I Love Vampire Novels is excited to bring you this 1:1 interview with author Heather D. Grace.
Heather D. Grace is a fast paced urban fantasy author that loves to add a slow burn romance. When she’s not busy writing about tough as nails female leads and their alluring protective mates, she and her husband spend time with their 4 children and 7 fur-babies, spending time exploring the beautiful mountains near her home and she helps in the veterinary field as an Registered Veterinary Technician.
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ILVN: Introduce yourself. (Who are you, where are you from, what genre do you write, etc.)
Heather: Hi! I’m Heather, a Mom of 4 amazing (though occasionally their creative energies drain me dry…) before anything, and aspiring author from all over the US. Currently, I am loving mountain life with the occasional visit to the ocean for sanity. I absolutely love all things fantasy, but I primarily write Urban Fantasy Romance with a SLOW burn. You’ll also find Found Family runs through my books since I love a solid support for my characters (blood family or not – family is who you choose to accept), as well as an animal companion of some kind. <3
ILVN: How long have you been writing or when did you start?
Heather: Writing in hopes of doing it professionally? My sister and I wrote fun stories for years growing up. We used to be on different boards where you created a character (looks, personality, backstory via writing) and have them interact in a made up world online. We called them RPG boards, but not sure if there’s an official name. I started writing The Society’s Hunter (my debut) in 2023 thinking I didn’t care if it ever went anywhere – I just liked the idea of being able to say I was published after so many years of reading amazing books. But… I had so much fun writing it, the seed of a dream started to grow. Can I do this as my job? Create worlds for others to get lost in when our world feels like too much – like so many authors did for me growing up? I’m still trying to figure out if I can get to that point – but I really hope I can. In that vein – I will forever be a happily ever after author. It won’t be easy for the characters – but when a series is complete, I want the reader to be able to take a deep breath and feel satisfied.
ILVN: Why paranormal/urban fantasy? What drew you to the genre?
Heather: There’s something about the world feeling like our real world, but having magic hiding right under our noses (Hidden Magic is also a pretty consistent trope in my books for this reason). It’s like part of me is still hoping that magic is real, and I just haven’t figured out how to see it yet.
ILVN: What comes first for you — the plot or the characters — and why?
Heather: Yikes! This is a hard one. I like to think that I balance them out since both are incredibly important to an immersive story, but if I have to look at my books more analytically, it is probably plot. Mostly because my character ARCs are about a slower growth – being able to see them struggle through those changes – while the plot is going to keep going whether or not the characters are happy with that timing, or if they are going to have to take a leap of faith in the meantime.
ILVN: What’s your favorite type of paranormal creature and why?
Heather: Paranormal? Definitely a shifter. Leopard in particular since I love big cats. There’s something about being able to change into an animal, have some of their speed, strength and agility – while still feeling human in other aspects – that I love.
ILVN: Tell us about your heroine/hero. What inspired her/his quirks and struggles?
Heather: Tessa is the primary trainer at her family’s equine facility and slated to take over officially when her mom passes it down. There are a decent number of her struggles that are based on things I have experienced in life (fear of heights? Yup! Fear of losing someone close to you because of cancer? Also, yes.). I also live close to horse country, so many of her real life struggles are ones I have seen for others. My goal is for my FMCs to be relatable. A piece of you fits a piece of her.
ILVN: Would you and your main character get along?
Heather: I’d like to think we would! Though, we are both pretty stubborn, so there may be a few fights to get to that point first.
ILVN: Which of the characters do you relate to the most and why?
Heather: It would have to be Tessa, though I relate a lot to Kali as well. Kali’s ability to ‘Mom’ everyone in their growing group with her sass and logic is right up my alley.
ILVN: What is a significant way your book has changed since the first draft?
Heather: Figuring out how to connect more with Neil (MMC) earlier on. He was much harder for me to get into the headspace of, but the more time I spent with him, the more I have been able to pull out and share for readers to also begin their connection.
ILVN: Where can our readers find you? (Social media, website, etc.)
Heather: All over! <3
Newsletter is: https://blackleopardpublishing.eo.page/
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Facebook Reader Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/944750710740554
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heatherdgraceauthor/
Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@heatherdgraceauthor (Shop coming soon!)
Website: www.authorheatherdgrace.com
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Heather-D-Grace/author/B0D79W8TQN
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/50544354.Heather_D_Grace
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