Heidi Lis

Al: You seem to have crafted every word in the synopsis for 'Defying Fate'.  Some Authors don't take the time, so kudos to you.  Why do you think a synopsis is important?  Does it help?

Heidi: Thank you, I appreciate that. To answer your question, yes, I think what you say in your synopsis can either engage a potential new reader, or turn a reader off from every buying your book. The hard part is making sure you don’t add too much into the synopsis that the reader feels like they know what the book is about without ever reading it. The key is to hook (engage) your reader, give them a reason to want to read your book. I always ask myself ‘why would I want to read this book?’

 I like to sit down after I have completed my current WIP and write out in six sentences what my book is about. That is incredibly hard, but can be done. In those six sentences, I can then write my synopsis. I enjoy writing romantic suspense, and when I wrote my synopsis for ‘Defying Fate’ (using my method), it just came together beautifully. Does it help, I say absolutely without a doubt. I’m an emotional writer, so you will most often find my synopsis to recreate the mood in which I wrote the book.

Al: What can readers expect from Heidi in 2016?  Specifically, do you determine upcoming books one at a time, or do already have a game plan for the next several books?

Heidi: I currently have two books that I’m working on that will be released in the early part of 2016. Defying Fate #2 (no title yet)- This story will follow Liam and Kara’s very turbulent relationship. My main characters in Defying Fate (Izzy/Brax) will make appearances and as the story takes on a darker twist, an unexpected visitor will also show up to cause some chaos. I’m very excited for this story to come out.

My 2nd WIP (title yet undecided) is a standalone romantic suspense. My main character ‘Hope’ has survived a tragic accident. If surviving that wasn’t hard enough, the reasons why it occurred and the aftermath from it, will send her spiraling out of control. Her journey back to recovery takes on many twists and turns.  A lot of drama with this one. I’m very much enjoying living in the mindset of young Hope. For me, that is the best part of writing.

For the rest of 2016, I’m leaving myself open to explore a contemporary romance series I want to write. I’ve outlined a few ideas, but for now my mind is busy with my current wip’s.  The one thing I do know, is where ever this idea may take me, it will include a lot of drama, a bit of chaos’, and as always and undeniable yearning for romance. I would love to explore a forbidden love storyline.

Al: Based on your short description, 'Hope' seems like an apt name for her.  What drove you to write in the first place?  Was it to express your creativity?

Heidi: This storyline is actually my first attempt at writing. I’ve put it on the back burner, but feel like the time has come to finish it. In my notes, my main character was always going to be named Hope. I had this vision of who she was as a person, and also what she (physically) looked like. My storyline then evolved around her.  The word ‘hope’ means different things to different people. It can come across as a simple gesture, or maybe words of encouragement. Hope had been that ray of light in many a peoples’ lives. Aptly named, Hope’s life had been pretty amazing up until the horrible accident.

This story is her journey, her struggles, and the consequences she must learn to live with. For the first time in her life, she must find her own ‘hope’ if she wishes to find her own happiness. For me, this storyline really pushed me to dig deep and tap into all of the emotions my character had to deal with. I’m happy to say, she does find her ‘HEA’ in the end.

In each of my books, I put a part of myself in them, and in doing so, they each hold a special place in my heart. This story is a thought-provoking emotional read for sure.

Al: You are in prison for life...but your cell has a view. Are you overlooking a busy downtown area, or the ocean?

Heidi: If I'm in prison for life, I would like my view to be of the Ocean. It's serene and peaceful. Being reminded of the busy life in the city would make me miss being out there that much more. I'd imagine life in prison would be hard enough without the constant reminder that the world is still moving forward even if I'm stuck away in a cell. Watching the beautiful ocean, listening to the waves could help me escape all of my hardships and might help with my peace of mind.