Komal Kant: Interview with Heidi McLaughlin

Please welcome USA Today Bestselling author, Heidi McLaughlin to my blog today! I'm so happy to have her join us!

Originally from the Pacific Northwest, Hedi now lives in picturesque Vermont, with her husband and two daughters. Also renting space in her home is an overhyper Beagle/Jack Russell and two Parakeets.

During the day you’ll find Heidi behind a desk talking about Land Use. At night, she's writing one of the many stories she plans to release or sitting courtside during either daughter’s basketball games.

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Thank you so much for joining me today, Heidi! I’m so excited to have you on my blog!

Tell us how you got your start in writing? Was it a childhood passion or something you began recently?

Reading was always something my grandma and I did together and when I was young I wanted to be a writer because I saw the smile my grandma would get when she’d read. In those days you had to go to college and get your masters before you’d be considered. Of course, times have changed and we can all express ourselves and share our stories now.

I recently read FOREVER MY GIRL and loved it! For those unfamiliar with it, can you briefly tell us what the story is about?

FOREVER MY GIRL is that high school romance that you had, but ended for one reason or another plus ten years. It’s about finding your soul mate without compromising who you are or who you’ve become.

What inspired you to write FOREVER MY GIRL?

Believe it or not, I saw a picture and this story just flashed before my eyes.

How did you respond to the success of FOREVER MY GIRL?

It’s still very hard to believe and when people say I have fans, I’m like no way. I’m so grateful for everyone who has read and suggested FOREVER MY GIRL to their friends.

I am eagerly anticipating your next release LOST IN YOU. Could you tell us something about it? (Maybe share a teaser if possible?)

LOST IN YOU is a coming of age book with alternating points of view about America’s pop princess (think a young Carrie Underwood) and a blue-collar high school student who meet and fall in love.

Someone like Hadley Carter can have anyone she wants. She’s having this after-party and yet she’s out here on her balcony keeping someone like me company. For all I know she’s taking pity on me because I was alone and about to leave. I suppose leaving her party would’ve made her look like a fool.

I’m close to her, so close that I can touch her if I wanted. I could move my fingers slightly and let her skin light mine on fire. I want to ask her what it feels like for her when we touch because for me it’s as if her skin is full of electricity and my body wants to know what it’s like to be touched by her repeatedly.

Hadley shifts, her knee brushing lightly against my fingers. I don’t move, afraid that she’ll notice. There is a light tingling sensation coursing from her to me. I look down, briefly. She moves closer.

As a writer, do you have any quirks or routines you follow?

Each chapter I write goes to my friend, Yvette. She is also my number one brainstorming partner. If I can’t sell her on my story idea, I’m not going to write it.

Are you an avid reader and if so, what are some of your favourite books of all time?

I used to be until I started writing more, now I read maybe a book every two weeks. I wish I had more time, but working a full-time job and writing at night doesn’t leave a whole lot of time. Not sure I have a favorite book – I like a lot of series though. Right now I’m in love with The Assassins Series by Toni Aleo. Love The Vampire Queen novels (Infinite Days and Stolen Nights) by Rebecca Maizel and The Body Finder Series by Kimberly Derting.

Do you have any exciting projects coming up?

I’m currently working on MY UNEXPECTED FOREVER – book #2 in The Beaumont Series.

What’s something important you’ve learned on your journey as author?

My author friends and my best friend, they’ve been amazing and so supportive.

Thank you so much for your time! I really appreciate it!

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You can find out more about Heidi in the following places: