Hi Heather. Could you start by introducing yourself?
Hi! My name’s Heather Beck and I’m an author of children and young adult books. My specialty is scary stories for kids. I’ve written over fifty terrifying tales! I currently live in Toronto, Canada where I study at the University of Toronto. Besides writing I love outdoor activities such as kayaking, swimming, and fishing.

Your first book, The Paradise Chronicles , was published when you were only 19. That’s really impressive! Could you tell us a little about the process of getting the novel published.
I wrote The Paradise Chronicles when I was sixteen. It took three years to complete because I was busy with high school and working in retail. During this time I also did in depth research about the publishing business. When I was comfortable with the knowledge I had gained, I shopped a query letter to publishing houses. My query letter piqued the interest of two publishers but they both ultimately rejected my book. On my third query I got another positive response- the editor wanted to see my full manuscript. I was thrilled but had no expectations since my last two experiences proved to be negative. One month later I received the news that my book had been accepted for publication. After this came the signing of the contract, discussion of cover art, and then the finished product.

Could you tell us a little about the novel?
The Paradise Chronicles follows the life of Canadian journalist, Sara Jordin as she travels to the Marshall Islands to report on the booming travel and tourism trade there. Sara is a complex character who has suffered from anxiety and depression for quite a few years. Her uncertainty about who she really is manifests in the friendship she develops with Marshall Island’s local bad boy, Charles Armstrong. Her relationship with the sweet hotel owner, Nathan Landon is the mirror opposite to what she shares with Charles. Nathan is gentle and giving, while Charles is out for what Sara can do for him. Sara learns to be mischievous from Charles’ example and ends up using him to further her career. However, Sara is shocked to learn that Nathan possesses more of a threat to her livelihood than Charles does.

Are you planning/working on your next novel yet? If so, can you offer a teaser or two?
I’ve written eight books since The Paradise Chronicles, three of which have been published. Most of these books have been scary stories for kids. I’ve also written another novel and anthology for older teens. I am currently writing a book called Girl in Crisis. It’s about a young woman who lives in California with her father (a movie producer) and her step-mother (a former B-List actress). I think that Girl in Crisis goes beyond the common coming-of-age drama. It deals with the stresses of growing up in a media crazy society while having to live with a condition called bipolar disease.

When did you decide you wanted to be an author? Has it been a lifelong dream?
I think the desire to be an author was present in my life as soon as I learned to read and write. I was intrigued by the concept of creating new characters and worlds.

What were some of your favorite novels when you were a teenager and what are some of your favorites today?
When I was younger I read a lot of Sweet Valley books. I think it’s a great series because it deals with almost every situation imaginable. Also, the characters were so vivid that I felt as if I knew them personally. Francine Pascal (creator of Sweet Valley) definitely shaped the way I view the process of character development. More recently, I enjoy the works of Jack London and Tennessee Williams. I love London’s books because they are wilderness adventures which revolve around animals and man’s struggle to adapt. I love William’s work because it speaks so truly and freely about human mentality.

Since starting your career as an author what would you say are some of the most important lesson you’ve learned?
I’ve learned the importance of renegotiation when it comes to contracts. I only renegotiated one clause on my first contract. Now, I renegotiate until I am completely happy with the contract. It’s really important to never rush into a contract just because it’s there. I’ve also learned the importance of growth. When I wrote The Paradise Chronicles I thought it was just wonderful. Now I can look back at it and see room for improvement. I believe a writer has to keep improving with every book to retain a strong readership.

What advice would you like to offer to aspiring authors?
I advise all aspiring authors to write for the right reasons. Create because you want to, not because you think this is a major money-making business (trust me, it’s not). It’s necessary to know what you’re getting into, so do research. I learned a lot from writer union’s books and websites. Once you know the basics (i.e. what a query letter is, how to format your manuscript, etc.) research the market you want to sell to by visiting bookstores, libraries, and publisher’s websites. Remember to follow the publisher’s guidelines since many won’t accept unsolicited manuscripts or un-agented work. If you want to work with an agent be careful of who you approach. Make sure the agency has reputable sale records. Never work with any agency that requires reading or printing fees.

Of the novels you’ve written; which is your favorite and why?
My forthcoming novel, Vocations is probably my favorite. It has such a great mix of friendship and conflict. I think it beautifully represents human nature.

You’re an aspiring screenwriter. Is there a specific genre of film you’d most like to write?
I have written a few shorts which I am currently shopping around. I have also just finished writing a thirteen episode television series. It’s a teen drama that focuses mainly on interpersonal relationships. However, it also deals with important issues such as theft, mental disease and impaired driving in a responsible, non-preachy manner. I believe I went beyond the average high school drama and created a world that has the thrills of fiction but the depth of real life.

Let’s just hope producers agree (I haven’t begun solicitation yet)!
I would love to write a movie like Jurassic Park. I love films where humans meet their element in oversized animals!

You’re currently attending the University of Toronto and studying English and New Media. Are you finding the courses very helpful with your writing?
I’ve changed my major in New Media to history. I think this is an extremely important subject to study since learning about past mistakes can stop us from making the same error again. Also, I want to write historical novels and thus need a firm background in history. Studying English has exposed me to different types of literature, so it has broadened my views in that regard.