An Interview with Heather Beck & #giveaway

Today's post is an interview with Heather Beck, author and screenwriter!   Be sure to check out more about her and each of her books below.  Don't forget to enter the giveaway!!

1. Tell us a little bit about your books.

Whispers In The Shadows is a paranormal romance anthology that contains five otherworldly stories. It is the second book in the Legends Unleashed series. Below is a snippet from each story.

Where Feelings Go To Die

While on a working vacation at Black Heart Lake, journalist Ashleigh uncovers a century-old story about a love triangle that turned deadly. Upon coming face-to-face with the vengeful ghosts, she learns the hard way that some feelings just won’t rest in peace. Adding to the danger is the return of Ashleigh’s recently deceased, cheating ex-boyfriend who wants more than just her love. Trapped in a haven for ghosts, her only defence is to find their weakness.

Hot Egyptian Nights

While on vacation, Hailey falls in love with Egypt’s awe-inspiring beauty, fascinating history and Zade, her sexy tour guide. Hailey’s new relationship is magical until Zade tries to sacrifice her in a hidden pyramid that’s filled with bubbling oil. Hailey’s intense encounter with him the next day reveals that her kidnapper is actually Said, Zade’s twin brother. Since entering an ancient tomb, Said has been cursed by a king who won’t rest until Zade, and everyone Zade loves, is dead. Hailey will do anything to destroy the curse, even if it means betraying Zade.

Rival To Survival

There’s something special about the Dark Forest, and its secret can be found in the magical mushrooms which forever sustain life. Two hundred-year-old Harv will do anything to ensure that his mushroom supply is abundant, even if it means betraying an old friend. Harv’s passion to live forever is intensified when he meets Scarlet – a woman whose passion matches her great beauty. All he has to do now is convince the skeptical Scarlet to embrace his mysterious, dangerous world and, of course, survive in it.

The Truth About Fairy Tales

Lila would do anything to find her prince charming, even if it means using a cheesy internet dating service. Matched with the handsome and courteous Phillip, Lila thinks she’s found a man who is the epitome of perfection. When Phillip is ambushed and taken away by a secret government agency, Lila fights back. What she uncovers is an advanced technological prototype that proves Phillip really is too good to be true.

Lure Of The Merman

A sudden storm strands Bree on the beach, forcing her to take shelter in an old cave. When she falls into a watery hole, she is rescued by the mysterious Sandy who appears from the ocean. Through romantic letters and unusual gifts, Sandy slowly wins Bree’s heart from afar. When she finally sees him at the beach, she boldly kisses him. That’s a big mistake because Sandy is a manipulative merman and Bree’s kiss transferred her legs for his fishtail. As a mermaid, she must navigate a new and dangerous world while preparing for the ultimate showdown with Sandy.

Ohh la la! They all sound so good!  I think I'm looking most forward to reading The Truth About Fairy Tales  :)

2. What inspired you to write this story?

Whispers In The Shadows was created from my love of paranormal romances and fantasy worlds where anything can happen. I have strived to write fast-paced and well-developed plots with unexpected twists and multifaceted characters. It’s definitely an escapist book inspired by imagination and boundless possibilities.

3. What is the main lesson that your book is trying to teach?

The main lesson of Whispers In The Shadows is to never settle, both in life and relationships. It’s about discovering yourself and knowing what you want. I portray this through the creation of strong female protagonists who transcend the ordinary to find a beautiful life. On a lighter note, they always make these discoveries while having adventures and really living (opposed to just existing). Whispers In The Shadows is very much about making the most of life.

 What a good lesson!  So many of our younger generation needs to learn this!! 

4. Moving on to your writing career, how long have you been writing? Did you always dream to become an author?

I knew I wanted to be a writer since the second grade. I always loved reading and creating new worlds, characters and plots. I truly believe my desire to write is innate. However, it wasn’t until I turned sixteen that I began seriously researching the publishing industry and writing professionally. I was nineteen when my first book was published by a small, but traditional, publishing house. Since then I have published ten books, with several more forthcoming. I’m also a screenwriter. I have three short films produced (Young Eyes, The Rarity and Too Sensible For Love), and I have several more projects in development. Writing is such a natural activity for me, and I know I’ll be doing it for the rest of my life.

  Wowsas!! 19 at first published?? That's amazing!! Congrats!
 
5. I’m always curious whether or not authors read the same types of books that they write.  So tell us, what book genres do you love to read? to write?

When I was younger, my favorite genres to read were always unique teen dramas and scary stories. While at university, I started enjoying literary fiction. My reading preferences definitely influenced my writing. For example, The Horror Diaries is a scary series for middle graders, and Vocations as well as the Syren Signature Series are unique teen dramas. Also, I often incorporate literary elements into my books for teens and adults. I do think it’s inevitable that writers are influenced by their favorite genres.

6. What are you reading right now?

As awful as this sounds, I haven’t had a chance to read a book since university, and even then, that was only for school. Technically, I haven’t read a book recreationally for several years now. This is definitely not by choice, but rather due to circumstances, such as school and work commitments. I often yearn to pick up a paranormal romance and just read it at my cottage or the beach. Hopefully, I’ll be able to do that soon! 

  How sad! Life gets busy and things get pushed to the back. I understand that well enough!  I have plenty of paranormal romance reviews if you need some ideas! Lol!   Take a break and get away into a book :) 

7. Have any particular authors inspired you to write? If so, can you name one and what you like about their style?

Tennessee Williams is an inspiration to me because he writes so freely yet compassionately about the human condition. His work is significant, but it’s also entertaining. I’d love to achieve these elements in my own work. Williams was truly a rare talent.

8. Do you have any upcoming projects?

My next project is Supernatural, the fourth book in The Horror Diaries series. It will be released in June. After this title, there are three more forthcoming books in The Horror Diaries series, so I’m busy editing all those stories! I am also working on Frostbitten, a young adult werewolf romance that I outlined years ago. Luckily, now seems like a perfect time for that genre. On the screenwriting side, I have a short filming in early 2013, and I’m also working with a production company on a paranormal TV show.

You are one busy lady!! I can see why you don't have time to read for leisure!  Goodness girl! 

About the Author : 

Heather Beck is a Canadian author and screenwriter who began writing professionally at the age of sixteen. Her first book was published when she was only nineteen years old. Since then she has written several well-reviewed books.
Heather recently received an Honors Bachelor of Arts from university where she specialized in English and studied an array of disciplines. Currently, she is working on two young adult novels and has six anthologies slated for publication. As a screenwriter, Heather has multiple television shows and movies in development. Her short films include Young Eyes, The Rarity and Too Sensible For Love.
Besides writing, Heather's greatest passion is the outdoors. She is an award-winning fisherwoman and a regular hiker. Her hobbies include swimming, playing badminton and volunteering with non-profit organizations.

Website 

When night falls and the moon shines brightly, creatures emerge to stalk their prey.

Heather Beck presents Creatures Of The Night, an anthology of fangs, claws and jaws.

                Werewolf Hunting
Missing people, cries in the night, unidentifiable animals tracks... this isn't your average hunting lodge.
                     Eyes of Red
Cute, smart and funny, Lisa's new boyfriend would be perfect, if only he wasn't a vampire.
                  Night Of The Eel
Something lies beneath the murky waters of Stony Loch, and it's anything but friendly.
              The Pumpkin Patch
When evil pumpkins grow in Scott's backyard, Halloween turns into a never-ending nightmare.
                 Call Of The Loon
 Camp Loon hides an ancient and deadly curse that befalls anyone who enters the woods. 

Nothing stays the same forever...

A coming-of-age story that deals with the trials and tribulations of being in the late teens, Vocations describes the lives of three friends, Jeannie, Lila, and Pamela, and the events which draw them closer and pull them apart.  Whether dealing with boys, friendships, or difficult decisions, Vocations takes an in-depth and honest look at the confusion one feels at this time in their life.

  Fall in love, if you dare... 

Inside these pages are jilted ghosts who seek revenge, a sexy tour guide with deadly secrets, cunning mermen who emerge from the ocean, a magical forest where love truly can last for eternity, and a new breed of men who are too good to be true. 

Filled with chils, twists and boundless passion, Whispers in the Shadows  explores the beauty of love along with its darker side.  




Giveaway Time :
The author is giving away a PDF copy of Whispers in the Shadows. Enter via the rafflecopter form below for your chance to win !!