Wednesday, November 18, 2009

Author Interview - Kristin Heitzmann - Part I

Let's give a warm Christian Writer/Reader Connection welcome to author, Kristen Heitzmann. Be sure to read the whole post. There's a surprise at the end! 1. The Edge of Recall featured a Labyrinth Landscape Architect. How do you come up with such unique ideas?

My daughter, Jessie, and I were going to write The Edge of Recall together, and she actually chose the characters' professions. A history major, especially fond of the Medieval period and Literature, she is intrigued by Labyrinths. We thought it would be a neat element to work in, especially as they occur so frequently now as prayer walks in hospitals and retreat centers. We didn't get to complete it together, but I dove into the concept and found it sufficiently mysterious to support the suppressed memory and monster elements in the plot.

2. How do you go about writing a novel? Plotter, SOTP, combination, research?

I don't outline. My stories emerge organically from the characters and perhaps a main idea. It's much more fun for me that way, although lately the idea of structure has begun to appeal. I do research extensively, and sometimes that drives the plot as well.

Next week, we'll continue with Part II of Kristen's interview. To celebrate having her with us, I've decided to do a drawing for her book, The Edge of Recall. All you have to do is leave a comment with your email address, using the spam busting format. Example: susanjreinhardt (at) gmail (dot) com. The deadline is Saturday, November 28, 2009, at midnight.

Legalese: The contest is open to residents of the U.S. only due to various state laws. No fee is required to enter this drawing.

24 comments:

Jessica Nelson said...

Ooh, I'd love to be entered. I really enjoy Heitzmann's books.

Sherrinda Ketchersid said...

Oooo, I love labyrinths! I book a book full of pictures of many different labyrinths and they were beautiful! What a great idea to incorporate that into a book!

Susan, I'm looking forward to reading more!
sherrinda(at)gmail(dot)com

Terri Tiffany said...

Her concept sound extremely unique! She has already made me want to know more:)
talker445 at yahoo dot com

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Jess -

Consider yourself entered. :)

Blessings,
Susan

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Terri -

This is a real nail-biter - better wear gloves while reading this one.

Blessings,
Susan :)

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Sherrinda -

I'll have to check out the subject on the Net one of these days. I only know what I read in Kristen's book.

Blessings,
Susan :)

Jean Fischer said...

Susan, you always have such interesting posts, and I thoroughly enjoy your blog. I've nominated you for the Kreativ Blogger Award. You may pick it up at http://jeanfischer.blogspot.com.

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Jean -

Thanks for your kind words and the award. Yahoo! You made my day.

Blessings,
Susan :)

Diane Marie Shaw said...

Kristen is such a gifted writer. I highly recommend her books. Thanks for interviewing her Susan.
Diane

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Diane -

Welcome to my blog and thanks for commenting. I appreciate others chiming in with testimonials.

If you'd like to enter the drawing, please send me your email address. Also, Part II of the Interview will run next Wednesday.

Blessings,
Susan

Karen Lange said...

Count me in, Susan! Great interview; looking forward to the rest:) Blessings!

Jillian Kent said...

Hi Kristin, Hi Susan!
Last year I was on a retreat for work and did become intrigued with the idea of labyrinths (which is not easy to spell). :) I kept thinking I should figure out how to write a book incorporating a labyrinth. Then I went to the Blueridge Christian Writers Retreat last year and saw some of your books there. This book keeps calling to me so I just wanted to let you know how fascinating I think it is and can't wait to read it.

jilly11(at)cinci(dot)com

Michelle said...

Thank you for entering me! I am a HUGE fan of Kristin's Diamond of the Rockies series. I look forward to reading more of her books. : )

Michelle
scraphappy71 (at) sbcglobal (dot) net

Cindy R. Wilson said...

Sounds like a very interesting concept for a book. I'd love to read it!
wilsoncindyr(at)gmail(dot)com

Unknown said...

I'm facinated by Labyrinths, too. And how cool that Kristin's daughter came up with the idea. Could you add my name to the list of entrants? Thanks, Susan and Kristin.

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Karen -

Thanks! You're entered in the drawing.

Blessings,
Susan :)

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Michelle -

Thanks for stopping by and commenting. Be sure to comment on next week's post for another entry. :)

Blessings,
Susan

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Cindy -

Kristen's writing puts you in the scene. She's done a superb job with this book.

Blessings,
Susan :)

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Jill -

It's not only hard to spell, but also difficult to pronounce!

Thanks for stopping by and commenting. Part II will post next Wednesday (11/25). Don't forget to comment for another opportunity to win.

Blessings,
Susan :)

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Sharon -

I'd love to see a labyrinth in person. How about you?

Don't forget to enter again next week.

Blessings,
Susan :)

Kay S. Walsh said...

It's always a joy to hear from Kristen! Thanks for the interview.

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Kay -

Welcome to my blog and thanks for commenting. I hope you'll stop by next Wednesday and comment for another chance to win Kristin's book.

Blessings,
Susan :)

Anonymous said...

I so enjoy reading books by Kristin Heitzmann...thank you so much for the opportunity to read this one...

karenk
kmkuka(at)yahoo(Dot)com

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Karen -

Welcome to my blog! Thanks for commenting and entering the drawing.

I hope you'll stop by for Part II and leave a comment.

Blessings,
Susan :)