Author Q&A: Heather Ramsay

Today we’re interviewing Heather Ramsay, who writes romantic thrillers.

Ramsay grew up in a town just outside of Toronto, Ontario. After spending a few years working and exploring California, she now resides in Pennsylvania with her family.

Personal trainer, yoga teacher, and group exercise instructor by trade, her true passion is writing. An avid reader and make believer from a young age, Ramsay dreamed of one day publishing her own book.

When she’s not reading or writing, you can often find her training, spending time with her family, or chasing around her kids.

SADYE: How did you come to see yourself as a writer, and what inspired you to seek publication?

HEATHER: I began writing as a hobby. It started primarily as a way to de-stress and get all the stories out of my head.

In the beginning, I never imaged I would one day publish the inner ramblings of my imagination, but with the turn in the publishing industry toward indie authors and smaller publishing houses, it became so much more feasible to get my work out there.

After a little research and some self talk, I decided to go for it and hit publish.

SADYE: Tell us something about your writing process that’s unusual or that you haven’t revealed before.

HEATHER: My first draft is always all over the place.

Sometimes ideas will come to me in a dream or pop into my head as I’m doing menial tasks.

I’ll write the idea or scene down and then have to connect the new idea with what I’ve previously written to make it all fit together in the story.

SADYE: What have been the most surprising, rewarding, and challenging parts of your writing career?

HEATHER: One of the most rewarding has been when other successful authors have given praise for my work.

In a tough industry, it has certainly given me confidence to follow my dream.

One of the most challenging is finding the time to write. It’s a struggle to balance family time, work, and writer’s block.

Another challenge is the financial aspect of self-publishing and promoting a professional-looking book.

SADYE: What message or theme would you like readers to take away from your work?

HEATHER: I have two: The first is that you’re stronger than you think.

Even in the face of adversity you can prevail. Be brave, believe in yourself and follow your gut.

The second is that family comes in all different forms. It’s not about blood and genetics, but mutual love and respect.

True family are the people that have your back no matter what.

SADYE: What experience in your past or general aspect of your life has most affected your writing?

HEATHER: My experience as a fitness professional has a huge factor in my writing.

It’s a major part of who I am, and because of that, my characters all have an inclination toward a sport.

My protagonists are often tough, athletic women that can handle their own.

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Learn more about Heather Ramsay on her website, where her books can also be purchased; like her on Facebook; and follow her on Twitter and Instagram.

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