been divided into two. I didn’t create the Fable Farm series but I did create and write the first eight stories.

Jeff: Will you continue to write for the Fable Farm series?
Heather: I have written several more scary stories. However, they are going to be published with Saga Books.

Jeff: You write a lot in the horror genre. Will you be writing in a different genre anytime soon?
Heather: I recently finished writing a coming-of-age book for young adults which deals with many important issues.

Jeff: Such as?
Heather: You’ll just have to read it when it comes out [laughs].

Jeff: Is there any other genre that you’d like to write in?
Heather: I would love to write a historical novel. I am studying history at the University of Toronto so I can incorporate accurate facts into my writing. I would also love to write a wilderness adventure.

Jeff: Who inspires your writing? Do you have a favorite author?
Heather: I think my surroundings inspire me more than any individual. I do, however, admire the work of Jack London and Tennessee Williams.

Jeff: Thank you for your time, Heather. I wish you much success with your writing career.
Heather: Thanks, Jeff!