Author Interview with Heidi Chiavaroli

~ I’m thrilled to have inspirational historical romance author Heidi Chiavaroli with us today to discuss her writing journey and her new release, The Hidden Side which releases today! Heidi and I met during the 2014 Genesis Contest when we were both finalists. Heidi went on to win the contest and hasn’t stopped since!

Stick around until the end for a chance to win a PRINT COPY of her new novel, THE HIDDEN SIDE (US addresses only).

Thanks so much for joining us today, Heidi!

Thanks for having me, Cynthia!

~ You live in an area rich in early American history. Is that why you enjoy writing about that time period?

Absolutely. I grew up in Massachusetts and remember the impression visiting Plimoth Plantation had on me. I remember thinking, “Wow. Real people were here all those years ago, living in a completely different kind of world. Yet they were people just like me, struggling with life and death, relationships and survival.” I always wondered about those who have come before us, and visiting places like Plimoth Plantation or Boston’s Freedom Trail fueled my imagination.

~ I share your fascination with history! But tell us, what led you to write split-time stories?

When I began my writing journey, I wrote straight historical stories. Then I began reading Susan Meissner’s time-slip books and I was completely inspired. I loved the literary feel of the books, how she tied together history with the present. So powerful! I remember thinking, “I wonder if I could try that…” 

~ And you’ve done it very well! Which segment is more of a challenge to write, the contemporary or historical?

This varies with each story. The contemporary story in Freedom’s Ring was more of a struggle to write for me. In The Hidden Side, though the contemporary was more of an emotional struggle, I actually found the historical story more of a challenge to write as far as plot and the general flow of it. The historical part of the manuscript I’m currently on deadline for came easier than the contemporary.

~ Do you work outside the home? How do you balance your home-life and other obligations with your writing? (This is an area I struggle with!)

Good question! This is such a challenge for any writer, I’m sure! I do work part-time outside the home, at my local pharmacy. While sometimes I think it would be wonderful to simply write full-time, mostly I enjoy getting out of the house and interacting with real people!