Ladies and gentleman, today I bring you the fabulous Heather Van Fleet debut author of When It's Least Expected. Let me just say, it has been a pleasure chatting with her and and getting to know her. She is a real delight and I sincerely hope she will come back again.
Without further ado, Ms. Van Fleet:
1. What made you want to write? Was it a book you read, a longtime passion, or just something you've always wanted to do etc?
Like a lot of authors out there, I really got inspired by the Twilight Series. Then I started reviewing books at a review site right after my three year old was born, and decided that heck, if they could do it, then so could I!
So I got my first laptop, I sat down when my babe was sleeping, and before I knew it, the words were just flowing out. I always created little stories when I was a kiddo and even into high school, but was never all that serious about it until later in life. Writing a novel was also a bucket list thing too, as well as way to prove to my girls that dreams could be achieved with a little bit of hard work and determination.
2. How did you feel when you knew you were going to publish your novel?
I was thrilled – And a little shocked to. I do believe I made my hubby read, and then re-read my emails at least three times before I actually accepted the truth. But honestly, I was a little stressed out about it as well, mainly due to the fact that I had three different houses want to publish When It’s Least Expected. And all of the offers came in within three hours of one another, so the decision making process took a bit of my immediate giddiness away. Still though, I was a very happy girl.
3. Will your series have recurring characters or is each book going to have different characters?
The Perfect Timing series will have a total of three books in it. When It’s Least Expected is Harley and Mason’s book. Book Two (entitled A Long Time Coming) is based on Harley’s twin brother David, and Harley’s best friend Abigail. And book three (untitled) will be Mason’s little sister’s story. I guess you could say I like to keep it in the family.
4. Most writers have a routine for when they write, what's yours like? Do you have a playlist?
I don’t really have a routine so to speak, more of these weird little writing quirks. For one, I have to have coffee to drink. It’s a BIG necessity. I’m thinking it has something to do with my tiny little caffeine obsession, but who knows really.
I only have two places that I can really get any writing work done. One is at my kitchen table, and the other is my friendly, neighborhood Starbucks.
I have three little girls, so when I do write it’s either during nap time or bed time. Otherwise I get way too distracted.
And then there’s my music. Ahh . . . I just love my music. I’ve sort of turned into a Spotify freak lately. I HAVE to have music to write by, otherwise my muse just disappears. I had three specific songs that became my go to songs for When It’s Least Expected. One was I Won’t Let Go by Rascal Flatts. Two was Disaster by JoJo. And number three was (and don’t laugh) Lets Stay Together by Al Green.
5. When will the next book in the series be published?
As of right now, A Long Time Coming is in a re-write stage, but it should be done by the end of the summer. And if all goes accordingly, I’m hoping for a winter release date but that also depends on my publisher too.
6. Who is your book crush, the one character you would love if he was real?
Oh yes, I loooove this question. I have so many book boyfriends that it’s not even funny. And the sad part is they are all at least ten or so years younger than I am. But number one would definitely be Daemon from the Lux series by Jennifer Armentrout. The other would be Travis from Beautiful Disaster/Walking Disaster by Jamie McGuire.
7. Pepsi or coke? Lol
Hmm, well I can happily say that I am 6 weeks soda free now! Woot! Lol But when I was drinking pop, it was Pepsi – all the way. Coke always had this weird tendency to burn my throat.
8. Any advice for aspiring writers?
I would have to say, for one, grow a thick skin if you don’t already have one. There are a lot of people out there who are downright brutal when it comes to reviews, so if you’re sensitive and care about that stuff (like me) then you’ve got to try and remember why you are writing in the first place. And with every bad review, or negative comment, a good one is right around the corner.
Also, write the book that you want to read. If you love YA, write YA, if you love Erotica, or Vampires, write about them too. Don’t go with the mainstream, go with your heart.
9. What's your guilty pleasure?
White Chocolate Mocha’s from Starbucks and Buster Bars from Dairy queen. They are both so darn good – but so terrible for you too.
10. Who is your favorite author and your favorite book of all time?
My favorite book of all time is definitely the Fault in Our Stars by John Green (Can you just say devastatingly wonderful?) Ugh, I still cry when I read that book.
As far as favorite authors go? Hmm, well, I can’t just pick one . . . but I will pick three! Jennifer Armentrout, Karen Y. Bynum, and Kelly Gendron are my three personal faves.
11. What are you currently reading?
I just started reading the second book in a contemporary romance series called The Promise Harbor Wedding. The book is called Bolted and it’s written by Meg Benjamin. Very sexy and very sweet book
I’d like to giveaway an e-copy of my debut novel, When It’s Least Expected.
Also, I just wanted to say thanks to Natalie and Pretty in Pink Books and Reviews, for hosting me today! I had a blast and would love to come back again in the future to hang out!
So guys and gals, tomorrow with her release of When it's Least Expected, we will be giving away a copy of her e-book right here! Stay tuned later today for her book trailer as well!
