Goodreads asked Heidi Gray McGill:

Where did you get the idea for your most recent book?

Heidi Gray McGill For years, I happily served as a Beta reader for a friend. Each time I reviewed one of her books, I realized I enjoyed the process of thinking through the details of whatever book I was engrossed in. I’d read to see if characters were compelling, sympathetic, or someone I found myself rooting for. I envisioned the characters in my mind to see if they felt real and were three-dimensional, with distinct voices, flaws, and virtues.

I enjoy stories where the stakes are high enough or the tension throughout strong enough to make it a “page-turner.” And I always enjoy a hook at the end of each chapter or scene that makes me want to read more.

Because I enjoy travel, vivid descriptions “showing” a scene, make me use my senses to see it in my minds-eye.

I wondered, “Can I do this? Can I write the way I like to read?”

There was no “story” in my mind when I started. I weighed my options and chose 1858 Missouri as my setting. I picked this year because the railroad was not yet established in the west, keeping me to certain modes of transportation. Since Missouri was open territory back then, I was able to place my little towns wherever I wanted. I made my main character an orphan child so there would be less back story to consider, as far as her family was concerned. And I chose to create a character I could relate to, someone simple and plain.

In a way, I wrote my own story. Rachel, the main character, has a deep faith that doesn’t grow fully until she has been dealt some devastating heartaches. She struggles with depression and comes out on the other side gloriously new in mind and spirit. My favorite verse, 1 Samuel 1:18 is woven throughout my book.

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