Heather received an Honors Bachelor of Arts degree from university where she specialized in English and studied an array of disciplines. Currently, she is working on two young adult novels and has three middle grade anthologies slated for publication. As a screenwriter, Heather has multiple television shows and movies in development. Her short films include Young Eyes, The Rarity, Too Sensible For Love, and Circular.
Besides writing, Heather’s greatest passion is the outdoors. She is an award-winning fisherwoman and a regular hiker. Her hobbies include swimming, playing badminton and volunteering with non-profit organizations.
Favorite reads?
It’s really sad, but I rarely have a chance to read due to work/life commitments. There are so many books being published that I’d love to read, and I can’t think of anything better than lying in a hammock with a great paranormal romance book. The last book I read was maybe a couple of years ago; it was Ali’s Pretty Little Lies by Sara Shepard. As a fan of the TV show, I just had to read the book, and I absolutely loved it!
Inspirations for Frostbitten?
For the longest time, I wanted to write a young adult paranormal romance novel featuring werewolves.Frostbitten actually began as a screenplay back in 2007; however, I decided it would work better as a novel since the movie would require a lot of special effects. The inspiration for the book started with my interest in werewolves and the mythology surrounding them. I wanted to stay true to their original mythology (silver bullets, etc.) while also adding my own touches. I just wanted to make this fast-paced love story with relatable characters and a plot that’s filled with twists and turns. Setting it in a small town in the dead of winter was another inspiration because, like werewolves, winter is stunningly beautiful and magical.
Did you know you wanted to be an author when you were little?
I definitely always knew that I wanted to be a writer. When I was young, I loved reading a variety of books and I would often write short stories. Then in high school, I literally took all of the English courses available. My love of the written word continued into university, where I obtained an Honours Bachelor of Arts, with a specialist in English. I feel like I was born to write because it’s something that comes so easily to me. New plots, characters and settings are constantly entering my mind, making it hard for me to stop writing!
Any Pet Peeves?
My biggest pet peeves are cruel people and unchivalrous men. I know that may seem random, but I believe we should be kind to one another and that all women deserve to be treated well.
Chocolate or Peanut Butter?
Natural peanut butter; the kind that isn’t filled with lots of preservatives.
The weirdest thing you've ever done?
I have a fondness for training wild animals. Okay, I’m only referring to chipmunks, squirrels and cottontail rabbits, but still, it’s rewarding to see your patience and effort result in a cute little animal eating from your hand or allowing you to pet it.
Is there a soundtrack for Frostbitten?
Absolutely. It’s great when you find a song that really epitomizes your work, like it was written just for your book! Here’s my playlist:
Imagine Dragons - Demons
David Guetta/Sia - Titanium
Zedd ft. Foxes – Clarity
One Republic – Secrets
Olly Murs/Flo Rida - Troublemaker
The Fray - You Found Me
Armin van Buuren/Trevor Guthrie - This Is What It Feels Like
Daniel Powter - Crazy All My Life
Sixpence None The Richer – Kiss Me
Do you need anything to write?
No, I can seriously write anywhere, whether it be in my backyard, at my cottage or even in my pool! I prefer to write when it’s quiet, but since that’s not always possible, I’ve learned to write in any situation.
How long do you write on any average day?
It varies quite a bit. If I’m writing a book or have been contracted for a project, it’s not uncommon for me to spend 14 hours a day working. If I’m editing my scary stories series, The Horror Diaries, I would work roughly eight hours. Marketing also takes up a lot of time, and even things some people might not think of (such as bookkeeping) adds on to that. Additionally, I truly believe a writer is always working because we take life experiences and incorporate it into our work.
Give us the number one reason to read your book.
Filled with great beauty and forbidden love, Frostbitten is the beginning of an epic romance.
Author Info:
Website: http://heatherashbeck.wix.com/
Great beauty hides dark secrets...
Seventeen-year-old Anastasia Lockhart has never led an easy life, but when she starts getting into serious trouble, she’s sent to live with her grandparents in Cedar Falls. The small, picturesque town hasn’t changed since she visited four years ago, with one exception – the presence of a handsome, mysterious boy named Frost. Despite warnings from her grandparents and friends to stay away from Frost, Anastasia can’t deny their attraction, and the more time they spend together, the deeper in love they fall. Unfortunately, Frost has a secret that is beyond Anastasia’s wildest imagination, and she soon finds herself in the midst of a supernatural legend that has haunted Cedar Falls for years.
Can Anastasia and Frost’s love really overcome anything, or are their fates much darker?
Seventeen-year-old Anastasia Lockhart has never led an easy life, but when she starts getting into serious trouble, she’s sent to live with her grandparents in Cedar Falls. The small, picturesque town hasn’t changed since she visited four years ago, with one exception – the presence of a handsome, mysterious boy named Frost. Despite warnings from her grandparents and friends to stay away from Frost, Anastasia can’t deny their attraction, and the more time they spend together, the deeper in love they fall. Unfortunately, Frost has a secret that is beyond Anastasia’s wildest imagination, and she soon finds herself in the midst of a supernatural legend that has haunted Cedar Falls for years.
Can Anastasia and Frost’s love really overcome anything, or are their fates much darker?
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