Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’ve written eight independently published books and four traditionally published books. I’ve written Viking historicals and contemporary mystery/suspense novels. Currently, I’m focused on writing cozy mysteries, such as my Exotic Pet-Sitter Series.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My upcoming release, Belinda Blake and the Birds of a Feather, focuses on amateur sleuth Belinda Blake, who travels from her rented house in Greenwich, CT, to her family in Upstate NY for a funeral. Belinda gets tapped to “bird-sit” some homing pigeons…and gets tangled up trying to catch a ruthless and creative killer.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I play video games to unwind between writing stints. I find that’s unusual for women authors. Belinda Blake, my cozy mystery sleuth, is also a gamer girl.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Agatha Christie is one author I can actually reread time and time again. I also love the classics, like Far from the Madding Crowd by Hardy or The Mill on the Floss by Eliot.
What are you working on now?
I’m working on a new cozy mystery series that will likely start releasing in 2020. It is set very close to my hometown in the quaint town of Lewisburg, WV.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Bookbub deals alongside ad stacking, like Awesomegang ads. 🙂
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Be sure you get your most polished product out there, along with a fantastic book cover, especially if you’re independently publishing your debut novel.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
The ones who don’t quit are the ones who get published. (For me, that meant independently publishing my debut and several other books before I was traditionally published).
What are you reading now?
Cleo Coyle’s Coffee House mystery series
What’s next for you as a writer?
More cozy mysteries! I feel it’s a natural fit for my character-driven, twisty-plot style.
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, Ordeal by Innocence by Agatha Christie, Vanity Fair by Thackeray, and Knowing God by JI Packer.
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Heather Day Gilbert Website
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