Heather’s Bookshelf: Author Interview with John A. Heldt
Book Title: Second Chance Series: The Fountain, Annie’s Apple, & Duties and Dreams
Released: 08/14/22 & 04/01/23 & 11/18/23
Genre: Historical Fiction/Time Travel
Interview by Heather L. Barksdale
What inspired you to write “The Fountain”?
Heldt: If I had to pick one thing, it would be Twilight Zone: The Movie. In the film's second segment, Mr. Bloom, a charismatic old man, moves into a rural retirement home and listens to other residents reminisce about their youth and whine about aging. Moved by their stories, he invites them to sneak out of the home one night at midnight and play Kick the Can. The residents do just that and in the process are transformed into younger versions of themselves. They play and celebrate on a moonlit lawn. But when the residents face the reality of starting life again, as homeless children, all but one ask to return to their old bodies and old lives. Mr. Bloom grants their wish. Since turning to novel writing in 2012, I have wanted to write a book with a similar theme. I wanted to give elderly protagonists -- in this case, Bill, Paul, and Annie Carpenter -- an opportunity to start life again in young, healthy bodies and watch them grow. To achieve this end, I created a Fountain of Youth in Mexico, borrowing from the legends of Ponce de Leon.
How did you come up with the names of your main characters?
Heldt: I did what I did in earlier novels. I chose names from the relevant time period. William (Bill), Paul, and Anne (Annie) were all popular names for children in the 1940s and 1950s, so I went with them. In making the selections, I made use of a Social Security names database that goes back to the 1880s. I picked Bill, Paul, and Annie because they are relatable and representative of the Baby Boom generation.
Is there anything that you want readers to know about you, your writing process or your book?
Heldt: Yes. When planning, researching, and writing a book, I am very thorough and methodical. I typically spend 4-5 weeks researching the book's setting and another 5-6 weeks creating a detailed outline. Then I attempt to write a chapter a day. I am a firm believer in Stephen King's rule that a first draft should be completed within 90 days.
When you encounter writer’s block, what do you do to break yourself out of it?
Heldt: I go for a long walk. When I am outdoors and free of electronic distractions, I am able to think clearly and logically.
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 like historical fiction, Ken Follett, and Follett's Century trilogy.
What are you working on next?
Heldt: I am currently writing Annie's Apple, the sequel to The Fountain and the second book in the Second Chance trilogy. It is set mostly in New York City in 1911 and 1912.
Learn More About the Author and The Fountain 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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