Amanda Collins's Interview with
Heather Beck
Author of
Fable Farm

Amanda Collins was born in Montreal, Canada & is currently a high school student who loves art & math. She writes: “This may be a weird combination of favorite subjects but I believe they both rely on each other to exist. In my spare time I love reading & talking to professional writers. I admire authors because of all the hard work they do. I think it takes a genius to create new worlds & characters. After I graduate high school I would like to study engineering at university.

“Heather Beck, a Canadian author is most known for her work on the Sparklesoup original series, Fable Farm. She is a diverse young author who juggles a successful career as well as university. I was lucky enough to catch up with her to discuss her latest projects & dreams for the future.”

Amanda:
You have written three books so far, all which have received glowing reviews. How has this affected your career as a writer?

Heather:
I think reviews are important but all I really want is for kids, teens, & adults alike to read my work and enjoy it. Reviews do, however, come in handy when a publisher is looking for a blurb for a forthcoming title.

Amanda:
For those of us who aren't sure, could you please give us the definition of a blurb?

Heather:
It's when someone's review of an author's work appears on the front or back cover of the book. The review usually comes from a well known author or reviewer.

Amanda:
Do you know a lot about the book publishing business?

Heather:
I think I do know quite a lot about the book publishing business. I spent a year researching before submitting my first manuscript.

Amanda:
Do you have any advice for aspiring authors?

Heather:
First of all an aspiring author needs to create & truly believe in their manuscript. I would definitely suggest doing your research before submitting to publishers. It is extremely important to know what you are getting into. I also advise submitting to traditional publishers in the field that you write in.

Amanda:
What inspired you to write your first book, The Paradise Chronicles? I recently read it & was instantly taken in by the unique characters & twisting plot.

Heather:
I actually wrote The Paradise Chronicles for a school project!

Amanda:
I don't want to go off on a tangent here, but I read that you are currently attending the University of Toronto. Is this correct?

Heather:
Yes it is. I'm doing a specialist in English & a major in New Media.

Amanda:
The University of Toronto has been rated the number one university by various magazines. What preparation did you partake in to get accepted into U of T?

Heather:
I studied hard in school & strived for the best marks possible.

Amanda:
Thanks for that advice. I'll be sure to take it! To return to our topic of discussion, can you tell us about any upcoming projects that you may have?

Heather:
I have written three anthologies of scary stories for kids which is forthcoming. I am currently writing a novel entitled Girl in Crisis.

Amanda:
What an interesting title! Can you tell us what it s about?

Heather:
Girl in Crisis is about a young woman who lives in California with her father (a movie producer) & her step-mother (a former B-List actress). I think that Girl in Crisis goes beyond the common coming-of-age drama. It deals with the stresses of growing up in a media crazy society while having to live with a condition called bipolar disease.

Amanda:
What I really like about your writing, Heather, is that it really does defy the norms of the genre. I have never read a book of yours that couldn't be placed in several categories.

Heather:
I appreciate you saying that because life doesn't fit into just one category. I like to write about events which aren't always the norm. However, I want everyone to be able to relate to my books on at least one level.

Amanda:
You don't just write coming-of-age dramas. I have read your short scary stories & have fallen in love with them. They are very unique & have such surprise endings. What are your feelings about your anthologies?

Heather:
I love writing scary stories & hope others will enjoy them as well. Like I said before, I have several more horror anthologies coming out in the near future. One collection of stories falls within the paranormal romance category so it will be a bit different from my previous anthologies.

Amanda:
You are most known for your work on the Sparklesoup original series, Fable Farm. How has the sudden exposure changed you?

Heather:
It hasn't changed me. I do, however, appreciate all the support & love reading the fan mail I receive because of it!

Amanda:
One final question, what you like to see happen in the future regarding your career?

Heather:
I want to continue writing books that people of every age can enjoy. I am also interested in having a television show &/or a movie. I am currently looking into that field of business.

Amanda:
Things definitely sound exciting for you!

Heather:
They are! I love my line of work & would be completely unhappy if I had to stop for whatever reason.

Amanda:
I'm sure it will never come to that. You have a large fan base that seems to be growing daily. Thanks for the interview, Heather, & best of luck in future endeavors.

Heather:
Thank you for your support!

Amanda:
Do catch my review of Heather Beck's Fable Farm - I hope it makes you go out & buy yourself a copy!

Amanda Collins
2006©Amanda Collins
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