Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I started writing novels after a series of six dreams that were like watching a sci-fi, space opera movie. The dream story took place during a time of an interplanetary war. I was so inspired by the dream-story that I decided to learn the art and craft of writing novels.
After I wrote my first sci-fi novel based on my dream, I went on to write a whole series of sci-fi novels called the Star Rider Series. Finding a publisher proved to be difficult, so I wrote a historical novel Red Willow’s Quest about a Shoshoni maiden studying to become a medicine woman. That was published in 2000 by a small publisher. After that I self-published the first three novels in the Star Rider series, and another historical fiction novel about the epic adventures of a woman kidnapped off the coast of England by the Vikings.
I’ve also been in four anthologies both fiction and nonfiction.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Star Rider and Bonds of Love just came out in April 2021. It’s the third book in the Star Rider series and is about two of the main characters from the first two novels. The events in this story flow naturally out of the second novel in the series. Toemeka wants to live peacefully with her husband Michio, but her dreams are shattered when old enemies, from her days as an undercover operative, reenter her life.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I’m always looking for stories in the world around me. I keep a journal of stories I’ve heard and experiences I’ve had that can enrich my own writing.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
As a child my parents read me At the Back of the North Wind and The Princess and the Goblin by George MacDonald. The stories were very inspiring and in At the Back of the North Wind the little boy Diamond travels with the north wind.
As an adult I loved Mary Steward’s King Arthur series, Jennifer Roberson’s Sword-Danger fantasy series, Ann Aguirre’s Sirantha Jax’s sci-fi series, and Ken Follet historical novels.
What are you working on now?
The fourth and fifth books in Star Rider series, Wind from the Mountain and Fly like an Eagle. These two books are about the main character’s children and their adventures as the interplanetary war continues.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’ve enjoyed doing book launches, speaking on radio and podcasts, doing fairs with other authors, book store events, keeping a blog and newsletter, and Amazon ads. I’ve found it take a variety of activities to promote a book.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Write because you love to write. It’s a hard field to be successful at, but if you love it, much of your reward will be the enjoyment that comes from the process of creating a story and sharing with others.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Join a critique group. It will help you make your writing a priority since you’ll be sharing your work with others. You may also want to join groups that focus on marketing.
What are you reading now?
I just finished Marian Fiorato’s Beatrice and Benedick. The story is based on the tale of the lovers, Beatrice and Benedick, before Shakespeare’s comedy Much Ado About Nothing begins. It’s beautifully written and a complicated plot, full of witty dialogue and deadly events.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I want to connect with more readers by promoting Star Rider and Bonds of Love and publish the next book in the Star Rider series early next year.
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?
Stranger by the River by Paul Twitchell
Wisdom of the Heart by Harold Klemp
Ender’s Game by Orson Scott Card
The Hero and the Crown by Robin McKinley
And paper and pens to keep writing my own books
Author Websites and Profiles
Heidi Skarie Website
Heidi Skarie Amazon Profile
Heidi Skarie’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account
Pinterest Account
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