Terry’s a relatively new writer whose historical western books have caught fire.
Please, introduce yourself. Tell us about your personal life, family, education.
Howdy. I am a true Baby Boomer from Bloomfield, New Jersey, who transplanted to Florida, and finally ended up with my deep-rooted Texas family just west of Fort Worth. After being snowed in three times during the winter of 1963, my parents moved me to Gainesville, Florida, where my father earned a Masters degree at the University of Florida. We then moved to Daytona Beach in 1964, where I spent the next 40 years enjoying the beach, teaching, raising a family, and performing on stage in Southern regional theater at Daytona Playhouse. In 2004, I left Florida behind for good and now, surrounded by my aunt and uncle and cousins for the past 16 years, call Texas Home, Sweet Home.
Like my father, I attended the University of Florida and majored in Journalism and Broadcast Communications, went on to earn a Masters degree from Nova Southeastern University and an EdS (recognized professional doctorate) from Stetson University. I have spent the last 37 years teaching English at the secondary and the college level in Florida and in Texas; retired in 2018 but still teach adjunct at Dallas College.
I have two intelligent, creative, independent, and beautiful adult daughters who have been ardent supporters of my writing. No grandchildren yet, but I do have two grand kitties that are adorable. Both girls are married and live in Los Angeles, and once COVID is in our rear-view mirrors, I will beat-feet out for a visit. Until then, FaceTime is great!!
If you are a writer, are you an avid reader?
I always have a book going. Mysteries, especially cozy mysteries, are my favorite genre. I enjoy discovering new authors and jumping into a series. Most of the time, I will begin with the first book and read each new story, one after the other, until I’ve gone as far as the author has written.
I can’t think of a better way to end the day other than curling up in bed and reading. I think this is one of the reasons why I like eBooks… as soon as I finish one, no matter how late at night, I can purchase another and begin Chapter One.
What is your ultimate writing goal as you see it today?
My writing goal is to show a good story… not just tell one, but visually to present the characters, the settings, and the situations in engaging, realistic, and visual language. It doesn’t matter how many books I write; I just want them to allow readers to escape into the pages for a while and to be enjoyed.
What inspired you to write your first book?
My father’s dream of writing a novel inspired me to write my first book, The Lock Box, a Texas cozy mystery, and I dedicated it to him in fulfilment of his aspiration. When I retired from full-time teaching in 2018, I was finally able to have the time to write. My first two stories had been swimming around in my imagination for years, but I never had the time. Now, thankfully, I do.
How do you decide on the title of a book?
The titles of my books represent the key element in the plot of the story.
Have you developed a specific writing style and why?
I want my writing to be visual, as if the reader were viewing a scene. I try to limit any narration wordiness (I edit a great deal) and focus on the dialogue between the characters to move the story along.
How much of your books is realistic and experiences based on someone you know, or events in your life?
My second novel, Scarlet Hem, drew many of the situations, settings, and backgrounds (even jewelry and fashions) from my mother’s family’s involvements in the Civil War. Each one of my books, including newly released Golden Circle, is heavily researched for minor characters, plots/subplots, and settings. Whether the story is a cozy mystery or a historical fiction piece, the conflicts and crises the characters face are based in accuracy. I may change some names and locales, but the overall story is rooted in recorded events and settings.
Who is your favorite writer, and what is it about their work that really strikes you?
Elizabeth Peters. The juxtaposition of historical fact and fiction so that it is nearly impossible to tell where one ends and the other begins is what engaged me in each of her books, especially the Amelia Peabody archeological series. Her description of Egypt and the depth of her characters’ personalities are vividly portrayed. I devoured her works.
How do you want others to see you or remember you? Is it important to you?
I would like to be remembered as someone who transported readers into entertaining stories. I never thought I would write one published novel much less the thought of beginning my fourth book. I would like my work to stand on its own merit as a good story.
Do you have a blog or website viewers can visit for updates, events and special offers? Include links to any and all of your sites.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Terry-D-Heflin-Author-103898484366613
The Lock Box – A Cozy Texas Mystery: https://www.amazon.com/LOCK-BOX-Cozy-Texas-Mystery-ebook/dp/B07Z77FYZM/ref=sr_1_4?dchild=1&keywords=Terry+Heflin&qid=1612547111&s=digital-text&sr=1-4
Scarlet Hem – Scarlet Hem Series Book 1: https://www.amazon.com/SCARLET-HEM-Terry-D-Heflin-ebook/dp/B086RTR34W/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=Terry+Heflin&qid=1612547036&s=digital-text&sr=1-1
Golden Circle – Scarlet Hem Series Book 2: https://www.amazon.com/GOLDEN-CIRCLE-SCARLET-HEM-Book-ebook/dp/B08MWYY1NV/ref=sr_1_2?dchild=1&keywords=Terry+Heflin&qid=1612547111&s=digital-text&sr=1-2