There’s nothing more exciting to debut writers than the knowledge that the first year is only the beginning. It is with open arms that we welcome back one of our 2014 debutantes, the marvelous Heather Webb. Today we celebrate her latest release, FALL OF POPPIES, a collaborative effort with a talented group of historical fiction writers and a compelling premise:
On the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month…
November 11, 1918. After four long, dark years of fighting, the Great War ends at last, and the world is forever changed. For soldiers, loved ones, and survivors the years ahead stretch with new promise, even as their hearts are marked by all those who have been lost. As families come back together, lovers reunite, and strangers take solace in each other, everyone has a story to tell.
Enticing, right? Share this interview on Facebook or retweet it on Twitter to enter to win a free copy (US only). There will be two winners!
Now, let’s catch up with Heather, and see where the world has taken her since her year blogging for The Debutante Ball came to an end.
Heather, what’s making you happy right now?
I’m really happy about meeting up with the amazing authors who contributed to FALL OF POPPIES. We just wrapped an exciting tour together in Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Chicago, and Cincinnati. You put all of these girls together who are all a bunch of book nerds (and loads of fun) and you get plenty of shenanigans.
Where do you love to be?
I love to be on the beach, whether it be warm and sunny, or blustery and cold. The smell of the water and the kelp; the wash of constant waves and cry of gulls; the dramatic skies. I love the combination of peace and tumult out across the water. There’s something about it that makes me feel like I’m alive, more than anywhere else.
Which talent do you wish you had?
I wish I were a rock star! What an amazing, fun, exciting pursuit! I can picture myself dressed head to toe in some outrageous glittery outfit, a pink streak in my hair, belting it out. I guess that would mean I would need to play an instrument. I’d have to go with the piano first, guitar second.
What’s your secret or not-so-secret superpower?
I can taste just about any dish and deconstruct it by flavors and seasonings, regardless of ethnicity, then recreate it in my kitchen. I’m an amateur foodie and love to play this game with myself.
If you were a drink (preferably alcoholic), what would you be and why?
A margarita! Strong, tart, a little salty, but sweet as well.
What is your advice for aspiring writers?
Love what you do! No, really. LOVE it. Love it like it’s your life raft. Love it like its the air you breathe, the oasis in the desert. Like it’s the warm hearth in a snow storm. Without that sort of dedication, desire, and BURN, you’ll never survive, you’ll never go where you wish to go. I mean it. This may seem hard to believe, but surviving this industry is only more difficult as you continue forward. You won’t survive unless you possess that kind of dedication.
Heather Webb writes historical novels for Penguin and HarperCollins, which have been translated to three languages and have been featured in the Wall Street Journal, Cosmopolitan, France Magazine, Reuters News, and the Huffington Post, as well as received national starred reviews. Heather is also a freelance editor and contributor to award-winning writing sites WriterUnboxed.com and Writers in the Storm. She may also be found teaching craft-based courses at a local college.
Get more of Heather Webb on her website, Twitter, and Instagram.
Thanks Heather for sharing the things you love, specially The Fall Of Poppies. When it started with the reference to 11 it gave me goosebumps, because so much of what is significant in my life is associated with number 11….just saying on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month…is meaningful to me.. I also love the things you do, the beach is my energy, my serenity place, I am lucky to live nearby. Food, trying new ways to cook a recipe is always fun, and a margarita yes! The older I get the more I realize my blessings, the simple things in life and having lots of time for reading is so much part of that. Thanks Abby for a great interview!!! Carol
Thank you for stopping by and commenting today, Carol. 🙂 You said it–the simple things in life are what make me content. It all goes so swiftly…
Happy reading!
I’m with Heather about where one would love to be. I love the ocean. The sound of the waves and the quiet on the beach. The less crowded, the better. I could sit on a chair and read for a few hours–relaxing. Shared on facebook and twitter.
Thanks for stopping by, Bonnie! There’s no place like the ocean, n’est-ce pas?
Hey girl! Love seeing you here! #debsrock
Me, too, GF! <3
Oh, well done, indeed, Heather. I have been waiting to read this lovely book chock full of fabulous storytellers and stories for a long, long while. Beautiful cover and title. I loved the interview, and your advice for aspiring writers resonates deeply, Heather. Thank you for this wonderful opportunity. Wishing you joyful and love-filled journeys… and happy writing and reading…
Thanks so much for stopping by, Elizabeth, and your lovely well-wishes. Best of luck to you as well!
Enjoyed this interview. Awesome answers! I’ve been hearing lots of wonderful things about Fall of Poppies. I love collaborative stories. A great way to find new authors to fall in love with! Thanks for sharing, Heather. 🙂