Heidi Glick: Christmas, Suspense, Romance, and More

This week you get to hear from Romantic Suspense author Heidi Glick. She’s sharing about her Christmas release, 12 Days, and giving away an ebook to a US winner. To enter, simply scroll to the bottom of this page and leave a comment by December 5!

Welcome, Heidi. To kick us off, I’d love to hear about your writing space.

I have a writing desk, but I usually sit in different places at home. Sometimes, I take my laptop with me to the library or Panera. 

I like to move around with my laptop, too. Do you have a favorite drink or snack you indulge in while writing?

Diet Coke or Pepsi and Cheez-Its. 

Do you have any pets? Do they find their way into any of your stories?

Currently, I have five cats and one dog. Years ago, I had a Schipperke named Sparky. He made his way into my debut novel, Dog Tags. 

With that many cats, maybe we’ll see one in a future book. What is the setting of your current novel? Is it a real location or fictional? Tell us about it.

The setting of my current story is in a fictional city/county in Northwest Ohio. I loosely based the city off of Findlay, Ohio (Hancock County). 

How do you select the names for your characters?

Sometimes, I choose them at random. Sometimes, I look at baby name and surname lists online. Earlier today, I posted a poll on Facebook to ask followers for input on a character’s name. 

Readers love helping name characters! If you wrote in a different genre than your current one, which would you choose and why? 

I would probably choose historical or spec. I enjoy reading historical fiction, but because I am not a history buff (like my husband), I would probably choose spec. and create my own world. 

If you could only publish one book in your lifetime, which of your novels would you choose?

If I had to choose one, I would choose my current work in progress. I’m currently working on a three-book series. I would choose the first book in the series. The characters are my favorite. 

How do you tackle research for your novels?

I read books and articles. I attended the Writers’ Police Academy as well as my local citizens Sheriff’s Academy. I contact professionals and ask them questions. When I can’t find anyone, I get books on various topics. 

The research for Suspense writers sounds like such fun. Do you have critique partners or a critique group? What are the pros and cons of participating in such a group? 

I’ve participated in critique groups. I think they are helpful. More recently, I started submitting my manuscripts to an editor to save time. 

The pro is that they provide free feedback. The con is that they can take up your time. 

It does take a lot of time to critique for multiple writers each week, but I appreciate the help. With all your author responsibilities, do you squeeze in reading time?

I’m actually reading advance reader copies right now. I’m reading several other Christmas stories, along with a nonfiction book, and a children’s book. 

Wow, that’s a lot. Good for you! What advice would you give an aspiring author?

I would encourage aspiring writers to join a professional writing organization and attend writing conferences. I would also suggest reading books about writing and joining a critique group or hiring an editor for feedback. 

Let’s wrap up the interview hearing about what’s next from you.

I’m currently working on a three-book environmental thriller series set in Cincinnati, Ohio. I’ve written the first two books but am still writing the third. 

Thanks for visiting my blog today, Heidi. I pray God will bless you and your future writing endeavors!

Join the conversation. Do you read Romantic Suspense? What about Christmas novels? What questions or comments do you have for Heidi?

Be sure to comment below by December 5 for a chance to win an ebook of Heidi’s Christmas story, 12 Days. (US winner only)

Please share Heidi’s interview on social media to help spread the word about her book.

Check out these interviews with Michelle Shocklee, E.B. Roshan, and Aminata Coote.