Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am a proud Canadian and Serenade is my first novel. The sequel, Nocturne, is available now in digital format, and will be released in print on July 10, 2018. I am so excited for this! The great feedback and response I am getting for these books is so incredible. What a journey!
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
I was in my local bookstore one afternoon with my daughter and watched as she searched the Teen/Young Adult section in frustration. She didn’t want vampires, or witches, or dystopian worlds, she wanted a modern day adventure with characters that felt real. So, being the doting mother that I am, I started writing her a book. One month into the process, I was quitting my job as a musician and focusing entirely on learning how to write. I fell head over heels in love with this avenue of storytelling. Being a musician gave me many life experiences to pull from, and my love of Stephanie Meyer’s work fueled the passion to forge ahead and get the story on paper. A love triangle, the romantic setting of the rocky mountains, the art of survival and a character whose strength builds with each page… it all began to come to life every time I sat down to write. I realized when I completed the first manuscript, that what I was essentially trying to get across to my daughter –through the magic of reading– was the understanding of true love; what it feels like and how you know when you’ve found it. And, I am happy to say, that my knowledge of that is born of my own, real, experience.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I can’t write without a beverage, even if I don’t drink it.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
There are so many! Recently Tahereh Mafi has blown my mind completely. Madeline Miller’s ‘Song of Achilles’ was really beautiful. My bookshelves are overflowing with book I need to read… so many amazing authors, so little time!
What are you working on now?
I am working on book three of The Nightmusic Trilogy. It is sooooooo close to being done I can almost smell the fresh ink on the print copies 🙂 I have the first in an adult series almost completed, and the start of a new teen series in the works.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Promoting books is hard! Word of mouth, or great websites that help authors, are so valuable.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
If you like it, then so will someone else. Trust your gut. Write for you.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
If it tastes bad, don’t eat it
What are you reading now?
Circe – Madeline Miller
What’s next for you as a writer?
More writing. More reading. More yoga.
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?
1. How to survive on a desert island
2. Tree Forts for dummies
3. The Power of Positive Thinking – Peale
Author Websites and Profiles
Heather McKenzie Website
Heather McKenzie Amazon Profile
Heather McKenzie Author Profile on Smashwords
Heather McKenzie’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account