Get to Know Gregory Heal, Fantasy Author

1)      What is your Author name; use your Pen name if you have one.

Gregory Heal

2)      What is your genre and what drew you to it?

Fantasy, and it’s kind of interesting because I’m more of a Sci-Fi fan when it comes to what I want to read or watch. I ultimately chose the Fantasy genre because the dream I had that spurred me to write this series felt very fantastical.

3)      What inspired you to become a writer?

I’ve always loved being creative and building worlds and characters in my head. I wrote a children’s book in my high school creative writing class and loved the process, so when I had this one specific dream (which was so vivid and intense), I decided to challenge myself and see if I could build a story out of it.

4)      How far along are you on your current work-in-progress?

I am closing in on the halfway mark on the third and final book of my debut series, The SKY JEWEL LEGACY.

5)      What is the best time of day for you to write?

I have found that the mornings work best for me and allow my creative juices to build throughout the day. Evenings would be ideal since I am not working my other job, but I’m not an night owl.

6)      Which character of yours is your favorite and why?

Good question. I would say the supporting antagonist, Malcolm. I really love his conflicted motivations and character. You never know which side he’ll end up on. He is morally gray, which makes him so much fun to write.

7)      What is your favorite way to connect with readers? (Social media, newsletters or something else)

Currently, it is through social media, especially TikTok and Instagram, though I do have a weekly newsletter I send out to those who want a little more content and access to updates on my writing journey and future plans.

8)      Did you ever feel like giving up? If so, how did you overcome that?

No, never. I have hit walls and had writer’s block, sure, but I love the challenge of finding unexpected ways to solve that mental problem as well as the problems I’ve gotten my characters into.

9)      Who did you dedicate your first book to and why?

I dedicated my debut novel to my family because they would listen to me talking about this crazy idea for a book during multiple dinners, and also my editor.

10)   Do you read books in your genre, or do you prefer reading other genres?

I grew up reading primarily Sci-Fi, more specifically Star Wars, but now that I have written in the Fantasy genre, I have found myself reading more of those stories as well (and loving it!)

11)   If you could take one item out of any book that you have ever read, what would it be or why?

It would be a lightsaber haha. I find those weapons to be the coolest. I’d probably choose a green blade while I’m at it.

12)   What is your favorite quote and why?

“If you are not willing to be a foolish beginner, then you will never become a graceful master.” It’s the thought of progressing and getting better in everything you do. No one is inherently an expert in things they just start doing. It takes time, consistency, and determination to hone your craft and become better at it every day.

13)   Name one of your favorite authors.

Edgar Rice Burroughs. he wrote Tarzan of the Apes and The Princess of Mars.

14)      What is the name of your book/series? Tell me a little bit about them.

The Sky Jewel Legacy. The first two books, Heritage and Crusade, are currently out. The story revolves around a 21-year old college girl who finds out that she is not only the last sorceress of her kind, but also the missing link to resurrecting a dark lord who has been trapped in a lost relic for centuries. She goes on the run with a banished sorcerer as she learns about her true heritage and how to control her powers as dark forces converge to capture and sacrifice her to bring back their prophesied lord.

15)      Do you have a website? If so, what is it?

Not yet, but I am working on making one!

16)      Where can we find and follow you? (Name your social media platforms.)

@gregoryheal on TikTok and YouTube, @gregheal2 on Instagram. My newsletter is linked in all of my socials as well.

17)      If there anything important that you would want my readers to know about you?

I have more ideas for other new book series that I plan to write once I complete the Sky Jewel Legacy trilogy.