1. First, introduce yourself a bit. What is your name (or pen name) and where are you from?
My name is Harriet Pearce and I live in New Zealand.
2. Next, tell us a bit about your most recent work. Is this your first published book? What is it about and what genre would you classify it as?
My most recent book coming out in June is Prisoner of War. This is my first published book and is part of a Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome and mental health series I’m writing. In terms of genre I’m not too sure if I could box it entirely as although it’s a fictional story it has been based off accounts of fourteen veterans who assisted me with my coalition of accounts.
3. Tell us a bit about your main character; what are they like, how did they come about, and what are some of their strengths and weaknesses?
My main character is Liam Jones, a fictional Navy Corpsman attached to an infantry battalion in the US Marine Corps. I would describe Liam as very honourable and empathetic which is why his journey is quite a harrowing read.
4. What was your hardest scene to write in this (or any) book?
A couple of scenes were hard and I went back and forth a lot with a few of the guys. It’s always hard writing something like this wanting it to be as realistic and natural as possible when you have limited exposure on the context.
5. Did you go the traditional route when publishing your book or did you choose to self-publish?
Self-publish as I wanted to write this story my way.
6. What would you say is the most difficult part of your writing journey and what advice would you give to other writers?
The hardest part of my writing is, particularly with this book, I’ve had a bit of claw back and I do take this quite hard but I’m getting there.
7. Do you want each book to stand on its own, or are you trying to build a body of work with connections between each book?
A bit of both. They are all different books as PTSD effects everyone differently.
8. What are some of your favourite authors and books and what inspired you to become a writer in the first place?
I don’t really read much but I’ve always loved writing particular writing songs and poetry. I stopped for fifteen years then one day decided it was something to pursue given it really is my second love.
9. What would you say has been the best way to market your books?
I’m terrible at marketing so I can’t answer this 😅
10. Are there any tropes, clichés, or writing styles that you dislike and, if so, what are they and why?
As above I’m not really a reader so I can’t comment on this.
11. Do you read reviews of your book and, if so, how do you handle negative feedback?
Yes of course, but I’m working on not taking it too personally too. Reviews should only ever be a tool and not gospel.
12. What are some of your quirks as a writer? Do you like to plot everything out or do you prefer to just “wing it” and see where the story takes you? Do you listen to music when writing and, if so, what do you listen to?
My quirks… I’m very much “let’s do this”. As a consequence I tend to end up with a good set of bones to my stories but not enough meat. I’m working on that and I get help with the developmental aspects to my stories.
13. What is the best advice you’ve ever had when it comes to writing and what advice would you give to new writers?
Write and do what you love – nothing else.
14. What’s next for you? Are you currently working on any new books or stories?
You will definitely see more of me. This first book is part of a series and I have two unpublished novels sitting there which maybe will come about.
15. Finally, feel free to plug your social media, website, and links to Amazon, GoodReads, and other relevant sites below, and detail any current offers available for your book/s:
You can follow me on Instagram below. I don’t have an author Facebook or anything snazzy.
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