Interview with Heather Kristian Strang

Author of Love Now: Your Daily Dose of Love & Miracles

Where are you from originally and where do you reside now?

I grew up on the Oregon Coast, left for many years to live in Portland, Oregon, Bend, Oregon, Kauai, Hawaii and now live back on the Oregon Coast in a dream spot!

If you currently reside somewhere besides where you were born, what’s the story that lead from there to here?

I grew up in a small dairy farm town and could not wait to leave it all behind for the big city of Portland, Oregon (and this was long before Portlandia and all the hype of Portland, it was basically a small city when I got there!). I loved Portland but the ocean always called me back. I spent a couple of years in the high desert of Bend, Ore because I love the sun (but not the snow) and some time in Kauai where I wrote my first book of poetry. Ultimately though, the Oregon Coast has always had my heart.

What made you decide to write and publish your first book?

I’ve written and published eight books. I’ve always known I was a writer from the time I was 12 I just knew it. I’ve worked as a journalist, blogger, PR/marketing writer, social media writer, and copywriter. I love all forms of writing along with inspiring others to live a sacred, spiritual life that’s fueled by Love.

How would you describe your books to first time readers?

My books are deeply spiritual and transformative. The transformation happens from taking in the words and the messages, even if the logical mind doesn’t fully understand it. It becomes like a spiritual attunement that opens up your own intuitive abilities, clarity and sacred spiritual connection. My “The Quest” novel series is a spiritual romance series and even those books, folks have had the experience of having their love life shift UP from reading the books. It’s always my intention that whoever is reading the books will have a beautiful opening in their life from it.

Who do you feel is most likely to connect with the topics you write about?

Spiritual seekers, those interested in spirituality at any level, those who are dreamers, creatives, healers, therapists, coaches, open-hearted Souls – usually this is women and women in their 30’s-50’s but I’ve certainly had men truly “get” the work and certainly younger and much older Souls who resonate with the messages as well.

What unexpected or surprising thing did you learn during the process of writing and publishing?

I’m always learning when I channel and write these books! I’m learning new spiritual principles, I’m receiving attunements myself through the words coming through me, and I feel deep joy when I’m in this receiving mode of allowing the words to come through me. Publishing is always an adventure and this time we went with a new publisher, Balboa Press, a division of Hay House. I wouldn’t use them in the future, but it sure was an experience!

If you could, what advice would you give to your past self before embarking on this journey?

I would say, “only fully self-publish, do not bring in a publisher!” And then I would say, “keep writing and having fun!”

How many people would you ideally like to reach with your books?

As many as will benefit from the messages contained within the books.

What has been the biggest challenge and frustration during the process to date?

My biggest challenge and frustration has only been with the publisher I chose – Balboa Press. They are not amazing. But everything else about the writing and publishing process has been a joy!

What’s your biggest strengths when it comes to book a) writing, b) publishing and c) marketing?

A) I simply love it! I love writing, I love channeling, I love reporting – I love writing in all of its forms. So receiving the guidance to write the book and then writing it is so much fun for me. B) In Publishing, my biggest strength is that I love the process – I love the cover creation, I enjoy every bit of it – even the editing. C) My strengths in marketing is that I will plan a launch and be all about it during that week. It’s like a party – celebrating that I’ve written and launched this beautiful book into the world!

What’s your biggest weakness when it comes to book a) writing, b) publishing and c) marketing?

A) My biggest weakness when it comes to writing is … so much content. I have so much content and knowing where it all needs to go can be a bit daunting. 🙂 B) For publishing, my biggest weakness has been thinking that anything other than full self-publishing will work for me. It just won’t unless I’m still awaiting meeting my dream publisher. 😉 I like to be able to guide the whole process. C) In marketing, I most likely should do more and I’m not that into it. The market is constantly shifting and once I’ve written the book, I’m so thrilled, I put it out there, I do a few things here and there and let it land where it will. I do a focused book launch for 1 week and I enjoy it! But I don’t hire PR firms or do anything over the top. I did that when I had my publisher with The Quest, and did not enjoy it.

When do you think you will write your next book?

I’m working on book #9 now!

Are you self published or did you use a hybrid publisher, or a traditional publisher?

I used a hybrid publisher – Balboa Press. I have self-published all of my books through Amazon, which I highly recommend. I also had, for a short time, White Cloud Press/Riverhead books as the publisher of The Quest: A Tale of Desire & Magic.