Where
Heather’s fantasies become reality is not only in her writing, but the
recreational enjoyment that doubles as research. When she writes about a
warrior’s swagger under the weight of chainmail, a man’s muscles twitching as
he hefts a steel broadsword above his head, the cut of cloth, the smell of
sweat, hay and horses, she is writing from experience. Heather and her husband
enjoy the world of renaissance fairs. Yes, Heather dresses in costume, the
majority of which she has made herself.
Heather’s
published author career began with “The Warrior,” the story of a man fighting
to regain his stolen lands while having to face the realization that true love
can only be found in the half-sister of his bartered wife. Six more books
followed. In the course of writing about the masculine and courageous heroes,
Heather conjured the three Foxe sisters who decided they wanted their own set
of stories centered around their life in Fallstowe Castle and a magical stone
circle.
“Never
Kiss a Stranger” introduces Lady Alys to a midnight stranger of mysterious
intent and intrigue. In “Never Seduce a Scoundrel,” Lady Cecily is charged with
caring for Lord Bellecott during his stay at Fallstowe. But it is his past that
provides the danger not just to their future, but their lives. Now it is
Sybilla’s turn. “Never Love a Lord”
casts Lady Sybilla in the thankless role of defender of the keep as the king
first sends a representative, Julian Griffin, to lay claim to Fallstowe Castle.
The attraction between the two is instantaneous, as is their resolve to play
out their believed destinies and divided loyalties.
Heather
provides superb tales of romance, betrayal, and daring set in a period of
history that has enthralled readers’ imaginations and libidos for decades.
Q)
What made you decide to go from Renaissance Fair visitor to active participant?
A)
I attended my first fair in "street clothes," and it felt kind of
like taking a shower in a hat--just out of place. The prices of ready-made
costumes were completely beyond of my budget at the time, so I looked
around at craft stores and was happily surprised at the selection of
patterns. From that point, I never looked back.
Q)
You’re a former journalist who enjoys reading nonfiction books. So, why write
fiction instead of nonfiction?
A)
Mostly because embellishment is generally frowned upon in
journalism. With fiction, I can devour a book of history and then take out
whatever tickles my imagination to create a unique, breathtaking
tale. For instance, in my latest novel, NEVER LOVE A LORD, there is a
thread of historical fact running through the plot line of Sybilla's
alleged treason. Oh, and the bad guys always get it in my books. Sometimes they
really get it, and that's satisfying.
Q)
I’m intrigued with renaissance fairs providing your stories that added touch of
realism. Was that by design, or did the two interests meld on their own?
A)
I have loved the time of knights, ladies, and castles since I was a very young
girl, and so Ren fairs let me play grown-up pretend in my favorite
time period. I've never attended a fair and not uncovered some idea
or detail for a story.
Q)
You have mentioned in the past your love of magic, religion and ghosts. Will we
see more of that in your work?
A)
Absolutely. I believe life itself is supernatural--the awesome powers
of love and hate, questions about where we go when we die, and what
that journey might look like, the miracle of new life. Even though my
stories are set hundreds of years ago, the characters in them deal with
many situations and emotions that we can relate to today.
Q)
I want to point out to readers that you hold your family first. As your author
fame increases, how will you ensure you don’t lose that time with your loved
ones?
A)
I write in the afternoons, because that's the time of day
when Daddy is home, school is over, the house is as clean as it's
getting, everyone's been loved on and played with, and I have some idea of
what's for dinner. All of those things have to be in order before I write a
word because everything flows from my family. They are the reason I can
craft a highly character-driven, emotional story, so each book is
actually a happy by-product of protecting and nurturing
our time together.
Q)
Any parting comments for fans and potential new readers?
A)
I love hearing from readers! Visit me at HeatherGrothaus.com for news of
current and upcoming releases.
DA Kentner is an
award-winning author www.kevad.net
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