Heath Samples

Heath Samples, along with Claire Hooper, is the author of the book, Princess Diana: The Day She Didn’t Die. Novel Kicks had a chat with Heath and asked him about his route to publication and his tips for new writers.

Tell us about your route to publication.

It was more of a maze than a route! The first part was researching other authors’ routes to understand their experiences.  Second part was to contact some agents and publishers through the Writers & Artists Yearbook to see if there was anybody with the courage to take it on but the publishing world is not the place it used to be.

Finally, I spoke with New York Times Bestselling Author GP Taylor and he introduced me to Grosvenor House Publishing.

Your debut novel is called Princess Diana – The Day She Didn’t Die. Diana is still a topical and controversial subject. Can you tell us about the book and how it came about?

The book came about on the New Years Eve of 1999.  I am a big fan of the Royal Family and I started to think about what Diana would have been doing that night, on the eve of a new millennium.  The next day I sat down and laid out the chapters of how her life may have been, had she lived.  A classic “What If” novel.  It sat there for a decade before I had the time to write it.

Where do you find inspiration?

Inspiration is one ingredient I am not short of.  I am a pilot, commercial boat Skipper, scuba diver, skier, canoeist and those are the only ones I can remember! However, this does not just inspire me. Some of the most mundane experiences in life give me the best influences to work with.

Describe your typical writing day.

I would love a typical writing day but i have to be in the mood for it.  I have no idea how the mood comes about or when it comes about, but when it does, I seize it.  I write for as long as it lasts.  Once it is gone, it is gone and I have no idea when it will come back.

How much planning do you undertake before beginning a new book?

I spent a decade planning this book; I sincerely hope that the next two to complete the Trilogy do not take as long.

How do you approach editing?

I hate editing. I hate editing. I hate editing. Read, re- read and re- read again until your blood boils and your head explodes.  Then do it all again.  Did I mention I hate editing?

Which three books have you read that have made the most impact on you?

The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown. The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger and Bravo Two Zero by Andy McNab.

Is there another author you admire?

It has to be J.K Rowling. From nowhere to everywhere. A real inspiration and success story of the little person conquering all in terms of doubters and sales.

Which three things would you have with you if stranded on an island?

A Breitling Emergency Mission watch. A years supply of Evian and Radio 2.

Who would your ideal dinner guests be?

That would be Simon Cowell.  I like his no nonsense straight talking but what I admire most about him is his business acumen.  He has an eye for opportunity and a real taste of what is success.  A true business and branding legend.  NB- Simon; did you want to make a film out of the book??!!

Is there a character from Fiction you’d like to meet?

Chitty Chitty Bang Bang! Strange answer but as I like driving, flying and boating, what better character is there? I love that film and must have seen it 40 or more times.  The actual car was sold recently and I would have loved to have the money to buy it.

Best/Worst thing about being a writer?

Receiving the first copy of your published book is the best thing.  Your masterpiece wrapped up in the cover of your choice with your name on it.  The worst thing is trying to get the message out to tell people about it, that is the worst, most frustrating part.  It is a bit like a bank.  They are all over you when you don’t need to loan any money, but, the moment you do, they don’t want to know.  Writing is the same but you have to break into mainstream yourself (somehow!) before key industry people will want to associate themselves with the success you have already started to create.

Are you working on anything new at the moment? Tell is about it?

I have already drafted book two of the Diana Trilogy.  The first book, Princess Diana- The Day She Didn’t Die is part one of three but I won’t green light writing the second book until I ensure this first one is a huge success.

Have you any advice for new writers?

I have lots of advice for new writers! First part is work out why you want to write.  You need to get into the mindset that writing is like running a business.  You are chief cook and bottle washer unless you get Random House (Yeh, right!) to sponsor you.  You need to promote your book on traditional and social media.  You need to contact local/ regional networks to publicise your book.  You need to read excerpts at any and every opportunity.  You need to network. You need to call local/ regional papers, media/ production companies and follow up.  You need to design and purchase marketing materials to send to reporters/ editors/ book clubs etc.  You need a website.  You need a Facebook Page. You need a Twitter account.  You need Goodreads. You need Smashwords. You need to get your book reviewed.  You need to post those reviews and circulate them.  Believe me, this is the tip of the iceberg, I could go on. Seriously, writing is the easy part but if you want to make your book a commercial success, it is a long hard slog…..

Follow Heath on Twitter.

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by

Laura

I’m Laura. I started Novel Kicks in 2009. I wanted a place to post my writing as well as give other writers like me the opportunity to do the same. There is also a monthly book club, a writing room which features writing prompts, book reviews, competitions, author interviews and guest posts.

I grew up by the sea (my favourite place in the world) and I currently live in Hampshire. I am married to Chris, have a cat named Buddy and I would love to be a writer. I’m trying to write the novel I’ve talked so much about writing if only I could stop pressing delete. I’ve loved writing since creative writing classes in primary school. I have always wanted to see my teacher Miss Sayers again and thank her for the encouragement. When not trying to write the novel or writing snippets of stories on anything I can get my hands on, I love reading, dancing like a loon and singing to myself very badly. My current obsession is Once Upon a Time and I would be happy to live with magic in the enchanted forest surrounded by all those wonderful stories provided that world also included Harry Potter. I love reading chick lit. contemporary fiction and novels with mystery.