Heather Cook: From Writing Online to Writing a Book

Heather Cook is a full time freelance writer in Calgary, Alberta. She has written over 250 articles in print publications and has sold one non fiction book, Rookie Reiner, to Trafalgar Square Books. She runs an online group for writing mothers, http://www.thewritingmother.com/. You can find Heather online at http://www.heather-cook.com/. She was nice enough to answer my questions.

How did you get into writing?

Writing was really all I was every good at. Well, that and riding horses. So I became a horse trainer. Right out of high school. No college or university. But being a horse trainer didn't really jive with raising a family. It was easier for the men in the industry. They could have as many kids as they wanted and never take a day off! Training didn't pay enough to cover day care, so I turned to the only other thing I did well: writing. I had always written, but didn't see myself as a writer. Once I started getting a few things published I just started calling myself "a writer". I set up a web site, did up some business cards and Bob's yer uncle, I was a writer.

What is your favorite type of writing?

My favourite type is the stuff I've already written. Really. Writing is hard work. It's true what they say, "Writing is easy. All you do is sit staring at a blank sheet of paper until drops of blood form on your forehead." It's only after I've written an article or an essay that I can look back and say "yes, I like writing". My favourite type of writing is non fiction with a humorous slant. I like to make people smile when they read my words.

What advice would you give to aspiring writers?

Believe in yourself. We can't expect our families to believe in us unless we do. I've heard the "my husband doesn't support my writing" line a hundred times. But last I checked, these wives weren't usually supporting their husband's golfing or car tinkering or football watching. If you start treating your writing with some priority in your life, others will too.

What writing goal do you wish to accomplish in the next year?

I'd like to sell my next book proposal this year.

What struggles have you faced as a writer, and how did you get over them?