We've got yet another awesome Fantasy author for you today. Her favorite food is sushi and the way she relaxes after a long day is quite cute. Please welcome, heater0387 and let's hear what she's got to say.

What is your Wattpad username?

Heater0387

Is there a story to how you got your username? Tell us about it!

My dad was a single parent raising two girls for several years. When it was time for me to go to kindergarten, he carefully wrote my name in big block letters on all my belongings, but he left out the second H in my first name. So, I went to school as Heater. In college I told that story as an ice breaker, and the nickname stuck. More people call me by Heater than Heather!

What or Who inspired you to write?

Reading was my first love. I think most writers can say that. It wasn't until a third grade writing project that I grasped the idea that I could tell stories like the ones I liked reading, but for the most part, my writing was limited to school assignments. In junior high, I met other kids who liked writing, and we formed a community, often writing stories together. I took every writing class available in high school and college.

Share a favorite quote with us!

I'm so glad I live in a world where there are Octobers.

Can you describe your perfect writing area?

Simple- a cozy corner in my favorite coffee shop.

Describe Fantasy as a genre in your own words.

Limitless. The only boundaries are the ones set by your imagination, and even those will grow the more you read and write Fantasy.

Please tell us about your story/stories on Wattpad so that our readers can discover your works.

Oh goodness. There are several fantasy stories, and they're all very romance heavy to be honest.

I have two YA/NA witch series. I find my first books are often YA and then evolve with the characters. Our readers grow up so the characters should too. The Opal Witch series is part of a larger universe that encompasses the (NA) Star Blessed and (NA)Grail characters. The Grail: Legacy was actually the first book I posted on Wattpad. I took it down for editing but am slowly trying to put it back up since it's essential to the story I'm telling in the other two series. Lots of magic, shifters, and Arthurian mythology.

Then I have The Forbidden series. It's a gender bent twist on the Van Helsing stories. Also, I have a mermaid story that started out as a way to explore a what if scenario. What if the little mermaid had actually killed her prince? It kind of took a few turns, but I'm working on edits and have high hopes for its future.

And then there is The Deathsinger! Currently on the Watty's shortlist, it's one of my favorites. I love the dynamic between the characters, especially the three girls. It started out as a fantasy romance novel, and while that's still the primary thread, the book's heart kind of turned into the love between these friends.

What's your favorite Fantasy book/books on Wattpad?

One of my favorites was The Game of Crowns series by Bianca Alejandra, but she took it down. She does have a new ongoing novel called Infinity. I eagerly wait for those updates! I also really enjoyed The Omen Girl. But really give me a strong female lead and a brooding love interest and I'm hooked!

What Fantasy sub-genre do you prefer to write?

Romance

What does your writing process look like? Are there steps you follow in terms of working on your projects?

I think my process might be the lack of one. It's something I truly want to improve. I'm a prime example of what they call a pantser. I've tried outlining, and while it's helpful to have a big picture sketched out, my outlines never go beyond that.

I'm also a very linear thinker and am always impressed by people who write their stories out of order! It's a talent that would make editing a lot easier, I think.

If I had to come up with something unique, though, it might be the fact that I write several stories at once. I currently have four WIPs I'm actively working on. When I get stuck, I move on to the next one. I have learned to limit myself because new ideas always beckon, but I hate abandoning stories.

What is/are your favorite type/s of characters to write? Why?

I don't have a favorite character type. In fact, my favorite thing might be getting to shape characters into distinct individuals. I'm sure you can find commonalities between most of my characters, especially the MCs, but I try hard to make them their own person.

What is/are your favorite trope/s to use and see in the media? Why?

I'm going to start with a popular one. Enemies to lovers. I only recently started writing this trope, but it's so much fun to build the tension. I also heard someone say we like this trope so much because we love the idea someone has seen the worst parts of us and they still choose us. That really resonated with me. I also like hurt/comfort stories. Those situations often hold up a mirror to the character and forces them to realize how much they care for the person hurting. It can be a really vulnerable thing to write.

Share some interesting worldbuilding facts from your works.

Most of my stories are what is called low fantasy. Magical events happen in our world so the world building is a little less than some; however, The Deathsinger takes place in a fictional world where High Elves have hunted Deathsingers to near extinction because they are a threat to their immortality. The story begins in Edresh-one of the last places in their world that hasn't been conquered or destroyed by their king. Death magic is outlawed.

There is a princess with stars in her skin, a female soldier from the sea court, a prince with color changing hair and the power to be invisible, a reaper who works for Death and Fate, and of course the Deathsinger, who can remove someone's soul from their body with a song.

How do you come up with the names of your characters?

I typically think of a core character trait and then search names with those meanings. Like Meribella, the selkie MC of Starblessed. Meribella means star of the sea.

Are you a planner or a pantser?

Pantser

Are you an introvert or an extrovert?

If I have to pick one, I'd say introvert, but ambivert is probably more accurate. I definitely recharge through alone time, but I need people eventually to expend that energy.

Favorite food?

At this moment- sushi.

Favorite color?

Red

What is your most used app?

Tiktok

Name a country or city you would like to visit.

Scotland

How do you relax after a long day?

Putting on pjs, grabbing a good book, and snuggling with my dogs.

How has the reader community on Wattpad influenced you in writing your stories?

I came to Wattpad years ago hoping to get constructive criticism on my writing, and while I found that, I also found a family. Writing can be such a lonely thing, but not when your readers have a voice. I also find myself pushing forward when I might otherwise have given up because I don't want to disappoint someone who has fallen in love with a story.

What are your future plans in writing, whether they be on Wattpad or outside it?

I'll be writing as long as I have stories to tell.

What are your hopes and wishes regarding your journey as a fantasy writer?

I really want to hold my book in my hand one day or see it on a shelf in a bookstore.

What would you like to tell up-and-coming writers out there?

Just tell the story. Get it written. Later you'll fuss over it and probably kill a few darlings along the way but you have to write it.

Notebook or Computer?

Computer

Read a book or watch a movie?

Depends on my mood.

Pop or R&B?

I guess I'd say pop.

Summer or Winter?

Winter!!!!

Series or Standalone?

Series

Music or silence during writing?

Silence or the chatter in a coffee shop.

Writing same time of the day or any time of the day?

Any time

Deadlines or Mood?

Mood

Meet your favorite author or be your favorite character?

Be my favorite character but don't ask me who that is right now, lol!

Halloween or Christmas?

Christmas

Read on a couch or read on bed?

Bed

Spring or Autumn?

Autumn

Kittens or Puppies?

I refuse to choose one over the other. Give me all the animals.

Edit during or edit after?

A little of both...

And there you have it. We hope you enjoyed this interview with heater0387. Catch us next time as we bring on another amazing Fantasy author. Till then, have a magical week ahead.