I’m honored to have friend and fellow author, Heidi Chiavaroli as my guest today. Heidi and I got acquainted when we were finalists in the ACFW Genesis Contest back in 2014. Much has happened since then, especially for Heidi who has gone on to write several novels and receive other distinguished awards. Welcome, Heidi!
Thanks for having me, Cynthia!
It’s my pleasure, Heidi. What has surprised you most in your writing journey?
That there’s never a point of arrival! I used to think, “When I get a contract by my dream publisher, then I’ve reached my goal.” And while that was certainly a part of it, in many ways the journey was just beginning. I constantly have to remind myself of all that God has done and rest (and be content with) whatever plans He has for the future.
Sage advice, Heidi. Thank you. What would you say is your favorite part of the writing process?
The research and dreaming phase. At that time, anything seems possible. I love the prospect of a new story. Of course, I also really enjoy writing it and really, really enjoy writing THE END!
LOL! I agree on all counts. What do you feel is most challenging about writing split-time novels?
Getting the connection/ending to be truly satisfying. Ideally, both contemporary and historical characters should have grown, often in a similar manner, and there should be a link between the two time periods that serves the story and the readers in a way that they can close the book and feel complete.
With a split-time novel, I imagine that is twice as challenging. Name one of the first books or authors to inspire you and why.
A Voice in the Wind by Francine Rivers. Wow. She wrote into some dark places with such light and truth and hope, I couldn’t stop thinking about it for a long time. She completely inspired me to shine hope into a story that tackles the difficult.
I’ll have to look that one up. Thanks for sharing. How similar are you to your heroines?
That definitely varies with each book and with each character. Some have more of me in them than others! In The Edge of Mercy, I see myself a lot in Sarah but I actually wish I were more like Elizabeth.
Is there a theme verse that holds The Edge of Mercy together?
2 Corinthians 12:9: But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.
A wonderful verse. Share with us an interesting history fact you’ve uncovered during your research.
I learned that King Philip’s War actually began right in my hometown. We don’t hear much about this 17th century war, but it was brutal and heartbreaking on both the side of the colonists and the side of the Native Americans.
To what extent will you go to find answers to your historical questions?
Oh, pretty far! I’ve scoured the internet for hours searching for a tidbit of historical fact. I’ve gone to Medical Libraries to read letters and accounts, contacted other libraries to find out what kind of ships would have been in a certain harbor at a certain time. Of course, I’ve still made mistakes, but I strive to get facts as authentic as possible for the sake of my story, and my readers.
Thanks so much for joining us today, Heidi! It was a joy having you.
Heidi Chiavaroli writes women’s fiction, exploring places that whisper of historical secrets. Her debut novel, Freedom’s Ring, was a Carol Award winner and a Christy Award finalist, a Romantic Times Top Pick and a Booklist Top Ten Romance Debut. She makes her home in Massachusetts with her husband and two sons.
Stories of faith and resilience on the Midwest prairie Inspirational, Historical Romance by Cynthia Roemer (Prairie Sky Series)
UNDER THIS SAME SKY ~ BOOK ONE
UNDER PRAIRIE SKIES ~ BOOK TWO
UNDER MOONLIT SKIES ~ BOOK THREE
~Available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble
**Connect with Cynthia Roemer on Facebook, Goodreads and Twitter.
Now for our Giveaway! Heidi has graciously offered to give away a SIGNED PRINT COPY of The Edge of Mercy. Enter the Rafflecopter Giveaway below for your chance to win this celebrated split-time novel.
Two women, three hundred years apart, must face the devastation of all they hold dear.
I read just about anywhere, but my favorite place is on my back deck when the weather cooperates. So peaceful & relaxing.
That sounds perfect, Robin! I love to be outside reading when the New England weather permits. 😉
I really enjoyed this interview and am looking forward to reading The Edge of Mercy!
Thanks, Stacey. So glad you enjoyed it. Heidi is a gifted author.
Love Heidi’s books!
She is a talented writer. Thanks for stopping by, Candy!
Thank you so much, Candy!
Hi Robin! That sounds like my kind of reading place. Thanks for stopping by to enter!
Thanks so much for having me, Cynthia!
It’s my pleasure, Heidi! Glad to have you. Blessings on your continued writing journey.
Oh and my favorite reading spot is my couch!
A cozy spot to choose. Thanks, Stacey!
I like to read in my hammock by our pond when the weather is nice
That sounds so enticing, Deana. I would love that! Thanks for sharing. The best to you in the giveaway!
I love reading outside in the sun on the deck.
Hi Margaret. I’d love that on a crisp fall day. Thanks for stopping by to enter! Blessings!
I read anywhere it’s quiet and cozy, which is usually on the couch or on my bed.
Sounds like a plan, Stephanie! Thanks for stopping by to enter.
My favorite reading spot is my comfy blue recliner. In summer it’s the beach or porch.
Hi Merry! I’m not near a beach, but I too love reading out on my porch. Thanks for stopping by.
My bed is my favorite reading spot. Otherwise, it’s the car inn roadtrips or a cozy couch.
All very cozy, Rachel. Some people can’t read in cars, so you’re fortunate! Thanks for sharing.
I have a recliner that is across from windows that look on the countryside and is near our fireplace. In winter this is a cozy spot for reading!
Thanks for sharing!
Connie
cps1950(at)gmail(dot)com
That sounds like perfection to me! So inviting. Thanks for stopping by and sharing! Blessings!
My favorite place to read is my front porch swing
Mine too!! Thanks for stopping by to enter, Pat. The best to you in the giveaway.
One of my favorite reading spot is the comfy couch in my living room.
Sounds good, Sonnetta! Thanks for stopping by to enter.
My favorite reading spot is in my comfy chair by the window with a blanket and a cat or two.
Sounds super cozy, Dianne! Thanks.
My fav spot is on the back porch with a cup of Joe..!!! Or sitting by a lake…in my dreams!!!
Two beautiful spots to choose. Thanks for stopping by, Judy. Blessings!
My favorite reading spot is quite and comfy.
I agree, Caryl! A great combination.
My favorite reading spot is a comfy chair, hot cup of tea, with soft instrumental music playing.
Hi Debbie! Your favorite spot sounds very relaxing. Thanks for sharing!
In a chair in the kitchen, where I can read in between cooking, or other chores. . . Thanks for the opportunity to enter a giveaway! Would love to win a print copy!
You’re very useful with your time, Lual. What a great idea! The best to you in the giveaway.
I love to read at home or when I’m traveling..or in a bookstore..I could read anywhere!!
Hi Gloria! It’s easy to see you love to read! Thanks so much for stopping by.
I will carry my book with me to read if I expect I might have to wait wherever I am going. I do most of my reading at the kitchen table, so I guess that would be considered my favorite place as this time.
Hi Roxanne! It’s always a good idea to have a book along with you. Thanks for sharing! The best to you in the giveaway!
This book sounds intriguing I would love to read it. Thank you for sharing about the book and I enjoyed the author interview.
My favorite reading spot in the summer is on our patio swing that is in our backyard, and in the winter I love reading snuggled up by my pup on the couch.
Lovely sounding spots for sure, Alicia! Thanks for stopping by to enter. Blessings!
I really enjoy the interviews with authors. Heidi is new to me but sounds very gifted. I look forward to reading this book.
My favorite reading spot? Hmm, used to be in bed, but chiropractor told me to stop reading in bed, so now I limit it. I’ d say I like to read any place. Out in our back yard, but get too distracted listening to birds. In the car if husband is listening to stock reports. On airplanes. On my sofa in family room. My husband told a friend,” Bonnie always has a book with her.”
Sounds like you just love to read, Bonnie! Thanks for sharing and for stopping by to enter. Blessings!
I can read anywhere but I especially love on my deck, except now it is to cold so now it is in my chair with a blanket.
Hi Lucy! Some great sounding places to read. Thanks for stopping by!
Enjoy the interviews and the “clean” writing!
Thanks, Amber! So glad you stopped by to visit!
Sorry, got ahead of myself – my bed! I do so every night and usually fall asleep doing so 🙂
I would too! LOL!
On the patio.
A good place to choose. Thanks, Cassandra!