Interview with Heather Van Fleet

Author of Her Hot Ride

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

Quad Cities Illinois, born and raised. More specifically Moline Illinois.

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

Inspiration in the form of my youngest daughter. I was a newer stay at home mom, after working 18 years straight. I loved it, so much, but felt like I was missing something. Then I picked up reading romance and from there, I jumped into reviewing it, then writing it. Ten years, and almost 6 books published later, here I am!

How would you describe your books to first time readers?

Sexy, over the top, fun with suspense and angst thrown in as well.

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

Hmm, that’s a tough one. I like to think that I’m trying to write for the majority of the romance loving community, but that’s not the case. What one person loves, another despises! With that being said, I target readers who love the alpha hero, who has a soft and gooey center for the woman they fall for.

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

Sadly, I learned that not everyone you encounter in the industry is going to be good. But the ones who are? They’re the best thing about this community.

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

Lordy. I have so much advice for my past self:

1. Don’t settle just to be published because it won’t end well.
2. Take your time. Don’t rush.
3. Find your writerly tribe from the get-go.
4. Don’t be afraid of taking breaks and telling people no.
5. Bad things will come, heartbreaks will seem endless, but guess what? Things happen for a reason.

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

As many as possible, honestly.

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

Dealing with the highs and lows that follow. They’re crushing at times.

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

A. Writing-wise my biggest strength is never running out of stories to tell.
B. Publishing wise? Just being able to say I’ve done it.
C. Marketing wise? I freaking love Twitter. 🙂

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

A. Writing-wise my biggest weakness is a lack of motivation some days.
B. Publishing wise? Finding awesome houses to write for… but not my forever house to keep publishing with.
C. Marketing wise? I stink at my Facebook groups and newsletters are the bane of my existence.

When do you think you will write your next book?

Hopefully sometime in 2020. It all depends on my family and how busy we are, and that motivation I tend to lack.

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

I’ve used both a traditional publisher and a hybrid.