Interview with Kristen Heitzmann and Book Giveaway

Join us in welcoming Kristen Heitzmann!

She's giving away a copy of The Breath of Dawn to one lucky winner. Please comment on the blog and leave your contact information to be entered in the drawing.

Loved, loved this book! You don't want to miss a chance to win this one.
 

Kristen Heitzmann is the bestselling author of two historical series as well as ten contemporary romantic and psychological suspense novels, including The Still of Night, nominated for the Colorado Book Award; The Tender Vine, a Christy Award finalist; and the Christy Award-winning Secrets.She lives in the Colorado Rocky Mountain foothills with her husband Jim and sundry family members and pets.

Now, let's hear from Kristen.

SS: How long have you been writing?

My first novel released in 1998, but I’d have to say I’ve always had stories in my head. It was only a matter of writing them down.

SS: Do you write full time? If the answer is no, what else do you do? If you are a full time author, what other jobs did you have in the past? 

My days (and nights) are a creative river in which I write or do other activities that contribute to the process. Family and friends jump in at will and I, at times, jump out. But even hiking the mountain trails is part of this river as cogitation. 

SS:  Why suspense? Do you write in any other genres? If so, what?

I write suspense because I create these great people and then stuff happens to them.

Some of my books are more family or relational drama, and I’m working on a Romantic Comedy for the sheer fun of it.

SS: How does your faith play into your writing?

I write from my belief system, so my characters tend to say stuff I believe and act in Christ-honoring ways.

SS: If you couldn’t write, what else would you want to do?

I think surgery would be cool and trial law.

SS:  Tell us about your current release.

The Breath of Dawn is a contemporary suspense. Quinn Reilly has lived off the grid since her testimony put a conman in jail. Now he's out, and looking for payback. Keeping to herself by necessity, Quinn can leave if she needs to. But, when she meets the Spencer family—particularly Morgan—she finds herself wanting to stay. 

Morgan Spencer, a successful business guru, has spent the last two years on autopilot. After the death of his wife, he moved to his brother's ranch with his infant daughter, his only goal . . . to keep breathing. When he meets Quinn, something triggers inside him. Realizing she has her own ghosts, he decides they can help each other out with a simple business proposition—a union that soon evolves into much more than business.

SS: Where did you get your inspiration for this book?

Hiking the mountain trail behind my house, I was listening to an old playlist that I had incorporated into a much earlier series. At once those characters were back in my head with Morgan Spencer pressing for more page time. The scene that came started the new story.

SS: What is the main thing you hope readers remember from your story?

There’s a strong theme of fatherhood—good and bad—that translates to a relationship with God as sons and daughters

SS: Who is your favorite character in this book and why?

I love Morgan, but Quinn Reilly was really fun to write. When she came on the scene I had no idea she would fit him so well. In spite of the struggle, their relationship is sweet, fierce, and vital, bringing out the best in each. She’s funny, quirky, and brave. Most of all she’s loyal even though few were ever loyal to her. Morgan finds her irresistible and, in typical Morgan fashion, takes things in hand.

SS: Who is your least favorite character in this book? Why?

I’d have to say Quinn’s sister Hannah. Hers was the biggest betrayal of all.

SS: What are you working on now?

I’m writing a wildfire novel called INDOMITABLE.  It’s set in my fictional town of Redford Colorado from INDIVISIBLE and INDELIBLE with returning characters like the police chief and townspeople. The new leads are Incident Commander Nash Crawford and, yeah, the girl’s a Hotshot. Nash and Eva Cruz have history and it’s incendiary.

SS: A tough question: Where do you want to be career-wise in five years? Ten years? 

I don’t actually plan my career. That part’s up to God.

SS:  Now let’s get a little personal. Name two things on your “bucket list” that you haven’t done yet.  

No bucket list really. I live each day as it comes.

SS: Where can readers find you on the internet?

www.kristenheitzmann.com

Facebook: Author Kristen Heitzmann or Facebook: Kristen Heitzmann

Twitter: Kristen Heitzmann @ KFHeitzmann

Pinterest: Kristen Heitzmann

SS: Anything else you’d like to tell or share with us?

Only how grateful I am to the readers who enjoy my stories and spread the word. I love this thing God’s given me to do, and that support humbles and encourages me.

Thanks so much for joining us. Love your book and can't wait to read the next one!

Don't forget: Comment to enter the drawing for THE BREATH OF DAWN!