Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I was born and raised in Oklahoma. After graduating high school, I lived in Belgium for one year as a Rotary Exchange student and loved every minute. I can honestly say I left my heart in Europe. One tidbit that not too many people know–the first time I heard Celtic music (around 5 years old), my heart told me I’d found home. I later discovered I have ancestors on both sides of the family who lived in Ireland and Scotland–Wales as well. One day I’ll get to go to Scotland…
I am a cross-genre author and am currently published in Historical fiction with a three-book series based in Oklahoma before statehood and is told more from the Native American viewpoint. I guess I got tired of everything thinking that all tribes lived in teepees and wore breechcloths. The plains tribes, yes. The coastal tribes, no. I also have a mail-order bride story with a second and possibly third in the planning stages. I have submissions out for my paranormals, six full-length stories, and am currently writing a historical paranormal (time travel) during WWII.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest published book is titled, Lucie: Bride of Tennessee. It is the 16th book in the American Mail-Order Brides series featuring 50 brides in 50 states and was released in 50 days. It was the brainstorming idea of Kirsten Osbourne. My story takes place in Chattanooga, Tennessee and is about a young girl who becomes a mail-order bride in order to take care of and protect her younger brother. She ends up in Tennessee only to find out her intended has died.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Because of back and neck problems, I can’t sit very long in one place so throughout the day I move from my island to my recliner to the sofa then back to the island. At least I’m getting a bit of exercise…
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I am a voracious reader and read a book a day unless life interferes then it’s two days. I have devoured every book ever written by Tolkien (why my first love is paranormal) and Louis L’Amour (why I started writing westerns). But I have to thank Heather Graham, Christine Feehan, and Sherrilyn Kenyon for why I write. Their stories awakened a desire to create my own. I will never be able to repay them for what they’ve given me.
What are you working on now?
I am currently working on several projects. First and foremost is my Realms of Dark World series, which is a paranormal trilogy about a family who reunites, only to discover devastating secrets from their past, which they have to overcome in order to stop the total destruction of their world. It’s a blend of Greek, Celtic, and Christian beliefs, magic, snarky wit, gorgeous heroes, and strong heroins.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’m still learning the overwhelming world of marketing. I have a website with an old blog, but I don’t take the time to post. I do try to post on Facebook where I have both a profile and an author page. I tweet but not often and seem to find myself on pinterest more, so maybe I’ll concentrate on building my worlds and pictorial versions of my stories there. I would like to delve more into GoodReads, which I will do sometime this year. I want to do one or two sites well, not half-ass a dozen.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Learn your craft–all aspects of writing from grammar to layering emotion to character development. Just because a book is written, doesn’t mean it should be published–at least not until it’s reworked and edited by you and several other people. Fresh eyes are a must when a story is in the editing process.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Write a book, edit the book, set the book aside, and write a new book. Never stop.
What are you reading now?
Crescent Moon by Lori Handeland
What’s next for you as a writer?
I will continue writing – hopefully either traditionally published or self-published in the paranormal genre.
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?
Realm of Shadows by Heather Graham, Dark Secrets by Christine Feehan, Styxx by Sherrilyn Kenyon, and The Return of the King by JRR Tolkien.
Author Websites and Profiles
Heidi Vanlandingham Website
Heidi Vanlandingham Amazon Profile
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