The Secret Life of Book Club on Amazon
Before we jump into our next interview, just wanted to announce that the random winner of Christina Coryell’s novel Simply Mad is:
Stephanie Landsem! Congrats, Stephanie, and I will be in contact with you and Christina!
Now I want to introduce you readers to another author I recently discovered. I first noticed Heather Woodhaven because not only does she share my first name, but also her last name is the exact name I’d chosen for my publishing house name (Woodhaven, or in my case WoodHaven Press). Then I read reviews of her women’s fiction novel, The Secret Life of Book Club. Then I read a sample and I had to own the book that very night so I could read the rest!
This novel is one of those that not only explores the mysterious world of female friendships, but it also portrays married relationships and children’s antics in ways that are so utterly believable, it made me laugh out loud many times. Honestly, I felt like Heather had spied on my children when they were younger!
I was thrilled to ask Heather some nosy questions I had wondered about in our interview today, AND Heather is offering one copy (winner’s choice softcover or e-book) of The Secret Life of Book Club to one commenter (Click to Tweet)! Please enjoy our interview and comment below for a chance to win.
But now, a little more about Heather, who has one of the most interesting biographies EVER:
Author Heather Woodhaven
Heather Woodhaven earned her pilot’s license, flew a hot air balloon over the safari lands of Kenya, assisted an engineer with a medical laser in a Haitian mission, parasailed over Caribbean seas, lived through an accidental detour onto a black diamond ski trail in the Aspens and snorkeled among sting rays before becoming a mother of three and wife of one. Now Heather spends her days celebrating laughter, adding to her impressive list of embarrassing moments, and raising a family of aspiring comedians who perform nightly at her table. She channels her love for adventure into writing characters who find themselves in extraordinary circumstances—whether running for their lives or battling the insanities of life.
Interview with Author Heather Woodhaven
HG: What was the first book you wrote that was published? You write Love Inspired Suspense novels as well as your latest indie novel, The Secret Life of Book Club. Was it a huge leap going from suspense-writing to women’s fiction?
HW: I had the idea for SLBC back in 2011. My writing time back then was mostly non-fiction freelance work, so the manuscript came along very slowly. In 2013, Lisa Phillips challenged me to enter the Happily Editor After contest with Love Inspired Suspense. That challenge forced me to write quickly. Granted, I was flat out rejected the first time, but I finally realized if I wanted to get somewhere I needed to humble myself and gain some discipline. So, I studied the LIS line, completely rewrote the story and got offered my first contract…with some major rewrites. In other words, I put down SLBC for a good six to nine months and couldn’t wait to get back to it. So while Calculated Risk was my first published novel, Secret Life came out a mere month later. As far as making the leap, it was easier to write SLBC because I had the story in my head for years. Genre-wise, I’ve never thought about this before, but my women’s fiction has adventure, romance, and humor and so does my romantic suspense.
HG: One of the things I savored about The Secret Life of Book Club was the family relationships. I had so many laugh-out-loud moments with the children’s antics…not to mention some of the book club moms’ adventures! Do you draw a lot from real life?
HW: Hehe. I’m not sure I want to answer this question! Children’s antics: Yes. Much of that is from real life. I taught preschool in my past, and I’m raising three comedians. As far as the female characters go, I’ll say that I tend to get myself in embarrassing moments all the time. A friend of mine went so far as keeping a notebook primarily for documenting them all! I need to make sure I stay on her good side.
HG: On the topic of real-life research, your book club gals did so many fun activities as they worked their way through the alphabet. Have you tried any of those things, like painting, defensive driving, or any of the other ones?
HW: Yes. And I’d just like to say the new things are rarely my idea. For instance, a fellow mom twisted my arm and got me to take a belly-dancing class with her. I was terrified of stepping out of my comfort zone, but we laughed through the entire first class. As far as the defensive driving, I did get training on a closed course but not through the police…and it didn’t have a skid pad. Speaking of the police, I was very fortunate to have an officer walk me through exactly…. Well, I won’t spoil it, but when something big happens with my character, Paula, it seems over the top because that’s just how the police would handle it.
HG: Oh my word, that entire scenario with Paula just had me roaring as I read! I think I laughed so hard, I cried! I also loved the insights into husbands’ motivations/thoughts with Secret Life, because they rang true. It’s hard to find books with realistic male characters. Was this something you were striving for or did it just happen naturally? Did you run things by your husband (I do sometimes!)
HW: I’m so glad you thought so. I wanted to make sure this didn’t come across as a male-bashing book, but show both sides of the story…eventually. I did run every scenario by my husband. I also asked some of my writing group how they thought the men in their life would handle certain situations. I then took a personality test for each character and crosschecked where I was going with the character’s reactions to the descriptions of their Myers Briggs. But overall, it’s been my experience that men, in general, don’t share their struggles and feelings as easily, or in the same way, as women do. There is often a mysterious wall as they go into their “cave” to sort things out, or actions happen without communication. We’ve been married twenty years now, but in the first ten years here’s how it’d go down: I can tell something is wrong. I read into it, ask my friends to also read into it, decide I know what’s going on, and more often than not, I’m mistaken. Those assumptions in marriage are ripe for conflict (and humor).
HG: Yes, great insights there! Finally, do you have another women’s fiction novel coming out anytime soon? What is your next publication-in-process? Do tell!
HW: I’m working on the sequel to The Secret Life of Book Club. New things are happening in each of their lives. The book the group reads, and the arrival of Grayson’s sister, will prompt them to handle Christmas a little differently than usual. (No spoilers yet.) I’ve just started writing it so it all depends on how fast I can get this story on the page.
HG: It can’t release soon enough! Thanks so much for visiting and for offering a giveaway of this excellent novel!
HW: It was so much fun! Thanks for the invite!
***Readers, please comment below and tell us if you’ve ever been in a book club. If so, what was your favorite part of it/fave book, etc.? And leave your preference of e-book or softcover version of The Secret Life of Book Club. (Click to Tweet!) I will choose a winner next Monday!***
Wow! Flew a hot air balloon over safari lands in Kenya…that must have been amazing. Great interview ladies. I’ve been wanting to The Secret Life of Book Club, since you mentioned it on Facebook, Heather. I’ve never been involved in a book club, but I would think hearing the different opinions would be interesting. E-book would be wonderful!
I know, I haven’t been in a book club either, Jill–not a real-live one. I think it would be intriguing and I think you’ll find Heather’s fictional book club is VERY exciting, just like her bio! 😉
I haven’t been a part of a book club. :/ I might should. 🙂 At any rate, I’ve had my eye on this book for awhile. I’m going to have to have it, one way or another!
Kids are almost always novel material. They’re awesome!
Blessings, Voni
I love that you said “I might should,” Voni–we say that here in West Virginia! 🙂
And yes…this book is so realistic I just felt like these kids did/said things my kids would’ve done!
I’m so glad I caught wind of this book from Heather – I have always wanted to be in a face-to-face book club, but can’t seem to find enough interest amongst my friends. So, I just stick with Goodreads group reads, and that helps. 🙂
Thanks for the chance to win! I would be happy with either ebook or print.
Beth
I’ve already read the book, but I just wanted to pop in and say that it is a fantastic read. I’ve never been in a book club myself either, but I would join this one! The ladies are so personable and real. Can’t wait to read the sequel.
I love being in book clubs. I love to read, so, the more ways to share about books, the better. 🙂 Right now, I am participating in online book clubs and church book clubs. I would enjoy reading this book and getting some great ideas for my book clubs. 🙂
Forgot to mention that I would love a soft cover, if I win. 🙂
I have been in a book club. I enjoyed sharing what each of us thought about the book. It was always interesting to hear how everyone got something different from the book. We did Christian fiction books and I loved the fellowship that we had. Would love the chance to read this book. It sounds like a great book to enjoy and share with others. I would like a softcover of the book please.
Jhdwayne@peoplepc.com
I have not been in a book club, but I have always wanted to be in one! I just started a new job at a library and they have one, so I might have to join in! I think it would be interesting to see what differences people take out of the same book. I prefer softcover. Thanks for this chance! katie07edgar(at)gmail(dot)com
Katie, you WON The Secret Life of Book Club! Emailing you now. 🙂
I’ve not been a part of a book club, but I sure love to read! This book sounds great!
lgm52@hotmail.com
I need to read more funny books! Putting it on my “to read” list… 🙂
Wow. This book sounds like an interesting read. And,well, the authors’ own life sounds incredible. Will definitely put this on my list (if I don’t win).Sadly, I’ve not been a part or a book club. Tried one once (leading /moderating ) we went thru Bad Girls of The Bible. And I enjoyed the transparency, but after that it kind of fizzled out. 🙁 perhaps too much transparency? Fast fwd a few years and while I miss studying /reading “regular” books, we’ve regrouped (most of us and some new ones added) and now have a womens bible study group.
Looking forward to reading this.
I was once in a book club that was for nonfiction Christian books. It’s been so long, not sure I remember what we read. Altho one I remember is Having a Mary Heart in a Martha world. This book sounds like a good humorous read and I’d love to be a winner! Thanks for sharing.
Love these types of interviews. Sounds like a great book.
As much as I love reading, I have never been part of a book club. I have heard very good things about your book. I look forward to reading it. It was fun reading your interview. If I should have the fun of winning, I would prefer a softcover book.
Thank you so much,
Stephanie C.
I have just been asked to help organize a new book club. I’ve never been involved in one so I really don’t know what to expect. I do not know the other women so this could be interesting. I would love to read the book – maybe it will give me some ideas. Maybe we could even choose it as our monthly book!
I must admit I have never been in a book club, but I am part of a reader’s group and review books all the time. I love talking about books I have read on my blog and online, so in some ways it is a virtual book club.
I suppose some day I will have to try a ‘ in real life’ one…you know with physical people and tea and chats etc. 🙂
I am not a member of a book club but love to read anything I can get my hands on!
I have never been in a bookclub either, but would love to have the opportunity. I have trouble focusing on just one book though, always have at least 4 going at same time. It sounds like you have had an adventurous life, mine feels very boring atm
Yes, my daughters & I do a book club now. Too many faves, but I really enjoyed “the Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie” by Alsn Bradley. I would definitely like to read This book. E-book
Sounds like a fun book! I loved being part of a book club. Those ladies became my close friends as we laughed and shared life as well as books. I’d prefer an e-book if I’m lucky enough to win. 🙂
I am part of a book club with some ladies at my church. My favorite meetings are when we happen to read a book written by a local area author who graciously accepts our invitation to attend our gathering to discuss their book. It’s always a fun night! Helps us really get to know the author and what went into writing the book.
I’ve never been in a book club but I LOVE to read and think it would be fun to have one! I’d love a softcover copy of your book ??
I’m in a book club for the first time in my life. Wow – why didn’t I do this before? Oh yeah, lots of little kids.
I love reading outside my comfort zone, I love hearing diverse opinions about books, and I love sharing my life with other women. What is not to love? If I win – softcover. This sounds like a great book!
I have never been in a book club. I can’t seem to find people around me that like to read the same stuff I do. I tried doing a book recommendation type group. We partnered up and recommended a book. We read that book and then did a little discussion. Of course this was over the internet so I never met anyone in person.
I’ve just had Secret Life to my to read list!
I’ve never been in a book club, but I would like to read this book!
AND the winner of The Secret Life of Book Club is KATIE EDGAR! Katie, I’ll email you and Heather about this. Thank you all for participating and I truly hope you can all read this wonderful novel!
I have not been in a book club. I almost was but it disolved after we chose our first book. I still got the book and read it and it was wonderful. This book is on my to read list so I would soooooo love to win. If I do, I would like the softcover. There is just something about physically holding a book that I love. Thank you for this chance.
Lori, so sorry, but this giveaway has already ended! I hope you can get a copy of this book sometime, though. It’s such a great read!