H.A. Ransom's Blog

October 16, 2025

Chaos, Coffee & Characters 🎃☕✍️

Hey friends,

Let’s have a little fun with this one — because, oh boy, motherhood has been a ride lately. 😂

Between my daughter discovering on YouTube that baking soda can clean everything (and now I have a suspiciously filmy residue type countertop) and my son “finishing” the laundry by piling it all on the loft couch… I’ve been going through it. Send help. Or coffee. Or both.

But in other, far more exciting news — I officially printed out my entire first draft of my new romance novel. All. 451. Pages. Seeing that stack of paper sitting there feels like a huge accomplishment. There’s just something about holding it in your hands that makes it feel real. Now it’s a waiting game for the editor’s notes to roll in. Cue nervous pacing and hopeful snack breaks.

In the meantime, I’m:
🪄 Flushing out characters for my next fantasy novel (because of course new ideas always appear before I finish the current one).
🐺 Editing the final draft of Part Two of The Alpha’s Luna — aiming to have it wrapped up by next week.
📘 Getting ready for book cover time soon (and maybe even a preorder announcement in the next few weeks 👀).

Outside of writing life, we’re diving full-speed into fall activities. I need to grab pumpkins soon — last year we waited until the week before Halloween and had to hunt for enough. Never again. 🎃 We’re also planning our annual trip to the corn maze and zombie nighttime paintballing (a family favorite — the kids absolutely love it).

So tell me — what are your favorite fall activities? Do you go all-in with pumpkin carving and apple cider, or are you more of a cozy blanket and spooky movie kind of person?

Talk soon,
Heather (H.A. Ransom)
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Published on October 16, 2025 15:49

October 15, 2025

Tough Days 💔

Hey friends,

I don’t talk about my day job much here, since my goal is to one day be a full-time author, but yesterday… yesterday was hard.

We had a patient come in unresponsive, and for 45 minutes, we performed CPR — giving everything we had to bring her back. And for a moment, we did. But then she crashed again, and this time, we couldn’t get her back.

It’s one of the hardest parts of working in veterinary medicine — knowing when it’s time to stop. Knowing that despite all your effort, all your heart, sometimes it’s just… not enough. 💔

People often think we’re robots, that we’ve learned to shut it off or somehow become immune. But the truth is, it stays with us. I’ve been thinking about it all day — what else we could’ve tried, what we might’ve missed — and knowing we’ll never really have those answers. It just… sucks. There’s no other word for it.

I always promise to keep things real here, and today that means sharing a little piece of the heartbreak that comes with the job.

I’m hoping to unwind later — maybe get in a little reading — but writing feels far away today. Some days, you just have to let yourself feel it.

Hug your pets a little tighter tonight. 🐾

Talk soon,
Heather (H.A. Ransom)
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Published on October 15, 2025 10:20

October 14, 2025

The Waiting Game (a.k.a. My Personal Torture) ⏳🙃

Hey friends,

Waiting. Ugh. I absolutely hate waiting. I’m one of those people who wants feedback ASAP, preferably before I’ve even hit send. So, sitting here waiting for my editor’s notes to come in? Painstakingly. Hard. To. Do.

To distract myself, I decided to reread my first draft — which was clearly a mistake. Cue me pausing mid-page, slapping my forehead, and muttering things like “Oh no, did I really write that?” Let’s just say there are a few errors that didn’t get the love they deserved before I sent it off.

Oh, and bonus embarrassment: I changed a character’s name halfway through the story because I didn’t like how it flowed… and then promptly forgot to fix all the earlier chapters. So yes, somewhere in there my poor character is living a double life. A kill-me-now moment for sure. But hey, it’s a developmental edit (DE), so hopefully my editor won’t hate me too much for sending it in this state. (Fingers crossed she doesn’t run screaming into the night.)

In happier news, I’m deep into Book Two of my debut series — The Alpha’s Luna: Awakening in Salem. This next story, The Beta’s Mate, is shaping up beautifully. Ethan and Sara have so much depth, and I can’t wait for you to see where their journey goes.

Of course, because I’m me, I’ve also picked up not one but two new fantasy ideas. Both are still in the “scribbled notes and random Pinterest board” stage, but they’re whispering to me — and when ideas whisper, I listen. I just need to find time between work, family, and, well, waiting.

And speaking of family — they’ve been not so subtly asking for a fall recipe. I’m thinking something cozy and apple-cinnamon-y. Maybe muffins, maybe a crisp? I’m open to suggestions, so drop your favorite fall treat ideas below! 🍎🍂

Until next time — hopefully with less waiting and more writing,
Heather (H.A. Ransom)
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Published on October 14, 2025 11:03

October 10, 2025

When Life Hits Pause ⏸️

Hey friends,

I’m just going to be honest — I’ve been struggling a bit lately. I had a deadline for my editor two weeks ago, and here I am… finally almost finished. Two weeks late. It might not sound like much, but to me, it’s felt huge. I hate getting behind or feeling like I’m dropping the ball in any area of my life.

Between parenting, working full-time, trying to be a good wife, and chasing this dream of being an author, it’s hard not to feel like I’m constantly running on empty. Some days I’m proud of myself for even making it through without burning dinner or crying in the car. Other days, like today, I just feel like a complete failure across the board.

And I know this post isn’t my usual upbeat update — sorry to be a bit of a Debbie Downer — but my goal here has always been to keep it real. Life isn’t all tidy word counts, perfect drafts, and happy endings (though I do love writing those). Sometimes it’s messy, loud, and a little chaotic. And honestly? That’s okay.

Can anyone else relate? Please say you can — I’d hate to think I’m the only one who’s trying to balance all the spinning plates and keeps dropping the “me-time” one. (Pun totally intended — because at this point, my life feels like a juggling act without the applause 😅.)

I promise I’ll get back to more regular updates soon — I’ve missed writing here. Thanks for sticking around through the ups, downs, and everything in between.

Talk soon,
Heather (H.A. Ransom)
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Published on October 10, 2025 09:41

October 6, 2025

Birthday Cake, Broken Washers & New Bookshelves 🎂🛠️📚

Hey friends,

Well, what a weekend! I celebrated my birthday (yay me 🥳), which meant good food, lots of laughter, and maybe a little too much dessert — but calories don’t count on birthdays, right?

Somewhere between the celebration and the chaos, I also managed to fix my washer (Well, the hubby did!). I’m excited, nothing like the sweet sound of a spin cycle working again to make you feel like you’ve conquered adulthood.

And because I clearly believe in rewarding productivity, I also treated myself to some new bookshelves. I already have them overflowing with novels and notebooks.

I’ll be honest, though — not much writing or reading happened this weekend. Between birthday fun and the impromptu appliance repair adventure, my creative side took a mini-vacation. But that’s okay — sometimes life gives you stories to write about later, right?

So tell me — how was your weekend? Did you read anything amazing, binge a good show, or fix something you didn’t know you could? Let’s swap weekend wins (and fails) in the comments.

Talk soon,
Heather (H.A. Ransom)
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Published on October 06, 2025 14:34

September 29, 2025

Exciting News (and a Little Procrastination) ✍️✨

Hey friends,

Big news — I’ve officially snagged an editor for my romance novel! Cue the happy dance 💃. This is such a big step forward, and I can’t wait to polish this story until it shines.

Now for the part where I admit I’m human: I was supposed to have the book finished and sent off to her this past Sunday. Spoiler alert — that did not happen. 🙃 Life + procrastination = the perfect storm. But hey, better late than never, right?

The plan now is to push hard this week, finish up those last few chapters, give them one final pass, and then hit “send.” First draft almost in the bag. I’m crossing my fingers (and maybe bribing myself with coffee) that I can hand it over by this weekend.

Once it’s in her hands, I’ll also be looking for beta readers soon — so if that sounds like your jam, keep an eye out. I’d love to have some fresh eyes and honest feedback before the book takes its next big step.

It’s going to be a long, busy week… but in the best kind of way. Here’s to deadlines, determination, and maybe a little less procrastination.

Talk soon,
Heather (H.A. Ransom)
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Published on September 29, 2025 08:11

September 26, 2025

Gloomy Day Vibes 🌧️

Hey friends,

I’ll be honest — today feels a little blah. It’s one of those gloomy, achy-back kind of days where the weather and my mood seem to match. Not every day can be full of energy and creative bursts, right? Sometimes you just sit with it, breathe through it, and maybe find a little comfort in the small things.

For me, that usually means curling up with a book (if the kids, the hospital, and life allow it), sipping something warm, and reminding myself that not every day has to be productive to matter. We all need those reset days.

I think that’s something we forget to talk about enough — how important it is to give ourselves grace on the low-energy days. Writing, parenting, working, life in general… it all asks a lot of us. And it’s okay if today we only manage a little instead of a lot.

So, I’m taking it slow. Maybe I’ll jot down a few lines for The Beta’s Mate, maybe I’ll just daydream about my characters and call that “creative progress.” And maybe, just maybe, I’ll let the gloomy day be what it is without trying to fight it.

What about you? Do you have a favorite way to get through the “blah” days? Music, comfort food, a good book, or maybe a guilty-pleasure show? Drop your go-to mood boosters — I could use some inspiration.

Sending cozy vibes from my rainy little corner
Talk Soon,
Heather (H.A. Ransom)
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Published on September 26, 2025 12:51

September 19, 2025

Cover Magic in the Making ✨🐺

Hey friends,

Quick little update because I can hardly keep this to myself — the cover for The Beta’s Mate: A New Dawn is officially in the works! 🎉

Covers are one of my absolute favorite parts of the publishing process. There’s just something magical about seeing the story you’ve been living with in your head come to life in a single image. It’s like introducing the characters to the world for the very first time — and trust me, Ethan and Sara are so ready for their spotlight.

I can’t share details just yet (though you know I’m itching to), but let’s just say it’s going to capture all the intensity, passion, and supernatural vibes you’ve come to expect from The Alpha’s Luna world. And yes… Quinn and Hunter will still be part of this journey too.

On the Personal Side 🌙📚🍂

Outside of book world, life is as wonderfully chaotic as ever. Last night I tried to finish Lightlark, but made the “mistake” of starting the movie MoonFall instead — and wow, it was so good! Has anyone else seen it? (Don’t worry, no spoilers here… but let’s just say it had me on the edge of my seat. Could you even imagine…?) I’m on chapter 23 now and determined to finish it today.

This weekend, I’m planning to do a little fall baking. If the recipes actually turn out edible (fingers crossed 🤞), I’ll share them here with you. Nothing says “autumn cozy” like warm treats and a good book, right?

In between, I’ll be shuttling the kids to orthodontic appointments, hair appointments, and some kind of Hot Wheels collector’s event in town (don’t ask me for details — I just drive the mom taxi 🚗). And to wrap it all up, we’re heading to Universal Horror Nights. Hopefully it’s spooky enough to make me scream and laugh in equal measure.

Let’s Chat 💬

Now, I’d love to hear from you:

👉 What do you love most about a good cover — the characters, the mood, or the little hidden details you only notice after reading the book?

And also… have you seen MoonFall? Should I feel guilty about choosing it over finishing my book last night, or would you have done the same? 😂

Can’t wait to read your thoughts!

Talk soon,
Heather (H.A. Ransom)
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Published on September 19, 2025 14:08

September 18, 2025

Rainy Day Confessions

Hey there,

Well, it’s one of those gloomy, windy, hopefully-rainy days — which means I’m stuck at work, sneaking in some writing thoughts while on lunch. Perfect time to pop in here and say hi.

I just updated my website, authorharansom.com, with all my upcoming books and this shiny new blog (hi, Goodreads friends 👋). So if you’re curious about what’s brewing behind the scenes, that’s the place to peek.

Now, for the juicy deets: I’ve done a bold thing. I’ve switched gears and started writing a YA romance — not fantasy. (Yes, yes, I know. I keep yelling at myself too: “Finish the duet, Heather!”) Don’t panic, though — The Alpha’s Luna duet isn’t abandoned. It’s almost finished, I just hit that creative wall where I needed a little break. Sometimes, you have to step away to come back stronger, right?

So yes, Ethan and Sara will get their story — and you’ll see Quinn and Hunter too. And maybe, just maybe, you’ll even get a bonus novella for Lucian (because who doesn’t love a little extra ?). But in the meantime, this YA romance is giving me fresh energy, and here’s the kicker: I’m going to try my hand at traditional publishing. Eeeekkk. Nervous doesn’t even begin to cover it, but also excited in a “pinch me, is this real?” kind of way.

And now, the hardest decision of the day: do I cave and grab fast food (because yum) or stick with my healthy lunch (insert dramatic eye roll)?

Wherever you are, I hope you’re enjoying this fabulously gloomy day. Thanks for hanging out with me here — I can’t wait to share what’s next.

Talk soon,
Heather (H.A. Ransom)
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Published on September 18, 2025 12:36

September 17, 2025

Hi, I’m Heather – Author, Mom, Chaos Coordinator (and Lover of Coffee)

Hi, I’m Heather – Author, Mom, Chaos Coordinator (and Lover of Coffee)

Well, hi there! 👋 I’m so glad you stumbled across my little corner of the internet. If you’re new here, let me introduce myself before we dive into the good stuff (a.k.a. books, swoony characters, and the occasional dog story).

I’m Heather—author, wife, mom of two teenagers (one of whom is currently learning to drive, so send coffee and prayers), and manager of a busy veterinary hospital. My life is a mix of juggling staff schedules, keeping the clinic running smoothly, dodging teenage eye-rolls, sneaking writing sprints between laundry loads, and trying to remember if I left the chicken coop open. (I probably did.)

The Author Side of Me ✍️

I write fantasy romance and paranormal stories that mix heart-thumping romance, fierce heroines, and a touch of danger (sometimes more than a touch). My debut novel, The Alpha’s Luna: Awakening in Salem, introduced readers to Quinn and Hunter—two characters who may or may not have stolen pieces of my heart while demanding their story be told.

And because one book is never enough, I’m currently knee-deep in Book Two of the Alpha’s Luna series. Expect more magic, more drama, and, yes, more sparks flying where they shouldn’t.

But wait, because apparently, I like a challenge (and caffeine is my enabler), I’m also working on a Young Adult romance. It’s got the butterflies, the angst, and the “just one more page” kind of energy.

Why Blog?

Because writing can be lonely, and I want this space to feel like sitting down with a friend over coffee (or wine—no judgment). Here, I’ll share updates on what I’m writing, introduce you to my characters (trust me, they’re just as real and sassy as my teenagers), and probably throw in a few behind-the-scenes moments from my chaotic, beautiful life.

So, Stick Around 💕

Whether you’re here for the books, the characters, or just the occasional laugh about my attempts at parenting and managing life at the animal hospital, I’m happy you’re here.

Big things are coming, and I can’t wait to take you along for the ride.

Talk soon,
H.A. Ransom
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Published on September 17, 2025 17:32