John A. Heldt ~ About the Author

Posted June 11, 2017 by karenbaron in About the Author / 0 Comments

John A. Heldt ~ About the Author

Just like last year of my blog, I am doing an “About the Author” post again. I only have one this year but that’s okay. The author this year goes by the name of John A. Heldt and he’s a pretty good author. I have read two of his books and both of the books from two different series that he has done. Mr. Heldt’s books about time travel and the different points in history that he goes to in them are really great. If you would like to check out my reviews: The Mine and Indiana Belle.

Below are his answers to my questions:

What is your favorite character that you have created?

I have many favorites. But when it comes to THE favorite, all roads lead to Joel Smith. He is the protagonist of The Mine, my debut novel, and a character in all five Northwest Passage books. Sadie Hawkins of The Fire, Candice Bell of Indiana Belle, and Piper McIntire of Class of ’59 are also in the mix.

Have you created a character that is like you?

No. But I have created characters that are similar in some ways. Joel Smith, Cameron Coelho of Indiana Belle, and David Baker of Hannah’s Moon, for example, share my love of history. And Candice Bell, Virginia Gillette Jorgenson (The Mirror), and Chuck Townsend (September Sky) are newspaper reporters, as I was for many years.

Where was the best place that you have lived?

I have called more than a dozen cities home, so this is a tough question. But if had to pick one, I would choose Helena, Montana, where I lived for 14 years and raised my children. Eugene, Oregon, and Port Angeles, Washington, would also make my short list.

What is your favorite pet?

I prefer dogs to cats and other pets by a country mile.

If you weren’t writing, what would you be doing?

I would probably work in a library, a museum, or an archive. I worked as a reference librarian for fifteen years and will likely do something similar in the future. I favor jobs and pastimes that give me the opportunity to learn.

What is your favorite book series to write so far?

I don’t have a favorite series, but I do have a series I most enjoyed writing. Unlike the Northwest Passage series, which was cobbled together, I planned the American Journey series well in advance and made the most of the opportunity to weave its stories together. I hope to do the same in my third series.

Who is your favorite author?

Vince Flynn has been my favorite author for years. Since his untimely passing, I have read more from Daniel Silva, Nelson DeMille, and Ken Follett.

What do you like to do when not writing?

I like to walk five to seven miles a day to stay in shape and clear my head. Long walks have helped me come up with some of my best story ideas and plot twists on long walks.

What would be your dream vacation?

Two come to mind. The first would be leisurely train trip through continental Europe. The second would be a month-long cruise of the South Pacific.

Where do you do your writing?

I do most of my writing from a rocking chair in my bedroom, though I occasionally write and edit in my dining room and a spare bedroom. In short, I write wherever I can find the most peace and quiet.