Interview With Author Heather Choate
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Well, where do I start? I’m Heather Choate—professional daydreamer, full-time mom, and part-time dragon whisperer (okay, that last one is only on Tuesdays). I’ve penned my fair share of tales, with Fighting for Our Lives being my most personal and heartfelt. As for numbers, let’s just say I’ve written enough books to make my laptop cry for mercy but not enough to keep me from saying, ‘Just one more!’ Some are adventurous fantasy escapades, others dive deep into life’s rawest battles, but all are fueled by faith, love, and a healthy dose of caffeine.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is Fighting for Our Lives: A Mother’s Memoir of Faith and Survival Through Breast Cancer. It’s a deeply personal story that came to life during one of the hardest battles I’ve ever faced—being diagnosed with breast cancer while ten weeks pregnant with my sixth child. The inspiration was my journey through that storm—finding strength in faith, love, and an unyielding will to protect my unborn child. It’s a story of hope, resilience, and that crazy little thing called courage, even when the odds seem stacked against you. It’s proof that even in our darkest moments, the light of faith and family can guide us through
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Absolutely! My writing habits are a little… unconventional. For starters, I do my best work between 3 and 7 a.m., thanks to a charming case of insomnia. While most people are dreaming, I’m wide awake, fueled by tea and sheer determination, crafting worlds and characters in the quiet hours. Bonus: no interruptions! It’s like having the world to myself—just me, my laptop, and the occasional chirping cricket for ambiance. Who needs sleep when you’ve got stories to tell, right?
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I’m definitely a patchwork quilt of literary influences, and at the center of it all is C.S. Lewis. His ability to weave faith and fantasy together is pure magic—The Chronicles of Narnia practically shaped my childhood. Then there’s Brandon Sanderson, who’s like a masterclass in world-building; I swear, reading his books makes me want to level up my own creativity. And let’s not forget Orson Scott Card. Ender’s Game taught me that stories can be equal parts thrilling and deeply introspective. Between them, I’ve learned that writing isn’t just about creating worlds—it’s about filling them with meaning, heart, and a touch of wonder.
What are you working on now?
Right now, I’m fully immersed in the Way of the Xaltan series, a Christian dystopian sci-fi mashup that explores what happens when an emotionless society collides with one driven by raw, unrestrained feelings. It’s got rebellion, love, impossible choices, and plenty of heart-pounding twists. I’m also working on a short story collection tied to the series to expand the world and give readers a taste of what’s to come.
Oh, and because I clearly don’t like to sleep, I’m also dabbling in a Christian daily devotional! I love blending faith and storytelling, so why not stretch into a little non-fiction inspiration? It’s like coffee for the soul—except less jittery.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
My best method for promoting my books? Well, Amazon is definitely a big player—it’s like the giant bookshelf of the internet where everyone shops! But I also love connecting directly with readers through my personal website. It’s my cozy corner of the digital world where I share behind-the-scenes content, exclusive freebies, and updates about my latest projects. Plus, it gives me the chance to build meaningful connections with readers who enjoy diving into the worlds I create.
Social media plays a role too—it’s great for engaging with my audience (and occasionally sharing quirky videos of my writing process or my characters coming to life). It’s all about finding ways to keep the journey fun and interactive!
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Absolutely—don’t feel like you have to squeeze yourself into a pre-made “box” or follow every so-called rule of writing. The beauty of being an author is that you get to create something uniquely *you.* Break the rules, challenge conventions, and write what sets your soul on fire.
Love what you create, even if it’s different or unconventional, because that passion shines through to readers. The world doesn’t need another cookie-cutter story; it needs *your* story, told in your voice. So, be bold, take risks, and trust the process—even if it feels messy sometimes. And above all, never stop loving the journey.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
The best advice I’ve ever heard is to forgive yourself and others. Life is too short to carry the heavy baggage of regret, resentment, or guilt. Forgiveness is freeing—it doesn’t mean forgetting or condoning, but it allows you to move forward without being tethered to the past.
When you forgive yourself, you give yourself permission to grow and learn from your mistakes. And when you forgive others, you reclaim your peace. It’s not always easy, but it’s always worth it. It’s like taking a deep breath after holding it in for far too long.
What are you reading now?
Right now, I’m diving into the 10th book of the Tennis Shoes Among the Nephites series, and wow, talk about an epic time-traveling adventure! It’s like history class on a rollercoaster ride through ancient civilizations—with plenty of heart and faith mixed in.
Oh, and I’m also savoring the Wingfeather Saga! If you love beautifully crafted worlds, quirky humor, and stories brimming with courage, it’s a must-read. Let’s just say my reading list is doing a fantastic job of keeping my imagination fueled and my heart full!
What’s next for you as a writer?
What’s next? Oh, just a small matter of building an entire rebellion—on paper, of course! I’m currently immersed in crafting the Way of the Xaltan series, an epic dystopian saga where faith, family, and courage collide with a world that tries to erase them. Think battles of the heart, mind, and soul, with a side of emotional upheaval and edge-of-your-seat action.
On top of that, I’m also brainstorming ways to connect with readers on a deeper level, through devotionals and stories that inspire hope and ignite passion. Basically, I’m just trying to keep up with my characters and their wild adventures—and maybe sneak in a nap now and then!
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?
If I were stranded on a desert island (hopefully with a hammock and plenty of coconuts), my bookish survival kit would include:
The Scriptures – for guidance, strength, and maybe even a few miracles to get me off the island.
Way of Kings by Brandon Sanderson – because if I’m stuck, I might as well be swept into an epic world with characters that remind me of the strength in perseverance.
Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien – a timeless adventure with a touch of hope, courage, and hobbit humor to keep me sane.
My daughter’s first fantasy story – because nothing brings more joy than reading her words and being reminded of the magic of storytelling passed down through generations.
With these four, I’d have faith, epic battles, timeless wisdom, and a whole lot of heart to keep me going!
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