A BIG congratulations to Heather McCorkle on the debut of her YA novel, THE SECRET OF SPRUCE KNOLL. I'm so excited to be part of her launch. If you've been following Heather's Blog tour, you'd know that she's revealing secrets about herself at each stop. Here's my question and her answer.
Me: I'm going to ask the big one. What is your day job? Do you write about the things your job entails and if not, why not? You know, the whole , write what you know thing?
Heather: That's a great question Elle. I don't tell many people, well didn't I guess, because it's the type of job that can change someone's opinion about me (really, it happens all the time, not sure why). My day job is a Sergeant in a correctional facility. I don't write about crime and corrections because writing is a pleasure and an escape for me, two things my job is definitely not. Will I quit corrections? That's no secret so I can tell you that one too, yes absolutely! It is not a creative environment, to put it kindly. Someday soon I'm planning on transitioning into writing full time.
So excited for Heather and her future plans. Writing full time rocks!
Heather is hosting a giveaway on her blog that will include three winners. First place will be a $50 gift certificate to Barnes & Noble or The Book Depository, a signed copy of The Secret of Spruce Knoll, and a swag bag. Second place will be a signed copy of The Secret of Spruce Knoll, and a swag bag filled with great YA books. Third place will be a signed copy of The Secret of Spruce Knoll and a swag bag. Click here to enter. http://heathermccorkle.
Do you have any questions for Heather? Let her know in the comments.
So excited for Heather and her future plans. Writing full time rocks!
Heather is hosting a giveaway on her blog that will include three winners. First place will be a $50 gift certificate to Barnes & Noble or The Book Depository, a signed copy of The Secret of Spruce Knoll, and a swag bag. Second place will be a signed copy of The Secret of Spruce Knoll, and a swag bag filled with great YA books. Third place will be a signed copy of The Secret of Spruce Knoll and a swag bag. Click here to enter. http://heathermccorkle.
Do you have any questions for Heather? Let her know in the comments.
Thank you for the congrats Elle, and for having me over. Its been a lot of fun and stopping by your place is something I always look forward to!
ReplyDeleteHeather is a corrections officer? Awesome! I love me some tough women. Congrats on the book, and the tour, Heather. Thanks for hosting her, Ellen!
ReplyDeleteHeather, I wish you success in being able to be a full-time writer, supporting yourself with your beloved craft. It is my dream as well. My own job as a rare blood courier is rewarding, yet the callousness of some of the health workers (especially my own co-workers) gnaw at me. Let us hope your novel is a great success. Your hardcover came to me in the mails a few days ago, Roland
ReplyDeleteA corrections officer? Who knew?! That's just awesome. But yeah, even more awesome is being able to write full-time. One day soon, right? Congrats, Heather! Great question, Elle.
ReplyDeleteE.R., I am! Yay for tough women! Thank you so much for the congrats. :)
ReplyDeleteRoland, I can only imagine. I worked in an ER once so I feel for you. Oops, there's another secret.
Kristie, lol! I know right? Everyone is always shocked to find that out about me. Soon...
OMG!!! Wow. You rock, girl! Um, I mean, Sergeant! Do I salute? I hope you end up doing what you love.
ReplyDeleteI've seen the cover before today. Wishing Heather lots of sales for the novel. Like Heather, I'd love the quit the day job and write full-time.
ReplyDeleteNow that was a great questions, Elle! Heather, I enjoyed learning about your day job, as I used to be a crime reporter. Like you, I don't think this inspired my book, although some wonderfully wicked people I've worked with just might have inspired my antagonists. :)
ReplyDeleteP.S. Elle, our server has been incredibly slooow today, so I hope I was able to successfully add myself as a new follower; I'll double check later this afternoon.
ReplyDeleteMichelle - I think bloggers a bit wanky lately too. Not up loading follower link, I've noticed, not just on my blog but others. Have to refresh to get it up. Also not posting stats for posts today either. What's up, blogger?
ReplyDeleteThanks for visiting!
Lisa, lol! No, no saluting please! Thank you for your sweet wishes, they mean a lot.
ReplyDeleteJ.L., here's hoping we both get to do what we love for a living!
Michelle, wow, a crime reporter! That sounds very challenging and exciting. It does make for good fodder for our antagonists doesn't it?!
I wish you the best of success so that you can transition into full-time writing.
ReplyDeleteAwesome. One of my good friends was/is a NYC police officer. It's rare that you see her smile... But Heather, you have a great smile. =)
ReplyDeleteHeather, that is quite a secret. I would never have guessed of you. REally!
ReplyDeleteAnd as you know I would wish nothing more than for you to get out of the daily grind so that you can do what you love, as also I would love to have happen for myself.
Your tour is going strong. Can't wait until it's my turn!
Heather, I never would have guessed in a million years. Sergeant Heather? Wow! I'm impressed. It is a tough job. I hope you'll be able to fulfill your goal one day of becoming a full time writer. :)
ReplyDeleteYou are a woman of many abilities, Heather! Here's to your launch into the full-time writing life (and may it come as soon as you want it to!)
ReplyDeleteWhat a surprise! I bet you can really lay the smack down, Heather! :) Great question Elle!
ReplyDeleteJessica, thank you so very much! It would save my sanity, that's for sure. :)
ReplyDeleteCrystal, that's so sad. But I know how she feels. It's hard to see the things we've seen and still smile. I work hard at it. You're so sweet to say that! :)
Lorelei, thank you sweety! Here's hoping it happens for both of us!
Tina, lol! That's what they all say when they find out what I do for a living! Thank you for your good thoughts. :)
ReplyDeleteLinda, as are you my friend! Your support keeps me going.
Michelle, well I have been known to when necessary. ;)
Holy cow heather--I would have never guessed that! I don't know why knowing would change anyone's opinion of you tho--you're just the nicest person eva! :)
ReplyDeleteAngela @ The Bookshelf Muse
Heather I am stupified! That is the last job I would have guessed for you. It must make for a very interesting day. No wonder you escape into fantasy, Makes complete sense to me.
ReplyDeleteAnd NO, my opinion of you has not changed. I still find you the same sweet, talented, and caring woman.
Hi, Elle,
It's nice to meet you. Yours was a great question.
I think you're a brave and wonderful person, heather! You could be a grave robber and I'd probably have a hard time thinking anything but how amazing you are.
ReplyDeleteNow I found out another interesting fact of Heather's life. It certainly never crossed my mind!
ReplyDeleteThis is an excellent job for you. You're in a prison and your writing will break you free! You go Heather! Thank you Elle!
ReplyDeleteMy sister is a corrections officer so I have some idea of what the job entails. May you have many happy sales so you can write full time soon!
ReplyDeleteGorgeous cover.
This looks like a great book!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteI like the idea of working in a correctional facility but also writing. And I also like the idea of discussing issues about our planet that aren't hidden in dystopian.
ReplyDeleteGood luck, Heather!
I also feel like writing is an escape. And I had no idea Heather was a sergeant.
ReplyDeleteThat cover is stunning.