Heather’s Bookshelf: Author Interview with John A. Heldt
Book Title: The Lane Betrayal
Released: 02/29/20
Genre: Historical Fiction/SciFi
Interview by Heather L. Barksdale
What inspired you to write “The Lane Betrayal”?
Heldt: Two things inspired it. First, I had wanted to write a Civil War book for years. I love almost everything about the era, including the intrigue that preceded and followed Abraham Lincoln's assassination. Second, I wanted to write a novel that combined time travel, suspense, romance, and family themes. I was able to do all that and more in The Lane Betrayal.
How did you come up with the names of your main characters?
Heldt: I did what I had done in previous books. I picked a short, common family name, one that sounded "American middle class," and went from there. I favored first names that went well with the surname – names that were popular when the characters were born.
Is there anything that you want readers to know about you, your writing process or your book?
Heldt: Yes. I am very methodical, a classic plotter. I research and outline a book extensively for weeks before I write a single word. I also try to write at least a chapter a day. When one writes long novels, it's easy to procrastinate. I force myself to keep going.
When you encounter writer’s block, what do you do to break yourself out of it?
Heldt: That's an easy one. I go for a long walk. It works a hundred percent of the time. There is nothing like a long, quiet, solo walk to free the mind and stir creativity.
Are there any tips that you would like to share with other aspiring authors?
Heldt: Yes. Take your craft seriously. Write every day and write the story you want to write. Don't follow the pack. Enlist the help of others. Write, rewrite, and edit until you can't stand to look at your manuscript. Strive to produce the best story you can. Readers will appreciate it.
What is your favorite book, genre, and/or author?
Heldt: I lean toward historical fiction and thrillers. I'm a big fan of Ken Follett, John Jakes, Nelson DeMille, Daniel Silva, Sandra Brown, and the late Vince Flynn.
What are you working on next?
Heldt: I am currently writing Crown City, the final book of the Time Box series. Set mostly in Coronado, California, in the summer and fall of 1963, it ties a lot of loose ends from the first four books. I hope to have it out by Christmas.
Learn More About the Author and Hive here:
Audible: https://www.audible.com/author/John-A-Heldt/B007A23EQS
Blog: http://johnheldt.blogspot.com
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/john-a-heldt
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/johnaheldt
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jaheldt/
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5754231.John_A_Heldt
Tumblr: http://timetravelauthor.tumblr.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/johnheldt
Interested in checking out the book for yourself?
Find it for purchase here or on Kindle Unlimited
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