What is the best thing that I love about my work? I love that as an independent author, I can control how and when my books are presented to the world. I can choose which books to write next. As an author in general, I love being able to work from home, so I can do my other job, which is being a stay-at-home mom.

What is my idea of perfect happiness? My ideal day would be one in which my husband and kids are all home and we’re hanging out outside. It would be a beautiful day in the West Virginia mountains where we live, with the sky a deep blue. My dog would be frisking around and I would be puttering in my flowerbeds. On days like that, I feel unutterably happy.

What is my greatest fear? Hm. While there are some things I strongly dislike, I try to emulate my grandma and not be afraid of anything. This is because I’m a Christian, and I know if God is for me, who can be against me?

What is the trait that I most deplore in myself? That’s an interesting question. I try not to deplore things about myself, just like I try not to elevate things about myself.

Which living persons in my profession do I most admire? I have so many amazing author friends! They are always so giving and supportive. I would say I really admire my critique partner, Becky Doughty, because I’ve read everything she’s written and it’s all amazing. She also keeps me steering my writing ship the right direction!

What is my greatest extravagance? Probably gourmet coffee when I’m out shopping, which doesn’t happen too often.

On what occasion would I lie? I really dislike lies and I try to be as transparent as possible. However, if it was to protect my family or those I love, I might lie.

What is the thing that I dislike the most in my work? The fact that it’s never-ending. Being an independent (indie) author pays like a part-time job, but I put in full-time hours. I market constantly and have to maintain a social media presence.

When and where was I the happiest, in my work? I am happy to be a stay-at-home mom and it’s a choice I’ll never regret, even though when I had three kids ages three and under, it was more crazy than happy most of the time! As far as being an author, I’m happiest when I know my readers are enjoying my books.

If I could, what would I change about myself? I would be making more money writing, so my time would feel like it was better-spent.

What is my greatest achievement in work? I believe it’s getting my two Viking historical novels, God’s Daughter and Forest Child published. Those were the stories I needed to tell. The rest of my books were written for fun, but those two represented my Scandinavian heritage, because they were about real people and events from the Icelandic sagas, and I needed to get them right.

Where would I most like to live? Right where I’m living in West Virginia. But I loved the years we spent near my husband’s family in Western New York, and part of my heart will always be there, too.

What is my most treasured possession? If you mean what would I save if my house was burning, my husband and children would be first! After that, I would probably say my engagement ring or my kids’ baby pictures.

What is my most marked characteristic? I would say I’m relentless when it comes to meeting my personal goals.

What is my most inspirational location, in my city? I live in a small rural town. But the most inspirational place to me is always in the woods.

What is my favourite place to eat and drink, in my city? Where I live, the biggest city has mostly chain restaurants. Quite honestly my favorite place to eat around here is at my mom’s house next door!

What books influenced my life and how? I was heavily influenced by Agatha Christie, Daphne du Maurier, and Phyllis Whitney. I love that their mysteries/suspense have a lot to do with the psychology of the characters.

Who are my favorite writers? Classics-wise, it’d be Agatha Christie, Thomas Hardy, and George Eliot. Contemporary-wise, it’d be Linda Castillo, Louise Penny, Carrie Stuart Parks, and my crit partner Becky Doughty. I’m sure there are so many others, but those are ones that come to mind.

You Only Die Once. What music would I listen on my last day? Handel’s Messiah, for sure.

Who is my hero or heroine in fiction? I loved Smilla in Smilla’s Sense of Snow. She is definitely one of my faves. I also loved Tommy and Tuppence in Agatha Christie’s books.

Who are my heroes and heroines in real life? I look up to so many people and I have a lot of respect for so many. My husband, David. My parents. My parents-in-law. My grandma Wilcox. The list could go on and on, because I have been very blessed.

Which movie would I recommend to see once in a lifetime? Wow! That’s a tough one, because it depends on what people enjoy watching. Some classic movies I really enjoyed were Rear Window with Grace Kelly and Wait until Dark with Audrey Hepburn.

What role plays art in my life and work? Art (as in visual art) definitely plays into my work when I develop cover art for my novels. I want covers that are eye-catching and that capture the tone of my books. I also rely on Pinterest a lot for visual inspiration for my characters, their clothing, the settings, and other details I use in my novels. And of course, I think writing is another art form, so I’m working on that all the time!

Who is my greatest fan, sponsor, partner in crime? My husband, definitely.

Whom would I like to work with in 2018? I’m very excited I’ll be working on a cozy mystery series for Kensington Books in 2018, so I am already working with someone I’d like to work with!

Which people in my profession would I love to meet in 2018? I’d love to meet my agent, Julie Gwinn from The Seymour Agency, someday.

What project, in 2018, am I looking forward to work on? The cozy mystery series mentioned above.

Where can you see me or my work in 2018? I’m hoping my books will show up on more bookstore shelves in 2018 (they are on online shelves now and some are in bookstores, but I’d love to get more out there).

Here you can find my books: https://www.amazon.com/Heather-Day-Gilbert/e/B00GB8B608/

What do the words “Passion Never Retires” mean to me? I think that means you do what you enjoy until you die. For me, that would definitely be writing.

Which creative heroines should Peter invite to tell their story? My critique partner, Becky Doughty, is another courageous writer gal. She knows how to take risks and pursue her dreams, and she’s always encouraging me to do so!

How can you contact me? You can find all my social media links, as well as a “Contact Me” form, on my author website at heatherdaygilbert.com.

AUTHOR BIO:

HEATHER DAY GILBERT, a Grace Award winner and bestselling author, writes novels that capture life in all its messy, bittersweet, hope-filled glory. Born and raised in the West Virginia mountains, generational story-telling runs in her blood. Heather writes Viking historicals and contemporary mystery/suspense. Publisher’s Weekly gave Heather’s Viking historical Forest Child a starred review, saying it is “an engaging story depicting timeless human struggles with faith, love, l