Welcome, Jeny Heckman to Visiting Authors today! Jeny has just returned from a whirlwind trip to Scotland and Europe, so let’s start with some eye-candy for us travel buffs!
What do you write?
I love the paranormal romance genre. It’s interesting and unique. I had never written in this genre before though and that was a little different. I changed from being a pantser to a plotter but all in all I loved the process. It was really fun implying the “fantasy” world within the real one. Where you get that reasonable doubt that the fantasy may be possible.
When did your writing journey begin?
I’ve always thought in stories and pictures. My imagination was always very vibrant and I loved to read and enter those “other” worlds. I never thought about writing until I was older and walking one day. My father-in-law was very ill and I was taking a break from caring for him. I had an idea for a story and the character wouldn’t stop talking in my head. When I got home, the kids were in school and I didn’t have anything going on so decided to write it down. At one point, I looked up and four hours had passed! I decided to play it out and in three days had a somewhat fleshed out story. I sat on it for a long time, just being busy with my active family and job. People read it and encouraged me to, “do something with it.” However, it wasn’t until my son (who isn’t a big reader), read it and said he wanted me to publish it. I decided to try and, “The Catch,” was created. I fell in love with the craft and started writing another book which was picked up by The Wild Rose Press and the result is or hopefully will soon be in your hands, The Sea Archer.
Do you find inspiration in your own life for your writing?
I really like this question. My life has been a very fascinating one. Most people in my life don’t know half of what has happened to me and one day I may write about it. I do feel my life has appropriately set me up to write about the topics I write. Empowerment has not come easily, it’s been a very long process but as I get older I do feel stronger, and more empowered than I felt possible. That’s why I wouldn’t trade my life now for my twenties or thirties for anything. It’s also why I like that evolution to happen to my heroes and heroines.
Any new projects on the horizon?
I’m working on book two, The Warrior’s Progeny, right now and can’t wait to dive in even deeper.
What was the most interesting part of the story to write/research?
By far the most interesting part was the Hawaiian Monk Seals. I had no idea what they were and needed an endangered species. They are absolutely brilliant creatures. They are so intelligent yet also child-like and fun. It was fascinating getting to know them, learn about them, see them and feel for their limited place in this world. The hardest part was all the technical information both medical and then the alternative energy stuff.
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Now for an excerpt:
“Finn, I understand it sounds crazy, really. I knew nothing about Greek mythology or who any of these people were until she told them to me.”
“And now you think Poseidon… I’m assuming you think I’m some offshoot of Poseidon, right?”
“You have a trident on your back.”
“Because I thought it was cool when I was twenty-years-old.”
“And you’ve never felt anything strange that you can’t explain?”
“And Raven,” he continued, unwilling to entertain those thoughts. “Who I just met, is Apollo? You realize, Apollo was a dude, the boy half of the twins, right?”
“God of music.”
“Jesus!”
Faves:
Movie: Pride & Prejudice
Music: I like all genres for different things. I play classical when I write
Place you’ve visited: Scotland
Place you’d like to visit: Greece
TV show from childhood: Fame
TV show from adulthood: The Good Doctor, ER, or Grey’s Anatomy
Food: Italian
Dessert: Lemon meringue pie
Drink: Malbec
Sports team: Seattle Seahawks