Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m a highly creative and energetic person. I’ve worked in financial services throughout my career in marketing and wanted to make a change. Quite a drastic one! I started writing in 2018 and so far have published 5 books. 3 for children under the Catnap Stories brand and one for adults in two different languages about the Island of Ibiza.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is called – The Adventures of Vince the Cat – Vince Discovers the Wonder of Seville. Having written my first book about Paris, which includes French in the story and following on from feedback from my customers. I decided to pick an amazing Spanish City to visit, discover and write about and of course! Include Spanish in the story.
I have always loved travelling and learning new languages and wanted to share my passions in my books to inspire children.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
When I write, my cats are always with me in my office. One of them jumps up at the screen and it looks like she is proof-reading it for me and the other basically sleeps with his head resting on my keyboard and very often snores or purrs very loudly. The purring is actually quite calming and enables me to think more clearly.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
The authors that I love are Alexandre Dumas & Shakespeare. As a child I loved Roald Dahl as most children did.
What are you working on now?
Now, I’m planning my next book and deciding which country, language combinations to work on. There are so many amazing places in the world – so it’s a tricky decision.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
So far, I have spent a lot of time at events where I get to talk about my books to parents and children – this works really well and you can get real-time feedback which helps with the next books that I write. Rakuten Kobo has been relatively good so far in so far as getting my books distributed globally.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
If you’re an indy author, be prepared for a lot of hard work and facing lots of closed doors. But if you’re really passionate about your story then don’t give up.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
When one door closes, another one opens.
What are you reading now?
I am currently reading the ‘Le Comte de Montecristo’
What’s next for you as a writer?
I’d really like to work with people from all over the world who can help me incorporate their language into my new stories to really build the brand and introduce more places and languages to children.
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?
How to survive on a desert island
How to build a boat
The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy
Author Websites and Profiles
Heidi Bryant Website
Heidi Bryant Amazon Profile