It’s a special MONDAY edition of Writer Wednesday! š My guest was scheduled for last Wednesday, but a health issue in the family had me in a hospital with my father without a laptop.Ā Prayers appreciated!
Today I welcome my good friend Heather Greer, a great inspirational romance writer with Mantle Rock Publishing.
Interview
Heather, I’m always curious about this: what inspired you to write, initially, and what encouraged you to continue?
Iāve always loved reading. I love being sucked into a book and from page one until the end, Iām in this world the author created getting to know these characters like theyāre friends of mine. I think that is one of the coolest things ever, and I wanted to do that for people the way my favorite authors did it for me.
I love that! I love to “live” in an author’s world for a while – you get to travel to so many places and meet so many new people that way!
Do you look on writing as a ācalling?ā
I tend to call it ministry, but I guess calling would be equally appropriate. I have a passion for writing, and I believe a natural ability to do it. Iāve also spent a lot of hours studying the craft of writing to improve on what I love to do naturally. But I feel very strongly that God has put this inside me, and I want what I write to honor Him and maybe encourage or challenge others to take a look at what they believe about God.
I hear you. I want my readers to know that everyone questions their trust in God at some point, and have to come to a point of trusting Him more than themselves.
What is one story from real life that youāve included in one of your books?
The main character in my faith, hope and love series is Katie. In the first book, Katie is hiking at Giant City State Park and decides to walk down the fairly dry creek bed instead of following the dirt path down the hill. Itās something everyone does at one time or another. She slips on a mossy rock and slides down the rocky creek bed. I can tell you from experience, itās not a fun path down the hill. Itās wet and cold, and it leaves you with bruises.
Oh Heather, I’ve said it before – I think we’re the same person! LOL!
Salad or Sandwich?
I love a good salad, but grilled cheese with tomato soup is always a good choice too.
Ooooo . . . that’s one of my favorite combos!!
What is your favorite Bible verse, and why?
I have several, but two have seemed to stick with me to the point that Iād call them life verses. Jeremiah 29:11 helps me remember Iām here for a reason. It encourages me when I feel like Iām not cut out to do something I know God has called me to do. āāFor I know the plans I have for you,ā declares the LORD, āplans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.āā The second is more about reminding me the attitude I should take in everything I do. It reminds me where Godās heart is and challenges me to have mine in the same place. Micah 6:8 āHe has told you, O man, what is good, And what does the LORD require of you But to do justice, to love kindness, And to walk humbly with your God?ā
Two of my favorites, as well! I used the first one in the Christmas novella I published with the Mosaic Collection, and the second was the inspiration for Carolina Mercy!
What is one thing you have to do to yourself before you go out in public?
Shower. Unless it is to go to the gym (which doesnāt happen as often as it should), I refuse to go out in public without a shower and regular clothes. Sometimes I even shower before I go to the gym, which makes no sense. But still, no trips to the store in pajama pants with unwashed hair.
Have you met my good friend, “dry shampoo?” LOL!
What is your favorite movie and why?
That is impossible to answer. Iāve loved The Princess Bride since fifth grade. My brother and I would drive our family crazy going back and forth with lines because weād both memorized the entire movie. But there are so many great movies out there. The Lord of the Rings trilogy is a favorite. Sweet Home Alabama is another. And I canāt forget all the Marvel movies from the X-Men movies to the Avengers.
Again, you’re a girl after my own heart! š The Black Widow Movie comes out in May!! Finally!
A lot of interviewers ask for your favorite book. Thatās just not fair! What has been the most recent book youāve read that excited you or moved you in some way? Why?
The Cupcake Dilemma by Jennifer Rodewald. Itās not heavy or deep, but it was the first time in a long time Iāve just really enjoyed a book. I came away happy. Itās sassy and fun, and itās straight up romance. It was great.
Doesn’t it just make you feel good to simply enjoy a book? Lately it seems that I’m constantly in “support” mode in what I’m reading. I love it, but it’s been a while since I literally picked up a book because it sounded good!
Is there someone, alive or dead, who had a major influence on your writing life, or on your life in general?
A lot of people have influenced my life in general. The music and writings of Rich Mullins have had a huge impact on my faith. In writing, Iād say Kristen Heitzmann has been most influential. I love her characters, and the depth of her stories. If I can do for others through my writing (in my own way, of course) what she has done for me I will take that as a great success.
If you were on a deserted island with a laptop and no wifi, what are two programs or apps you would have to have on your computer?
The Kindle App and Word. Wait. I should say the Bible app in case I donāt get a Bible. Do I get a Bible? If so, then, yeah, the Kindle App and Word. I canāt imagine being on an island but not being able to read and write.
I checked – you can get the Bible in several translations in Kindle!! You’re golden! š
About Heather
Heather Greer grew up as a pastorās kid in rural southern Illinois. Though completely unexpected, she became a pastorās wife thirteen years ago, when her husband answered the call to preach. Heather has had the opportunity to minister to all age groups, but teens and women tend to be where God most often leads her. When she isnāt writing or working with various ministries, Heather loves to bake and spend time with her husband, children, and grandson. Of course, sheās always willing to sit down with a cup of cocoa and watch the latest Hallmark channel movie too!
Heather’s Books!
Faithās Journey
Sometimes itās the unexpected path that leads you on your journey back to faith.
Katie McGowan left her parents and their faith behind years ago. However, when faced with a devastating betrayal, Katie is ready to go back to Carbondale, Illinois to help her elderly parents despite their tempestuous relationship. Drained by the constant friction, Katie finds emotional support and encouragement in Austin. His practical, simple faith speaks to Katie, and she finds herself yearning for a new connection to God. As their friendship grows, so does the attraction between Katie and Austin.
Before her fledgling faith and thoughts of romance have a chance to take root, Katieās cheating fiancĆ© returns, remorseful and promising change. Can her tentative faith strengthen their past love? And if her heart breaks again, will Katieās journey to faith end before it has really begun?
Grasping Hope
When dreams turn into nightmares whatās left to hold onto?
Katie McGowan knows her fears are irrational. Theyāre also beyond her control. Her mind says her fiancĆ© is faithful, but the betrayal of her past love ignites a fear stronger than her trust. Attempts to overcome it are unsuccessful. Nothing banishes her panic attacks for good. Dreading Austinās response if he finds out about her struggle to trust, Katie hides the truth nearly destroying their relationship.
It takes a lesson in hope to start healing. Katie is released from the nightmare holding her captive to enjoy the blessings God has given. But when tragedies change her life forever, Katieās understanding of hope is challenged. Unresolved anger and disappointment leave Katie doubting the sincerity of her beliefs. Desperate to prove her faith and minimize her failure as a believer, Katie buries her feelings beneath all the right words. Only learning where godly hope is focused can free Katie from a life of going through the motions.
Connect with Heather
Social Media Links:
YouTube Channel: Once Upon a Page
Amazon Book Links:
Look Heather up! The Youtube channel is great – it features Heather and fellow-authors Amy Anguish and Erin Howard, who you’ve met here!
Thanks, Heather, for joining us today, and for letting me post a little late!
Have a great Monday, and watch for Writer Wednesday!
Thank you for the post!
I agree that this is a ministry š
Blessings in your writing <3