Heather’s Bookshelf: Author Interview with KC Foster

What inspired you to write “Heather’s Journey”?

Foster: I began writing the story in graduate school as I worked on my MFA in creative writing. I love the early 1900s in America -- how did they handle tons of new inventions, a first World War, the Roaring Twenties, the Prohibition, racism, and the Great Depression? I appreciate the time period, and the best way to immerse myself in the history is to create a story in the middle of it.

How did you come up with the names of your main characters?

Foster: I found the name "Heather" in some research that I did, and I instantly admired it. The name is feminine, steadfast, and bold, somewhat like the protagonist Heather. Renato's name was initially Craig, but he transformed completely into a Puerto Rican bootlegger. 

Is there anything that you want readers to know about you, your writing process or your book?

Foster: The book took over a year to write primarily because of my extensive research. I wanted accurate historical facts in the book, and I was often so mesmerized with my findings that I would soak in the history for hours. So, it took a long time to complete. Also, the story changed several times. I think I have close to 100 pages of writing that I took out of the story. For example, Renato (or "Craig") was initially married to the beautiful Lilac. In the final manuscript, Lilac is a minor character with unattractive traits. 

Are there any tips that you would like to share with other aspiring authors?

Foster: We don't all have the luxury that Harper Lee had (To Kill a Mockingbird). She was given a rent-free apartment in New York City for a whole year so she could just write and write and write. No job, no children, no husband, few responsibilities. So, we use the resources that we do have: evenings only? Take it. Computer breaks? Get out the paper. Demanding family? Write when they sleep. It's tough, and we're not promised anything out of it. So, do it for you. Make it for you. If you love it, a million others may not love it, but someone will, and that one person is worth it. 

What is your favorite genre, book, and/or author?

Foster: I don't have a single favorite, but a couple include Edward Carey's Little (contemporary historical fiction) and Chinua Achebe's Things Fall Apart (modern historical fiction).

What are you working on next?

Foster: I am currently working on my thesis to obtain my master's degree in August of this year, so I'm writing another historical fiction for my thesis. The story is also set in 1930 in Chicago in a posh hotel. The stock market has crashed, but not everyone, including hotel guests and hotel owners, has seen the effects of the Depression just yet. So, the story is written in a whimsical style based on the various people in the hotel, oblivious that the storm of the Depression is on its way, but they have enough of their own problems to worry about within the walls of the hotel, including a supposed ghost and the instability of an elevator attendant. 

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