FINALISTS
CONTINUED
winding road.
critique others’ writing.
I’d been a scientific writer as an Environmental Consultant, but I’d never written a word of fiction. In my heart, I’d wanted to be a storyteller from an early age, but I lacked confidence and didn’t believe I had talent to be a fiction writer. I spent the first 14 years writing on the sly. I didn’t share it with anyone. But little by little, I began to believe that I had something important to say and that I could pull this off.
I found the few writing conferences I attended to be extremely helpful. It can be a lonely profession, so it’s comforting to be around others who are facing similar challenges, and if you are further along, you might even be able to secure an agent or publisher.
When I finally committed to the process by telling others what I was doing, securing an office, and showing up regularly, the novel really began to take shape. And when I realized that I could weave in everything that was important to me (wolves, moving from grief to gratitude and growth, listening to our intuition, Inuit beliefs, spirituality, etc.), I understood that this was novel my destiny. What writing advice do you have for other indie authors? MH: I think there is a lot to be said about committing to the process of writing on a daily basis. It seems that when you have a structure to your writing time, your muse knows when and where to show up. I know a lot of writers love being a part of a writing group, but I found it distracting and a waste of valuable time to read and 38
DECEMBER / JANUARY 2022
The publishing arena is changing very fast. I’ve found it helpful to join Facebook groups of other authors in your genre. You can ask questions and learn about other resources. What are you working on next? MH: I’m working on an Equal to Winter of the Wolf. It would take place in the same time period but it would be from Sam’s perspective. I think it will be interesting to consider what it might be like for our loved ones who’ve passed on to be watching as we grieve. Are we productive in our grieving or are we digging ourselves deeper into a hole? Are we growing from the experience and are we grateful that we had this soul in our lives for as long as we did, or are we stuck and unappreciative?
