Local author Heather Webber to publish her 30th novel
Prolific author Heather Webber, who lives between Cincinnati and Dayton, will soon see the release of her 30th novel on July 16, “Midnight at the Blackbird Cafe,” from Forge Books.
Webber, who has also written as Heather Blake, has been twice nominated for an Agatha Award, named in honor of Agatha Christie, and conferred annually by the Malice Domestic fan convention to best traditional mystery novels. In addition to her initial books — an historical trilogy set in Cincinnati — she’s written mystery novels in four series: as Heather Webber, the humorous Nina Quinn landscaping series and the romantic mystery Lucy Valentine series; as Heather Blake, the Darcy Merriweather Wishcraft mysteries and the Potion Shop mysteries.
Now she’s turned her pen (and computer) toward writing women’s fiction.
I recently asked Heather to share more about this exciting change in direction.
“Midnight at the Blackbird Cafe” represents a departure from your previous work, in that it is women’s fiction rather than a mystery. What drew you to a new genre?
“My mysteries have always been character driven, but over the past few years, the characters’ personal journeys wanted to take over the books instead of the mystery plot. It seemed natural to transition to women’s fiction, to allow me to explore more deeply my characters’ emotional lives. I recently dusted off (literally) the first book I ever wrote — one that wasn’t published. It was a women’s fiction novel with magical elements, so it feels like I’ve come full circle. It was quite a wide circle, with 20-something mystery novels in the middle, but a circle nonetheless.”
On the other hand, much of your mystery writing includes magical elements — as does this novel. What intrigues you about this element as a writer? Why do you think readers are drawn to it?
“Magical worlds allow such vast creative license as a writer. Knowing I can write anything my mind can dream up is incredibly freeing. And in general, I love believing that there’s magic in this world, lending humanity a helping hand — and I think many readers feel the same way.”
Your body of work is impressive. Do you have two or three tips for prolific writing?
“Writing consistently — a certain amount of words or pages a week — is so important to build a body of work. Even if there isn’t much produced, every word adds up. If you write only one (250word) page a day you’ll have a book before the year is through. Every writer also needs a healthy dose of perseverance, because publishing is a hard business — even after you’re published but especially before. It took nearly five years of writing, and many rejections, before I was published. There were many times I wanted to give up, but if I had, I wouldn’t have just turned in what will be my 30th published novel.”
What is next in your writing world — books we can look forward to, or projects you’re working on that you’d care to share?
“I’ve just finished another Southern women’s fiction/magical realism novel, tentatively titled ‘Just South of the Buttonwood Tree.’ It should be released next year.”
Learn more about Webber’s books at www.heatherwebber.com.
Local author seeks residents with knowledge of Arcade
Tom Gilliam, a lifelong Miami Valley resident and photographer, is writing a book about the Dayton Arcade for Arcadia Publishing’s The History Press, with a tentative publishing date of Spring 2022. He seeks input from people who had a direct connection with the Arcade, or whose family members did, such as owning a business, being involved with the construction and development, or with the renovation in 1979/80. Email Gilliam at tomgilliamphotography@gmail.com
Upcoming literary events
■ Monday, July 8, 1-3 p.m., Washington Centerville Library, Woodbourne Branch (6060 Far Hills Ave.) — The library’s “2nd Monday Authors” program welcomes Andrew Walsh, “Lost Dayton, Ohio,” and Meredith Doench, “Deadeye.”
■ Tuesday, July 9, noon-2 p.m., Word’s Worth Writing Center (Oakwood Starbucks, 2424 Far Hills Ave.) — “Best Practices for Teens” class is open to writers ages 12-18. Visit www.wordsworthdayton.com for more information and to register.
■ Wednesday, July 10; Monday, July 15; Wednesday, July 17; noon-2 p.m. each session (Oakwood Starbucks, 2424 Far Hills Ave.) — Christina Consolino will lead a teen writing class (open to writers ages 12-18), “Short Story Start to Finish.” Visit www.wordsworthdayton.com for more information and to register.
■ Saturday, July 13, all day, Books & Co. at the Greene — The bookstore is offering a special deal for its Books-a-Million Discount Club members — any book with page numbers (and excluding children’s books) for one penny a page. One book per member.
■ Saturday, July 13, 11 a.m., Dayton Metro Library (Miamiburg Branch, 545 E. Linden Ave., Miamisburg) — Author Carol Cartaino will present her nonfiction book, “It Happened in Ohio,” in her program “Fascinating Facts About a State with an Extraordinary History.”
■ Monday, July 15, 7 p.m., Books and Company at The Greene — Allison Dickson, a Daytonarea writer, will present her debut novel, “The Other Mrs. Miller,” a work of contemporary suspense.