Heidi Swain interview
AUTHOR INTERVIEW
A little introduction:
Although passionate about writing from an early age,
Heidi Swain gained a degree in literature and flirted briefly with a newspaper
career before she plucked up the courage to join a creative writing class and
take her literary ambitions seriously.
A lover of vintage paraphernalia and the odd bottle
of fizz, she now writes feel good fiction with heart for Simon and Schuster. Her
debut novel, The Cherry Tree Café was published in July 2015 and she became a
Sunday Times Bestseller in 2017. Heidi writes two books a year – a summer and
winter title.
She is represented by Amanda Preston and lives in the
east of England with a mischievous cat called Storm.
When did your love of books begin?
I’ve loved books for as long as I can remember. My earliest book related memory was being gifted a huge hardback for my 5th birthday called Our Magnificent Wildlife. It was a vast tome featuring wildlife from every corner of the planet. My favourite images were of turtles hatching. I loved that I could open the book and be transported to somewhere faraway and see things I’d never witness in real life. It was magic! I still have the book on my shelf.
When did you start to have the wish to become an author?
It’s impossible for me to pinpoint the exact moment as it was something I always wanted to do. I have a schoolfriend who can remember me writing stories from an early age and as a teenager I was obsessed with the opening scene of the film Romancing the Stone. I wanted to be Joan Wilder, writing her novels in her apartment with her cat for company. It took me decades to pluck up the courage and take the plunge, but I did it in the end!
How have you found the process for becoming an author?
It’s been an amazing journey. Once I had made the decision that I was going to be published, I kept my head down and worked as hard as I possibly could to make it happen. The early days were difficult – juggling a job, a family and writing, but it’s been totally worth the early starts and late finishes. I truly believe that if you want something so badly, and you’re prepared to put in the work, you can make it happen.
There have been some phenomenal highs, such as becoming a Sunday Times Bestseller and seeing my books published throughout Europe to name just two. It’s more than I ever dreamed it would be.
What would you say to those wanting to become an author?
Stop procrastinating and get on with it. You have to commit 100%. Not only to the writing but also to looking for those opportunities to get your words out there. There’s much more to being an author than writing a book but of course, that’s where you have to start. Write the book you believe in, make it the best you can and then have the courage to get it out in the world.
Don’t fall into the trap of saying you’ll do it when you have more time. Newsflash – there never will be more time. You have to make the time, even ten-minute sessions snatched throughout the day will amount to hundreds, if not thousands of words, over the course of a week.
Tell us about your book/books:
I currently have thirteen books published, another written for release next spring and I’m planning the Christmas 22 title which I will start writing in January.
The books are based in three settings – Wynbridge in the Fens, Nightingale Square in Norwich and Wynmouth on the Norfolk coast. My publisher, Simon and Schuster, publish one in spring and another in time for Christmas. This year, it’s Underneath the Christmas Tree, set at the seaside in Wynmouth on a Christmas tree plantation.
All of the books can be read as standalones as they feature a different main character, but lots of readers prefer to read in either publication or series order to build up setting knowledge, relationship backgrounds etc.
Classed as commercial fiction or women’s fiction, I prefer to call them feel good fiction. There’s always a romance, but there’s also a strong sense of community, a raft of friendships and the inclusion of some weighty issues too, to reflect real life.
Underneath the Christmas Tree
Wynter’s Trees is the home of Christmas. For the people of Wynmouth it’s where they get their family Christmas tree, and where Christmas truly comes to life.
But for Liza Wynter, it’s a millstone around her neck. It was her father’s pride and joy but now he’s gone, she can’t have anything to do with it. Until her father’s business partner decides to retire and she must go back to handle the transition to his son Ned.
When Liza arrives, she discovers a much-loved business that’s flourishing under Ned’s stewardship. And she’s happy to stay and help for the Christmas season, but then she has other plans. But will the place where she grew up make her change her mind? And can it weave its Christmas cheer around her heart…?
What do you love about the writing/reading community?
The thing I love most about the writing and reading community is how hugely supportive and generous it is.
My fellow authors are wonderful at championing each other’s work and the blogging community is a mighty force when it comes to sharing books and spreading the word. It’s a very positive and uplifting community.
My merry band of readers are called the Swainettes and the Heidi Swain and Friends Book Club on Facebook has over 1,700 members and is organised and run by Fiona Jenkins and Sue Baker in their own time. In my experience, book people are kind people and nothing matters more than kindness!
If you could say anything to your readers what would it be?
Thank you! Thank you for buying my books, sharing my books, talking about them, reviewing them and borrowing them from libraries. My loyal readers are the wonderful people who keep me doing the job I love. Long may our love affair with stories last!
Where can people connect with you?
Website: http://www.heidiswain.co.uk/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Heidi_Swain
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WriterHeidiJoSwain?ref=hl
Amazon: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Heidi-Swain/e/B00YNN3LDI?ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1&qid=1620727029&sr=8-1
Publisher: https://www.simonandschuster.co.uk/
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