Ask the Author: Heather Tucker
Answered Questions (11)
Heather Tucker
Hi Caly, I almost missed seeing your question.
Thank you for your kind remarks. Encouraging words are the best gift a writer can receive. I'm delighted you enjoyed Clay Girl. Ari's journey continues in 'Cracked Pots', which was released October 2021. I hope to write more of her story one day but have several others to send out into the universe first.
My animal is definitely a turtle, although I find every creature that crosses my path has something to teach me. I can recall a few memorable encounters with a hawk. As it happens, my most trusted confident is a sassy canine named Cali, and I too am a crazy book lady:) I sense a rather serendipitous connection.
Thank you for your kind remarks. Encouraging words are the best gift a writer can receive. I'm delighted you enjoyed Clay Girl. Ari's journey continues in 'Cracked Pots', which was released October 2021. I hope to write more of her story one day but have several others to send out into the universe first.
My animal is definitely a turtle, although I find every creature that crosses my path has something to teach me. I can recall a few memorable encounters with a hawk. As it happens, my most trusted confident is a sassy canine named Cali, and I too am a crazy book lady:) I sense a rather serendipitous connection.
Heather Tucker
Tough question, Lara. Every writer in my critique group provides wonderful insight and guidance. WCDR, my writers” community, has introduced me to a legion of authors, who share their expertise through meetings and workshops. However, if I had to choose a singular influencer, I would say, local author, Ruth Walker. Not only is she a brilliant writer, she’s an extraordinary mentor and advocate. She is the one who encouraged me to move beyond fear and send my stories into the world, saying, "Get naked girl and let the epiphanies fall where they may." Good advice for every aspiring artist.
Heather Tucker
I'm not sure which one to call my most recent work.
Most recently published, The Clay Girl, is a mosaic of the remarkable children I've worked with and the difficult families and circumstances that shaped them.
My upcoming release, Cracked Pots, is the sequel to Clay Girl, following Ari Appleton on her journey to adulthood. Where the first book is very much about nurture, Cracked Pots is more an exploration of nature and what makes us who we are.
Most recently published, The Clay Girl, is a mosaic of the remarkable children I've worked with and the difficult families and circumstances that shaped them.
My upcoming release, Cracked Pots, is the sequel to Clay Girl, following Ari Appleton on her journey to adulthood. Where the first book is very much about nurture, Cracked Pots is more an exploration of nature and what makes us who we are.
Heather Tucker
People inspire me. Everyday heroes doing extraordinary things. I find the daily news and a lot of fiction so weighted with despair, that writing hero tales feels not only fair but necessary.
This quote from one of my favourite writers, Chinua Achebe, was an inspiring catalyst for me:
"I don’t think the world needs to be told stories of despair; there is enough despair as it is without anyone adding to it. If we have any role at all, I think it’s the role of optimism, not blind or stupid optimism, but the kind which is meaningful, one that is rather close to that notion of the world which is not perfect, but which can be improved. In other words, we don’t just sit and hope that things will work out; we have a role to play to make that come about. That seems to me to be the reason for the existence of the writer."
This quote from one of my favourite writers, Chinua Achebe, was an inspiring catalyst for me:
"I don’t think the world needs to be told stories of despair; there is enough despair as it is without anyone adding to it. If we have any role at all, I think it’s the role of optimism, not blind or stupid optimism, but the kind which is meaningful, one that is rather close to that notion of the world which is not perfect, but which can be improved. In other words, we don’t just sit and hope that things will work out; we have a role to play to make that come about. That seems to me to be the reason for the existence of the writer."
Heather Tucker
My left brain is doing final edits on 'Cracked Pots', scheduled for release Oct 5th.
My right brain is in Ethiopia on an adventure with Ellie Frost in 'Smoking Water'.
My right brain is in Ethiopia on an adventure with Ellie Frost in 'Smoking Water'.
Heather Tucker
I often say that I spent a half-century doing personal and professional research before I started writing fiction. And, that is my best advice, see everything as research for your stories. There is gold in those horrible jobs where you can't get the smell of fried meat out of your hair. Every loss, break-up, disappointment, mundane task, joy, sorrow, every bittersweet thing experienced, and observed, is a gem that adds depth, context, colour, sensory detail to what you write.
Heather Tucker
Two things:
The best thing about writing fiction is, I get to kill people without having to go to jail:) I love the feeling of being 'goddess', creating universes full of hope, humour, kindness, justice, redemption...
The best thing about being a writer, for me, has been invitations to book clubs. Meeting with people who read, connect, discuss, discover... has been spectacular.
The best thing about writing fiction is, I get to kill people without having to go to jail:) I love the feeling of being 'goddess', creating universes full of hope, humour, kindness, justice, redemption...
The best thing about being a writer, for me, has been invitations to book clubs. Meeting with people who read, connect, discuss, discover... has been spectacular.
Heather Tucker
I play, play, play. I get out my crayons and make colourful messes in my journals. I dig in the dirt, presently I am creating a broken glass garden. I go to the lake, climb rocks, splash in the water and collect interesting bits that have washed up. There is absolutely nothing like play that opens up creativity.
Heather Tucker
Hi Emily: What a delight to see a question from you. I miss getting updates on your life from your grandparents. As for my writing process, waking until noon is my best creative time. My mind is less cluttered and my internal critic is still asleep. And most, if not all mornings, I let my imaginary friends have free reign. I admit, they don't always get words down on paper, but they are at least conjuring stories in my head. I'm not a planner or a plotter when I write. I'm more of a 'panster', meaning I write by the seat of my pants and just let my characters tell their story. I honestly don't have a clue where they're going to take me. So, for part of the process, I'm spontaneous. However, when it comes to rewrites and edits, I'm more scheduled and goal oriented. I find in order to get any work fully formed, both my right brain and left have to pull equal weight.
Heather Tucker
I'm taking the 'fictional' out to answer this one. If I could, I'd travel back to Anne Frank's attic. I'd arrive with delicious food and a box of journals and pens, enough to last her through all the dark days. I'd tell her that her writing changed me, and many others, on a molecular level. With a little magic, I'd open the curtain between then and now and show her that what she wrote through all she endured is a constant reminder to me to look for the beauty in this world and to be grateful.
Heather Tucker
The Midnight Library ~Matt Haig
How to Walk Away ~Katherine Center
The Orchard ~Peter Heller
Where the Forest Meets the Stars ~Glendy Vanerah
Troubled Blood ~Robert Galbraith
When We Were Vikings ~Andrew David MacDonald
The Four Winds ~Kristen Hannah...
How to Walk Away ~Katherine Center
The Orchard ~Peter Heller
Where the Forest Meets the Stars ~Glendy Vanerah
Troubled Blood ~Robert Galbraith
When We Were Vikings ~Andrew David MacDonald
The Four Winds ~Kristen Hannah...
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