Please Welcome Author Heather McCorkle!

Today I am excited to welcome author Heather McCorkle to my blog (and to our group on Goodreads Never Too Old for YA Books). In continuing with our Indie month, we've asked Heather a few choice questions!

You may know Heather's books:

The Channeler Series:

The story of the night Aiden was born has never been told, until now. Fleeing the Hunters, Kevan and Shannon O'Reilly find their way to Spruce Knoll Colorado, assuming they'll be safe in America. Their unborn son is special, even for a druid, or a channeler as the American's like to call their kind. But why the Hunters, people who are sworn to keep their kind safe, are after them is a mystery. All they know is that if they don't outrun them they'll be killed. 

Trouble has followed them to Spruce Knoll and just when it seems it may be too late, they discover the true reason why

Born of Fire on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Smashwords

Following the tragic death of her parents, Eren Donovan moves to Spruce Knoll to live with an aunt she’s never met. Little does Eren know the entire town of Spruce Knoll is filled with “channelers”—a magical group of people who immigrated to the small Colorado town when they were driven out of their own lands. 

Channelers are tied to the fate of the world. As the world slowly dies, so do they—and they alone have the power to stop the destruction of Earth. Soon, Eren learns she not only lives among them, but she is one. When she meets local boy Aiden, his charm convinces her that being a channeler may not be all bad though.

As Eren and Aiden’s relationship develops, so too does a mystery in Spruce Knoll. The town holds many secrets—and many dangers. It soon becomes apparent that the untimely death of Eren’s parents was no accident and that her life might be in danger too. Only time will tell if Eren can embrace her unwanted power and protect the only family she has left

The Secret of Spruce Knoll on Amazon, Barnes and Noble

With her parents' murderer's dead, Eren can finally concentrate on fitting in at Spruce Knoll High, not to mention figuring out what it means to be a channeler. If only it were that easy. It turns out she isn't normal even among channelers - she may be a legendary warrior meant to protect the earth in a last great battle. But Mayan prophecies are the least of her worries as she involuntarily starts to gather her own Society, another girl moves in on Aiden, her powers rage out of control, and worst of all, someone is stalking her. To top it all off, Eren discovers she doesn't have to be a channeler after all - she has a choice. As an old threat closes in and she risks ending up like her parents, she is forced to decide. Be a normal teenager and leave the legendary warrior stuff to someone else, or embrace a dark destiny?

Channelers Choice on Amazon, Barnes and Noble

Invaders are coming to take what isn't theirs, again. Neala wants to stand and fight for her homeland, but as one of the last druids, she may be standing alone. Persecuted, hunted down, forced to live in obscurity, the druids have all but given up. Can the determination of a girl who has barely come into her power bring them together? Or, just when she finally finds her place among her kind, will they end up losing a homeland their very magic is tied to?





To Ride a Puca on Amazon, Barnes and Noble



I had the honor of reading and reviewing To Ride a Puca and I'm so glad I did. You can read my review of that book HERE. And you can also read my review of Born of Fire HERE. If you have not read this series, I highly recommend it. It's FANTASTIC!

A little about Heather:

I am an author of fantasy, in all its many sub-genres. Living green, saving endangered species, helping other writers, and supporting fabulous authors are a few of my passions. I am also a volunteer for the IS Foundation which works to make the world a greener place. When I'm not volunteering, writing, or surfing my social networking sites, I can be found on the slopes, the hiking trails, or on horseback. As a native Oregonian, I enjoy the outdoors almost as much as the worlds I create on the pages. No need to travel to the Great Northwest though, you can find me here, on my blog, and Monday night's on Twitter where I co-moderate the #WritersRoad chat.

And now Heather joins us to answer a few pressing questions we have for her!

1. When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer? 

When I was twelve, yep, really. I didn't like the way a book ended and I figured I would just have to write a better ending. It grew from there.  

2. How long does it take you to write a book? 

It takes me about four months to get a first draft done, but then of course there is a mountain of editing to do after that! 

3. What do you think makes a great story?

Great characters! Of course I also love rich description that puts me in the book, but in the end it all comes down to the characters.  

4. What is your work schedule like when you're writing?

Unfortunately I still have a 'day' job that I have to do, so I write every free moment I get, on breaks, on the way to work (don't worry, I carpool!), in the morning, and at night.  

5. How do you balance family and writing?

I'm extremely lucky to have a wonderful, supportive husband who encourages me to write. I make sure I spend as much time with him though as I do writing.  

6. Where do you get your information or ideas for your books?

Everywhere! People inspire me, movies, songs, nature, animals, everything.  

7. What was one of the most surprising things you learned in creating your books? 

That there are amazing people out there that care about books, authors, animals, and the environment just as much as I do.  

8. How many books have you written? Which is your favorite? 

I've written ten, currently. Oh no, you're going to make me pick?! LOL! Okay, if I have to, I'd say To Ride A Puca, my historical fantasy. That novel came from a deep part of my soul. 

9. Are your characters based on anyone you know?

They aren't actually. I know a lot of authors do that and I've always meant to try it, but characters come to me often fully formed with personalities all their own.  

10. Do you have a favorite place you love to write?

I don't, but I just bought a new home so I'm hoping to have one soon. :) 

11. How hard is is to get published?

Monumentally. In fact, it has never been harder. But my advice to writers is; don't let that discourage you. Keep improving your craft, attend workshops, retreats, use beta readers, critique partners, and don't give up. Remember, in the end, there are more options now than ever when it comes to publishing.  

12. What do your family and friends think about your books?

They are some of my biggest fans, and I love that. :) 

13. What do you like to do when you are not writing?

I'm an outdoorsy gal. I love hiking, kayaking, swimming, horseback riding, pretty much anything outdoors! And I'm a volunteer for the IS Foundation (Ian Somerhalder foundation, yep that Ian) so I also love to donate my time to great causes.  

14. Do you have any suggestions to help aspiring writers better themselves and their craft? If so, what are they? 

Read craft books, attend workshops, retreats, join a critique group, and find great beta readers.  

15. As a child, what did you want to do when you grew up? 

An author of course. That or an archaeologist.  

16. What are your favourite books and which authors inspire you?

There are so many! I love Karen Amanda Hooper (Grasping At Eternity and Tangled Tides), Saundra Mitchell (The Vespertine, Breathkept), Elana Johnson (Possession), Judith Graves (the Skinned Series), and Kitty Keswick (Freaksville). Just to name a few!

17. For an aspiring writer what do you feel are certain do's and don’ts for getting their material published?

Do edit your own work thoroughly, do use good critique partners and/or beta readers, and if it comes down to it, do use a great editor who understands your vision.  

18. What are you working on now?

I'm currently working on my first epic fantasy novel. Think E.E. Knight (Dragon Champion) meets Rachel Hartman (Saraphina). Oh, and the third and final novel in my channeler series, Rise of a Rector, is due out at the end of September! 

Thanks so much for stopping by, Heather! It was so great having you here!

If you want to learn  more about Heather and her books, you can click on the links below:

Heather's Blog

Heather On Goodreads