Interview With Author Catherine Heaslip
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Born and raised in the north suburbs of Chicago, Illinois- and moved down to South Florida with my husband and dog two years ago- we had a baby boy, and found another dog here who was abandoned and roaming the streets. So now we are a full family of five! I have been collecting crystals since I was a kid- and have always wanted to write a book about something I love. ABC, A Book of Crystals is the first book I have written/ published.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
ABC, A Book of Crystals. It was inspired by an amazing two-year-old boy. My son, Calvin. We read a lot of books, and we are learning our alphabet. I have been collecting crystals ever since I was a kid- so I was on the lookout for an alphabet book about crystals- but couldn’t find what I was looking for! So I hopped on the phone with my sister, and got to brainstorming- and that’s how we came up with ABC, A Book of Crystals. We love to share this hobby together, and love to be able to teach the younger generation all about crystals!
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Obsessively jotting down notes in my iPhone and somehow putting my thoughts all together!
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Harry Potter- I received the first three books as a set, and from then on… I was hooked. Buying the latest books as soon as they were released- staying up all night to finish reading them… going to the movies. I grew up on Harry Potter. It was *magic*
What are you working on now?
Just promoting my book- doing a few readings and signings at local museums/ science centers and other various events.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
It’s going to take a lot of leg work- get out there and do your research! Come up with a solid marketing plan to try to get your feet moving and off the ground. It’s going to take a lot of that groundwork- just constantly trying to hustle the book and make a buzz about it! The book isn’t going to sell itself…
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Don’t be afraid to ask for help! I couldn’t have completed the book without the assistance of many other special and talented people. It started with an idea, and from reaching out to others- the project started to take form, and the book really became a reality thanks to Susan Gabriel with Soul Sonshine Publishing!
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Just keep your focus on yourself.
What are you reading now?
At this point in my life- we are reading a lot of bedtime stories, alphabet books, and children’s books right now! 🙂
What’s next for you as a writer?
My sister and I have a few things in mind- but have been busy with planning her wedding next month!! (Stay tuned- and follow our Instagram page for more info on our book and other fun projects : @abookofcrystals)
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.
Author Websites and Profiles
Catherine Heaslip Amazon Profile
Catherine Heaslip’s Social Media Links