Interview With Author Anne Shaw Heinrich
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’ve been writing since I was in high school. My debut novel, God Bless the Child, was released in June 2024. It’s the first in a three-book series, The Women of Paradise County. So far, I’ve completed two novels.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The latest book, Violet is Blue, is the second in The Women of Paradise County Series. The book is a continuation of the story lines that take place in God Bless the Child, but really delves into the dynamics of small town living and how interconnected those with and without privilege can be. It’s a theme I’ll never tire of exploring.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I’m not much of an outline girl. I just dive in and start writing, letting the characters develop and build relationships with one another. The best narrative develops around strong characters. Sometimes, I do peck out chapters with a pencil and a yellow legal pad first, then do the refining on a laptop. Recently, I’ve started using Word and other apps that allow me to listen to what I’ve written. This is a great way to catch things with my ears rather than my eyes.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Oh, there are so many that it’s hard to narrow that down. I’ve been a voracious reader since I was a child. Once I find a writer I like, I tend to consume everything he/she has written. Here are a few of the writers that I think have influenced my own writing: Anne Tyler, Anita Shreve, Pearl S. Buck, Wallace Stegner and Kate Chopin. I’ve also started reconsidering writers that I wasn’t ready for back when I was in college: James Joyce, William Faulkner, and Virginia Woolf.
What are you working on now?
I am working feverishly on House of Teeth, the third and final book in The Women of Paradise County Series.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I do a fair amount of promotion on my own website and social media channels (Instagram, Bluesky, Threads and LinkedIn).
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Keep writing! Do not give up! I wrote the initial draft of my first novel nearly 20 years ago. Life kept getting in the way, but finally, the timing was right. I’d also say to make sure you are working with a reputable editor.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Sometimes you just have to throw away your darlings. You’ve written something you really like, but it just doesn’t work for what you need at the moment. Go ahead and toss it into a slush pile for later. If you’re capable of writing one good thing, you’re probably capable of writing other good things.
What are you reading now?
I am reading Contested Will by James Shapiro. I’ve been deep diving into the Shakespeare authorship controversy recently. I can’t get enough of this topic.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I have a good start on a fourth, stand-alone novel that is about a great, great, great grandmother of mine. Her story must be told, and I cannot wait to be the one to do this.
If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
The Bible, The Complete Works of William Shakespeare, The Good Earth and The Age of Innocence.
Author Websites and Profiles
Anne Shaw Heinrich Amazon Profile
Anne Shaw Heinrich’s Social Media Links
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