Ebook Giveaway & Author Interview: Heather Beck

Welcome to Author Heather Beck

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 and The Rarity.
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.

Links:
http://heatherbeck.tripod.com/
The Rarity: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=URAS3utDlqo
Whispers In The Shadows on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Whispers-Shadows-Heather-Beck/dp/1926990056/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1329427117&sr=8-1


Interview:
If you could have any superpower what would you choose?
If I had a superpower I’d like it to be the ability to heal all wounds, both physical and emotional. I’m uncertain if I believe in a utopian world, but I’d definitely use my gift to stop war and inequality as well as the devastating aftermath of such things.

Pet Peeves?
The lack of rational foresight.

Any other books in the works? Goals for future projects?
I am currently working on edits for the remaining books in The Horror Diaries series. The next book, Creatures Of The Night, will be released May 2012. I have started writing Assorted Candies (an anthology of literary romance for teens) as well as two young adult paranormal romance novels entitled Siren and Fairy Dust. Additionally, I will shortly begin work on What Fairy Tales Are Made Of, which will include the last four volumes in the Legends Unleashed series. On the screenwriting side, I have written several short scripts that are scheduled to go into production in 2012. They include Too Sensible For Love – a dark romantic comedy with social commentary running throughout it, Love’s Folly – a romantic comedy that will keep viewers guessing until the end, and Circular – a chilling social commentary about war.

Tell us your most rewarding experience since being published.
There are so many rewarding aspects to being published that it’s impossible for me to just choose one. Receiving my first publishing contract was very exciting. It made me feel as if all my hard work was paying off. Having the finished product of my work, whether it is a book or DVD, is always a sublime experience. Another amazing aspect of being a writer is receiving e-mails and letters from readers who have enjoyed my work.

What is your dream cast for your films and TV shows?
After being a casting director for The Rarity, I’ve learned that it’s more exciting to cast emerging actors than have a big name attached. I think finding an actor who can portray the character exactly how I imagined is the most important aspect of casting. That being said, there are a few actors I’d love to work with such as Adam Harrington, Elizabeth Gillies and Phoebe Tonkin.

What's one piece of advice you would give aspiring authors?
I recommend that aspiring authors write because they love it and have a natural drive to do so. If one wants to turn their hobby of writing into a profession, I strongly advise being hopeful but realistic. It is a tough business and one has to do a lot of networking before finding people they can not only work with but also trust. It’s best to be informed about every aspect of the publishing business. Manuscript creation and industry standard presentation is merely the beginning. The single piece of best advice I can offer is to get an education. In the entertainment industry, a back-up plan is crucial. Furthermore, education broadens one’s horizons to a great degree and aids an author’s ability to write with more range.

If you could live anywhere in the world where would it be?
I love living in Canada for its beautiful landscapes and lakes as well as its amazing hiking trails. However, I could do without winter. I’d love to live near the beach and where the hiking trails and fishing spots are great. As long as the climate is warm and I can be in nature, I’m happy. If I had to pinpoint a specific location, I’d probably say North Carolina, USA.

How did you know you should become an author?
I knew I wanted to be an author at a very young age. I loved books and always dreamt about creating my own worlds and characters. My biggest fascination was with book series because it allowed for extended character development. Writing is extremely natural for me and I don’t believe I chose to be a writer. On the contrary, I feel as if writing is something I have to do. Being analytical and seeing inspiration in everything around me promotes my innate need to weave tales.

Favorite Candy?
Lemonheads and cinnamon hearts.

How do you react to a bad review?
My books usually get 4 or 5 stars with the worst rating being a 3.5 or 3, but then one day it happened – a reader gave one of my books a 1 star rating on Amazon. I was beyond horrified to discover this – especially since other readers were giving it 5 stars. I thought my sales for that title would drop drastically. Instead, they have steadily increased. I’ve come to realize that literature is extremely subjective and that the saying, “any publicity is good publicity” is very true.

You have won one million dollars – what is the first thing that you would buy?
I want to be sensible and say real estate, but honestly, the first thing I would probably buy is a blue sparkly Hummer that is loaded with chrome.

Which authors have influenced you the most and how?
The authors who have influenced me the most are Tennessee Williams and Jack London. I’ve read all of Williams’ plays and am amazed by his ability to be so blatant, accurate and compassionate about the human condition. He really gets to the core of what it means to be human, and he does so in a beautiful and entertaining way. In my own writing, I strive to achieve Williams’ signature feat. Regarding London, I am impressed by his depiction of the struggle between man and nature. This is a theme that has always interested me, probably due to my love of nature. London has helped to shape my goal of writing a great wilderness adventure.

If someone wrote a book about your life, what would the title be?
A few years ago, a production company approached me and requested that I write an autobiographical screenplay. At the time I wasn’t ready to do that, and looking back, I’m glad I didn’t because my life story is nowhere near complete. Someday I would like to write that memoir and when I do, it will be entitled Fighting For Glory.

What's your favorite season/weather?
My favorite season is definitely summer. I love warm weather and being outdoors. I could spend forever hiking, fishing, swimming or just lounging in the sun at the beach.

What is your guilty pleasure?
Vegetable samosas!

What TV shows do you watch that you'd be embarrassed to admit?
I’m proud to admit that I’m currently watching Once Upon A Time, Pretty Little Liars and The Secret Circle. I think these are all great shows.

In your wildest dreams, which author would you love to co-author a book with?
I’d love to co-write a book with Kelley Armstrong. I was lucky enough to meet her at a literary event and was immediately impressed by her passion and kindness. Since we write in the same genre, it would be such an amazing experience for me.

Do you prefer a bunch of small gifts or one big expensive one?
I love getting jewellery (as long as I get to choose it) or a gift card to one of my favorite stores.

Giveaway Details
One winner will receive a PDF ebook copy of the following 4 books.

The Hammock
Summer vacation gets a lot sweeter for Jade Addams when she meets the handsome and caring Russell. They quickly form a deep bond but it’s tested when a car accident causes a feud between their fathers. Jade and Russell’s secret is revealed when they fall asleep in a hammock and are awakened by her father. A physical fight occurs between Mr. Addams and Russell, furthering the rift between the neighbours. However, it’s Russell’s father who gives the gift of second chances when Mr. Addams has a heart attack. Some relationships truly are a Godsend…


Gnome Genome
When Meghan moves into her new house, she discovers a beautiful but mysterious potted plant. She loves the plant – or at least she did before jabbing herself on a pine needle and waking up inside the pot. Small and frightened, Meghan will have to struggle to survive. There’s also the issue of the evil gnomes who want to play deadly games in return for her freedom.



A Weird Twist of Fate
Judith Forge is a Goth, but she doesn’t believe in witches. Or at least she didn’t until discovering the diary that chronicles her family’s journey to witchery. When Judith’s sent back in time, she must stop an evil spell that forever changed the Forge family. Unfortunately, she’s the one who has the most to lose.


Rockville
Rockville is no ordinary town. The cold and clammy air produces symptoms of a fever and the sea is always deadly still. New resident, Calla Lily thinks the town is absolutely creepy but she doesn’t believe the local ghost stories. Perhaps the evil shape-shifting apparition in Calla Lily’s house will make a believer out of her…



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