Interview With Author Heidi Skarie
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I have written seven books and I’m in four anthologies. I’ve written a science fiction, space opera series that takes place in another part of the universe during an interplanetary war. I’ve also written two historical novels. One about a Native American woman and one set in the Viking era. I live with my husband and cat, Lucky. I have thee children and three young grandchildren. I’m a painter and photographer and enjoy knitting and gardening.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is Call of the Eagle. All my books have a mystical side to them. The main character is Baymond and the eagle represents his attempt to see life from a higher point of view.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
My first novel came from a series of dreams that was like watching a movie. After that the stories for the rest of the series just flowed through. I wrote drafts for all the books, but I was working and raising a family, so only finished the first one. I couldn’t find a publisher for the series, so I wrote and published two historical novels. Now that I’m retired I’m self- publishing the sci-fi series.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I was influenced by Lord of the Rings, Mary Stewart’s King Author series, Heidi, Back of the North Wind and Gone with the Wind as a young person. As an adult I read a lot of different books in many genres. I just reread Frank Herbert’s Dune after seeing the new movie. The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss is another excellent book and I love Ann Aguirre series about Sirantha Jax.
What are you working on now?
I’m working on The Prince of Jaipar, the fifth book in the Star Rider Universe. I’ve become attached to the many characters after writing so many books about them. They come alive on a much deeper level. The war is still raging in the galaxy, but it’s more of a backdrop for the main character until his father and brother join the intergalactic air fleet and are in danger.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Building a newsletter list seems to be the best way to promote my books.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Join a critique group to get feedback on your work. Get a website and start building your email list.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Write regularly. It’s like playing the scales on the piano and practicing everyday.
What are you reading now?
A fantasy novel titled Rogue Destiny by Paul Tallman. It’s Paul’s first book in what will be a series. It takes place in a series of worlds from novels. The book has wonderful, original characters.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I have the draft of the seventh book in the series. I want to start on it as soon as I’m done with the sixth book.
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
If You Want to Write by Brenda Ueland
To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
A pen and paper to write my own book.
Author Websites and Profiles
Heidi Skarie’s Social Media Links