Ask the Author: Laura Hetzel
Answered Questions (6)
Laura Hetzel
I usually write from an outline, and if there is a part of the book that I either know I'm going to have a difficult time with (like chapter 16 in "Its Own Defense"), or that I'm not sure how I'm going to write, I move on to a part of the outline I feel more comfortable with. My outlines are littered with post-it notes and loose pages that I add in, and I don't always write sequentially. The most difficult part is almost always the first sentence, and I've learned to get something, anything, down on paper and move on. You can always change it in the rewrite.
Laura Hetzel
The best thing about being a writer is hearing that you've helped someone else. I love hearing that readers stayed up all night to finish "Its Own Defense," or that they burned out their Kindle battery and couldn't wait to recharge it. I love hearing that readers couldn't put the book down. Mostly though, it's been the many people that have come to me with personal stories and said, "You got that exactly right." "I'm so happy someone understands." "Thank you for writing this." Those are the comments that have meant the most to me and that encourage me to keep writing.
Laura Hetzel
Keep writing! Pay attention to spelling and grammar, they do matter, don't trust spell-check. Research all of the different options there are for publishing and pursue any that interest you. Also, reach out to other writers. Everybody had to start somewhere and most writers are happy to share their experiences with people who are just starting out.
Laura Hetzel
I am currently working on the sequel to "Its Own Defense." It's eight years later, and the three main characters have each had a difficult time coming to grips with the events of the Summer of the Slasher. The working title is "Ripples," and it's about how one incident of violence can ripple through many lives and create its own impact in different ways. One shocking event will bring all three characters together again to reconcile themselves with their own actions and to question some gray areas of law and morality.
Laura Hetzel
My inspiration comes from my own experiences, as well as watching the news and hearing other people talk about their own experiences with violence. My inspiration is to attempt to take a scary situation and turn it into a positive experience, through education and through asking questions and creating opportunities for dialogue that go beyond blame or feeling victimized. Knowledge and empowerment are very inspiring!
Laura Hetzel
The idea for "Its Own Defense" began almost 20 years ago when I left an abusive marriage and was stalked for months. After my ex-husband brought a gun to my house, I was denied a permanent restraining order by the judge. I knew then that I had to learn how to protect and defend myself on my own. I began to talk to others about their experiences with domestic violence, and almost everybody has a story. Everyone has either experienced it directly, or knows someone who has. This book is a suspense-thriller meant to entertain, but it also contains self-defense tips, how to spot red flags in relationships, and includes dramatic dialogue questioning why domestic abuse occurs and how prevention is the best cure.
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