Author Heather McCorkle

Like most writers, I used to cringe at the very thought of editing one of my manuscripts. But now, it's my happy place. Out of the entire process from inspiration to finish, editing is the part I love the best. The writers among you in particular may wonder how I reached this magical place. I used to be a pantser: one who writes by the seat of their pants, letting inspiration guide them in whatever direction it chose. That can be a fun way to write, but it is a nightmare to edit such a book. And I say 'can be a fun way to write', because it can also be a headache. I used to get stumped all the time, lose forward momentum, get turned around, and all manner of other snares. It generally took me a year to write a book that way, and almost as long to edit it. Then I attended a writer's retreat under the tutelage of the fabulous William Bernhardt (bestselling thriller author). Bill made me write an outline on a book I had already completed. It seemed silly until I finis...

Last year two super powers in books went head to head over a contract for selling books online: Amazon and Hachette . I never thought I'd say that about a site that sells everything, including kitchen sinks, but that is what Amazon has become. During this battle Amazon suspended sales of all the books published by the Hachette group, which hurt a lot of authors. Many blamed Hachette for not compromising because Amazon waved the idea that they only wanted to lower eBook prices. But let's face it, Amazon was just as wrong for suspending book sales. Now, HarperCollins and Amazon are going head to head over the same deal as their contract has just come up for renewal. Already I've seen comments online of people who said they just won't buy HarperCollins books. That breaks my heart. I don't want to see great authors hurt in this fight, which is why I will go to other sites to buy their books. For the sake of authors, and the love of great books, I hope you'll do t...

Today I'm excited to be participating in a long time author friend of mine's cover reveal for her new novel coming from Spencer Hill Press this winter titled PULL. Be sure to ADD THIS to your Goodreads list peeps, because you won't want to miss it! Here is a bit about it: COMING DECEMBER 2015! Rosie Clayton witnesses a mugging on her first night in London—and then the scene rewinds itself. She finds herself standing in the same place again, with the mugging happening just like before, except his time a stranger steps in and stops it. There's no way the same incident can have two outcomes. Rosie thinks she’s losing her mind, until just a few days later, the stranger saves her. The stranger, Albert, and his band of misfit crime-fighters, have a special ability, Pulling, which allows them to rewind just enough time to undo and interfere in a series of events. Someone is hunting Albert and his crew--and now that Rosie’s been seen with them, she’s a target...

Happy first day of spring! For many it has been a long, hard winter that isn't quite over yet. For us here on the west coast, not so much. In fact, we're kind of wondering where our winter went. I have daffodils and tulips popping up everywhere, and even strawberries! That's kind of unheard of here in the high desert where we're used to freezing temperatures and snow well into April, sometimes May and June. But, alas, our winter seems to have fallen on New York and Boston (sorry folks!).  If it's any consolations to the east coasters, our lack of snow fall means we're extremely worried about drought and a bad fire season this summer. Wherever you are, may you enjoy the colors of spring, if not the flowers and warmth!

Today isn't about kisses, drinking, or even just a saint for me. It's an important day for me to reflect on all the Irish have done in this wonderful new country that they made their new home, and to remember their struggle back on their own shores. When I lift a glass today it will be to both my ancestors that came here to America so long ago, and to the dream of a free Ireland.

Luck is a double-sided coin. Whether or not it is good or bad, often depends on which side of the coin you are looking at. It is much like that proverbial glass. Being of Irish descent, and writing much about the Irish I often grin when people comment about the luck of the Irish. They think it is good luck. Over 700 years of servitude, oppression, and slaughter mostly because they occupied a land someone else wanted did not seem like good luck to me. But, after much consideration I realized their luck wasn't all bad. They have survived, reclaimed 90% of their own country, and have prospered in a new country. Not all oppressed cultures have managed to come out on that side of the luck coin. This comparison has made me look at my own luck and re-evaluate it. There is almost always a bright side of the coin. The important part is looking to see, and by doing so, inviting the best of luck.

Have no fear, my absence from social media has not been without fruit. But I've missed you all, oh how I have missed you! Determined to take this year by storm, I have been working my rear off (literally in some cases as I have started a serious workout regiment. Well, okay, serious for me. But it's paying off, so that's what matters!).  What type of fruit you may wonder? Then there are those of you wondering how we went from my derriere to fruit. Hang in there, we'll get back on track. You may have noticed my blog/site is now a .com, yay!!! It took no small amount of sacrificial locks of my hair and sanity to accomplish, but it is done! My website and blog are now connected. Whew. To anyone who has ever had to do this, I raise a glass.  In the writing arena: Two manuscripts are currently in my agents hands, one of which is hopefully a final draft after three of their fabulous critiques and re-writes (cross your fingers for that one peeps!), the second manusc...