Ask the Author: Tara Heavey
Answered Questions (6)
Tara Heavey
In my last three books, I have operated from an underlying theme of healing through nature and the interconnectedness of all living things. So this is what underpins 'Flame'. However, a couple of specific things did influence this individual book.
I live in County Kilkenny, Ireland, which is an area of outstanding natural beauty. On one of my frequent routes, I pass this particular lodge house, with silver, undulating walls, massive wrought-iron gates and an enormous copper beech - standing on guard - as it were. This particular house always fascinated me as it reminds me of a Greek temple, with pillars and steps leading up. It seems out of place in the location, and the woods beyond it add to the sense of mystery. So it had stayed in my mind for a long time, as a potential setting for a novel. And 'Flame' is where I finally put this plan into place.
One of the main characters in the novel is a fox. He doesn't speak but he doesn't have to. He becomes, if you like, a therapy animal to Ember, the young, traumatized boy in the story. This idea came from my passion for animal therapy in general and in particular, from the work I do with The Irish Guide dogs. We share our home with a gorgeous black Labrador called Giselle, who provides puppies who go on to be Guide dogs and Assistance dogs. So, I suppose you could say that she is the inspiration behind Flame the therapy fox!
I live in County Kilkenny, Ireland, which is an area of outstanding natural beauty. On one of my frequent routes, I pass this particular lodge house, with silver, undulating walls, massive wrought-iron gates and an enormous copper beech - standing on guard - as it were. This particular house always fascinated me as it reminds me of a Greek temple, with pillars and steps leading up. It seems out of place in the location, and the woods beyond it add to the sense of mystery. So it had stayed in my mind for a long time, as a potential setting for a novel. And 'Flame' is where I finally put this plan into place.
One of the main characters in the novel is a fox. He doesn't speak but he doesn't have to. He becomes, if you like, a therapy animal to Ember, the young, traumatized boy in the story. This idea came from my passion for animal therapy in general and in particular, from the work I do with The Irish Guide dogs. We share our home with a gorgeous black Labrador called Giselle, who provides puppies who go on to be Guide dogs and Assistance dogs. So, I suppose you could say that she is the inspiration behind Flame the therapy fox!
Tara Heavey
Inspiration can be found literally anywhere. For instance, you can visit a charity shop and see nothing but junk. Or you can strap on your author-antennae and examine each object and create a story around it. I love James Joyce's idea of an epiphany - a revelation arising out of something ordinary.
We all have access to this because it is a mindset. You don't have to travel to exotic locations - although there is nothing wrong with that either! Because it is great to get out of your comfort zone and immerse yourself in new experiences, especially in the area of the arts: go to a museum, visit an art gallery, listen to an interview by a film director.
I also believe that getting into a writing rhythm can foster inspiration. If you show up at the same time, same place every morning and prove to the muse that you are serious about this writing lark, then the likelihood is high that she will reward you.
We all have access to this because it is a mindset. You don't have to travel to exotic locations - although there is nothing wrong with that either! Because it is great to get out of your comfort zone and immerse yourself in new experiences, especially in the area of the arts: go to a museum, visit an art gallery, listen to an interview by a film director.
I also believe that getting into a writing rhythm can foster inspiration. If you show up at the same time, same place every morning and prove to the muse that you are serious about this writing lark, then the likelihood is high that she will reward you.
Tara Heavey
I am currently wearing two hats: My author hat - this has purple feathers sprouting out of it - and my business hat. I imagine this as a black bowler hat, like business men in London used to wear in the 60s, whilst travelling to work, perusing a copy of the Financial Times.
What I mean by this, is that I am working away and learning as much as possible about the business and marketing side of being an independent author. Specifically, right now, I am taking control of my back list, making sure everything is formatted and edited to perfection, organizing new covers and as many different versions of each book as I can.
The author in me is licking her lips in anticipation of re-working a first draft of an unreleased tome of a novel about re-incarnation and near death experiences. I plan to release it in trilogy form. It is my first 'paranormal' work - while still retaining elements of romance and suspense - and I feel excited about making this transition.
What I mean by this, is that I am working away and learning as much as possible about the business and marketing side of being an independent author. Specifically, right now, I am taking control of my back list, making sure everything is formatted and edited to perfection, organizing new covers and as many different versions of each book as I can.
The author in me is licking her lips in anticipation of re-working a first draft of an unreleased tome of a novel about re-incarnation and near death experiences. I plan to release it in trilogy form. It is my first 'paranormal' work - while still retaining elements of romance and suspense - and I feel excited about making this transition.
Tara Heavey
Find the sweet spot between what you love to write and what your audience loves to read. In other words, I wouldn't advise writing directly for market. However, there are so many genres out there - especially in this exciting era of mass independent authorship - that you are bound to find an area in which you love to write that plenty of readers will resonate with also. So keep one eye (or half an eye) on the market, but absolutely keep writing what you are passionate about.
Tara Heavey
Being able to create your own worlds and then live in them for a portion of time every day. Ultimate escapism
Tara Heavey
I remind myself that if I was a plumber, I couldn't afford to have plumber's block. I would just have to get on with the job. Mind you, if I was a plumber, I would probably be able to remove the blockage!
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