Interview with Heidi Garrett
The Blog Ring of Power Presents...
An Interview with Author Heidi Garrett
Author Heidi Garrett is here today to talk about the creative process and her recently released novel, Nandana's Mark, which she describes as a "female-centric" YA epic fantasy. Nandana's Mark is the first book of a planned series about the faerie realm.
This is part three of a five-part interview. Be sure to check out the other BRoP sites for the rest of the interview:
Part 1 @ Sandra's site - Monday, October 8
Part 2 @ Dean's site - Tuesday, October 9
Part 4 @ Teresa's site - Thursday, October 11
Part 5 @ Emily's site - Friday, October 12
BRoP: Where do you get your story ideas?
Heidi: My story ideas are sparse, but I am very obsessive. When I have an idea, I cling to it. I have been obsessed with the story of THE QUEEN OF THE REALM OF FAERIE series for over five years. I have written it three different ways, with three different main characters. I couldn’t let it go, because it was inspired by my relationship with my maternal grandmother. I believe in it. It is my passion.
I do have another idea for a novel to write when I finish THE QUEEN OF THE REALM OF FAERIE series. I have had that idea for four years. I keep a computer folder with the notes I will use when I am ready to sit down and write it. Maybe by the time I finish that one, I’ll have an idea for another.
In many ways, I am very plodding.
BRoP: How do you deal with writer’s block?
Heidi: I think more in terms of ‘overcoming inertia.’ Inertia is that space between not-writing and writing. For me, the challenge is moving through that space. If I can overcome that inertia, something magic happens. It is the difference between thinking about writing and talking about writing versus actually writing. It is the magic of DOING.
BRoP: How do you develop your plots and characters? Do you use any set formula?
Heidi: I was obsessed with the more intricate aspects of astrology when I was younger. Astrological archetypes provide the starting point for many of my characters. In NANDANA’S MARK, the main character, Melia, is drawn from the Scrorpio/Pluto/8th house archetype. Her dark moon visions, private nature, strength of will, and intensity are all scorpionic. As are the secrets that abound around her. Her story arc will be very Scorpio/Pluto as well. The Pluto-ruled energy of Scorpio can be very destructive, but sometimes that is what is necessary to create a new world order. And as befitting anyone under the sign of Scorpio, her relationship with Ohloh, and her experience with death, will transform her to the core.
Melia’s best friend, the pixie Tatou, is her polar opposite. Tatou is inspired by Taurus. In astrology, Taurus is ruled by Venus. Venus expresses harmony, beauty, and love. Taurus is also ‘of the garden.’ As a pixie, Tatou’s home is the Enchanted Gardens. Opposites balance one another and Tatou balances Melia. But these are just starting points. Hopefully, by the time the book is done, each character has evolved beyond an archetype into an individual.
I find plot challenging. I could probably write thousands of pages where nothing actually happens. My husband is my ‘secret weapon’ when it comes to plotting. Although he is not a writer, he his a huge fan of Fantasy and Science Fiction. He is also a talented programmer. He helps me keep things active and logical.
BRoP: Are you a “plotter” or a “pantser” (do you plan/outline the story ahead of time or write “by the seat of your pants”)?
Heidi: I do both. I have to do both. I have to have some idea of where I am headed, but I am always overjoyed when I end up somewhere else, and it is better.
BRoP: Do you use critique partners or beta readers?
Heidi: Absolutely. Why or why not? In my experience most writers have blind spots when it comes to their work. My critique partners and beta readers point out those blind spots among other things. I wouldn’t want to publish a story without their help.
BRoP: What format is your book available in (print, e-book, audio book, etc.)?
It is available in ebook format.
Where can readers can stalk you:
Website | Goodreads | Twitter | Amazon | Barnes and Noble | Kobo
HEIDI GARRETT was born and raised in Texas, lived more than a decade in Southern California, and now she resides in Spokane, WA with her husband and their two cats. So far, she loves the snow.
NANDANA'S MARK: Melia has always wanted to fly, away. From her two sisters, who’ve found their place in the Enchanted World, despite being half-faeries with no wings. From her mother, the full blooded faerie who practices black magic, and weeps every night when she thinks her daughters aren’t listening. But mostly from her father, the mortal druid who broke his faerie troth, and lives to reunite with Melia’s mother. He believes incarnating Umbra—the one entity everyone in the Enchanted World fears—will give him the power to return to the Realm of Faerie.But Melia comprehends the horror of Umbra far better than her father ever will. Umbra seduces. Umbra corrupts. And Umbra destroys.
When her best friend—a pixie named Tatou—urges Melia to turn to the mysterious Illustrator for help, she gives Melia the courage to challenge her father. As secrets are revealed and a family’s dark legacy spins out of control, Melia’s wish to fly comes true. It’s just not quite what she expected.
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