Ask the Author: Heidi Gray McGill
Answered Questions (5)
Heidi Gray McGill
Jenny, you just made me smile!! Thank you for your sweet words. I am just now seeing your message, so I apologize for the late response. I am working on books three and four in the series, but do not have a date yet. If you would like to sign up for my newsletter, you will receive up-to-date information as well as the free prequel to the series! https://bit.ly/freeprequel4you
Heidi Gray McGill
Hi, Staci! I gave complete freedom to my graphic artist. Thank you for your kind words!
Heidi Gray McGill
Hi, Lily! Thank you for your question. I do not need reviews at this time.
Heidi Gray McGill
Thank you, Crystal! You can connect with me, see what is coming, and get my free prequel by joining my newsletter at http://eepurl.com/hidC1H.
Heidi Gray McGill
For years, I happily served as a Beta reader for a friend. Each time I reviewed one of her books, I realized I enjoyed the process of thinking through the details of whatever book I was engrossed in. I’d read to see if characters were compelling, sympathetic, or someone I found myself rooting for. I envisioned the characters in my mind to see if they felt real and were three-dimensional, with distinct voices, flaws, and virtues.
I enjoy stories where the stakes are high enough or the tension throughout strong enough to make it a “page-turner.” And I always enjoy a hook at the end of each chapter or scene that makes me want to read more.
Because I enjoy travel, vivid descriptions “showing” a scene, make me use my senses to see it in my minds-eye.
I wondered, “Can I do this? Can I write the way I like to read?”
There was no “story” in my mind when I started. I weighed my options and chose 1858 Missouri as my setting. I picked this year because the railroad was not yet established in the west, keeping me to certain modes of transportation. Since Missouri was open territory back then, I was able to place my little towns wherever I wanted. I made my main character an orphan child so there would be less back story to consider, as far as her family was concerned. And I chose to create a character I could relate to, someone simple and plain.
In a way, I wrote my own story. Rachel, the main character, has a deep faith that doesn’t grow fully until she has been dealt some devastating heartaches. She struggles with depression and comes out on the other side gloriously new in mind and spirit. My favorite verse, 1 Samuel 1:18 is woven throughout my book.
I enjoy stories where the stakes are high enough or the tension throughout strong enough to make it a “page-turner.” And I always enjoy a hook at the end of each chapter or scene that makes me want to read more.
Because I enjoy travel, vivid descriptions “showing” a scene, make me use my senses to see it in my minds-eye.
I wondered, “Can I do this? Can I write the way I like to read?”
There was no “story” in my mind when I started. I weighed my options and chose 1858 Missouri as my setting. I picked this year because the railroad was not yet established in the west, keeping me to certain modes of transportation. Since Missouri was open territory back then, I was able to place my little towns wherever I wanted. I made my main character an orphan child so there would be less back story to consider, as far as her family was concerned. And I chose to create a character I could relate to, someone simple and plain.
In a way, I wrote my own story. Rachel, the main character, has a deep faith that doesn’t grow fully until she has been dealt some devastating heartaches. She struggles with depression and comes out on the other side gloriously new in mind and spirit. My favorite verse, 1 Samuel 1:18 is woven throughout my book.
About Goodreads Q&A
Ask and answer questions about books!
You can pose questions to the Goodreads community with Reader Q&A, or ask your favorite author a question with Ask the Author.
See Featured Authors Answering Questions
Learn more