Have you ever wondered what would happen if you were in a world of Faeries, dragons and other mythological creatures? Kelley Heckart doesn't have to do that at all. She writes about them. Kelley is the author of Of Water and Dragons and is currently working on a sequel. Let's find out more about this author of fantasy fiction.
Charles: Kelley, please tell us about yourself and when did you get the 'writing bug?"
Kelley: Though I reside on the earthly realm in Arizona with my husband and two dogs, I always have one foot firmly planted in the mystical land of magic and otherworldly creatures. Ancient history, warfare, mythology (especially Celtic mythology) and the supernatural have always fascinated me. Before I turned to writing short stories and novels, I was a musician/songwriter for many years. My band broke up, but I had planned on getting back into another band only that did not happen. About seven years ago, my health took a downward spiral, and I wasn’t able to handle the physical part of playing bass guitar in a hard rock band anymore. To deal with my negative feelings, I turned to writing and ended up on a different path in life.
Charles: What is the premise behind Of Water and Dragons?
Kelley: Of Water and Dragons is a love story between two very different people—a Roman soldier and a water-faery. It is also a story filled with inner conflict. The Roman soldier, Ambiorix, discovers the truth of his birth father and struggles with who he was brought up to be and who he really is. The water-faery, Nemu, has her own demons to lay to rest. She failed to stop the Romans before with her magic, and now she has to decide between the man she loves and the people she betrayed. I chose the setting of ancient Britain and Scotland for this story because of the mystery and faery lore attached to those areas.
Charles: On your website, you mention a sequel Of Water and Dragons is on the way. Without revealing too much, please tell us the name of the sequel, what's it about and when can readers expect it to be out?
Kelley: The sequel is called RavenWolf and this book delves deeper into the lives of Ambiorix and Nemu and their struggle to stay together. Powerful beings from Nemu’s past, who knew her as an ancient and powerful being called Becuille, threaten to harm their peaceful existence. This book is filled with mythology and history of the Scottish Highlands and Ireland. RavenWolf is almost finished. I am doing the final edits now. I don’t have a release date yet, but readers can check my website for updates on its release. In the meantime, there is an excerpt from RavenWolf on my site under “New Books.”
Charles: How is the reaction been for Of Water and Dragons? Are you pleased with the results so far? Any concerns?
Kelley: I have received favorable reviews and responses from readers. I didn’t expect much since this is my first book and I am an unknown author, but I am pleased with the results so far.
Charles: Kelley, I understand your novel(s) are based on Faery lore. Why the fascination with them?
Kelley: I have been fascinated with vampires and otherworldly beings since I was a young girl. It might be because they are magical and immortal. They also make intriguing characters because they have lived so long that they have this vast background that I can draw on as a writer.
Charles: In your opinion, why do you feel fantasy fiction, the genre you write about has a solid fan base? Are your readers interested in the characters or the historical setting of your novel?
Kelley: I think people like to escape from the harsh reality that we see everyday in the newspaper, on the internet and on television. As far as what the readers are interested in…that’s a good question. I have had positive feedback on both, but most comments are directed at the characters and the conflicts they have to deal with.
Charles: On your website, I see you've done a bit of historical research for Of Water and Dragons. How seriously do you take research when it comes to writing a novel?
Kelley: I take the research very seriously, because I want to get it right for myself and for the readers. Ancient history is very challenging because there isn’t a lot of information available. The ancient Celts did not keep any written records, and most of the information we have on them is through the eyes of their enemy—the Romans.
Charles: Hey Kelley, you don't mind if I ask this, do you? What is the name of the all female hard rock band you were a part of and is there any chance for a reunion? :)
Kelley: Not at all. Music is still a huge part of my life. I listen to music to help inspire me when I am writing. The band I was in was called Driven Steel and we were based in Southern California in the early 1990’s. We were women that liked to play hard rock influenced by bands like Van Halen, Metallica, Queensryche and Iron Maiden. At this point there are no plans for a reunion, but I am still in touch with my band members so it is possible. My health has improved and I still like to play my bass guitar. I sat in with my husband’s band here in AZ and I had a great time.
Charles: What advice would you give to a new or beginning author starting a mythology novel?
Kelley: Read other books that deal with the genre, and write all the time even if it is only keeping a journal or writing poetry. The more you write, the better you will become at your craft. And most important of all—believe in yourself.
Charles: Where can readers find more about you and Of Water and Dragons?
Kelley: I can be found online at www.kelleyheckart.com.
Charles: In closing, what would you like to add? Don't be shy!
Kelley: I want to thank you for the interview. It was fun answering your questions. My parting words…Blessings to all! I invite you to join me in the mystical realm of magic and otherworldly creatures.
Charles: Kelley, thanks a lot for the interview!
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