Author Interview with Samantha Heuwagen of “The Starless Series”
Hello readers! I got the chance to interview author, Samantha Heuwagen, about her books The Starless Series, writing about mental illness, her writing process, and more! I hope you all enjoy the interview!
About The Book
Kayin has a rough start when the Shielders, a potential alien ally for Earth, come out of hiding and into the public consciousness. Not only does their very existence cause her trouble, her panic attacks threaten to derail her everyday life. Can she overcome her mental health issues or will she be swallowed up in a political mess?
As for Henry Rickner, he wishes he could take back all of his mistakes in life, starting with his choice to leave Kayin. Yet he finds himself within the chaos of war as he tries to reunite with those he holds dear.
Melissa Pebbles only has one goal: to keep her family safe during the attack. She will do anything to make sure she and her family make it through whatever challenges are thrown their way. While Melissa fights to keep her family alive, she learns that family is more than just blood.
Q&A Time!
Hi Samantha! Thanks for being a guest on my blog today! Tell us a little about yourself. Perhaps something not many people know?
Hello and thank you so much for having me! I’m a bilingual sex therapist in Atlanta, Georgia and the author of The Starless Series. Something many people don’t know about me…my favorite show is Downton Abbey. Shame I don’t write historical fiction!
How did you become interested in being a writer? Have you always wanted to write?
I actually didn’t even think I could be a writer for the longest time, but throughout my journey in Grad School, I slowly became interested in doing something FUN while in school and writing fiction filled that void. Now, I can’t imagine my life without writing!
You’ve mentioned that your goal is to spread mental health awareness across the United States and beyond. In what ways have you spread awareness and what can others do promote these types of discussions?
I love this question––thank you for asking! I spend a lot of time doing workshops and lectures about the reality of mental health. We live in a world that takes a lot of time “making up” what it means to have mental illness instead of making it realistic and showcasing how it actually is verses what the media says it is. I love to talk about my work as a therapist and author, by bridging them together I’m able to widen my reach and create a wider discussion.
Anyone who experiences mental illness can talk about their experience and stand up for others. Anyone who doesn’t and has an empathetic ear, can stand up for others as well. My vision is for people to come together and openly talk about their experiences in a safe way. More people than not have brushed up against mental health issues and the more open we are about it, the more we can change the discussion together.
What are some books that you’ve enjoyed/recommend that discuss mental health?
The Gottmans have a lot of different books about mental health and healthy relationships. I studied them in school and am currently trying to obtain my certificate in the Gottman Couples Method. Anything they have will showcase healthy relationships and what you can do to create a better relationship in your world.
What inspired you to write The Starless Series?
I was inspired to write The Starless Series because as a women’s and gender studies professor and sex therapist, I was tired of reading about the same female character over and over again. You know what I’m talking about: the one that can’t do anything for herself once love walks in the door. Not to mention the same character that needs to be saved even though she claims to be independent and self-sufficient. I wanted to see myself represented in works of fiction and I wanted to cheer on badass Latinas who were not only doing it for themselves but still let love be a part of their live in a healthy and realistic way.
I also wanted to change the discussion about mental health. It gets a bad rap in the media and definitely in popular works of fiction. As a therapist, I saw what it’s like first hand and wanted to bring a realistic view of what happens when someone’s world is turned upside down either by the coming of aliens or every day stressors.
So I got to work on creating an epic feminist science fiction novel, Dawn Among the Stars.
Fading Starlight is a little darker and a lot sexier than the previous book. My goal in the first, Dawn Among the Stars, was to talk about mental health in an inclusive and realistic way. I still do that; however, we know the characters––the stakes must be raised! In the second, I wanted to talk about healthy relationships (all kinds) and how to help someone who’s dealt with sexual assault. My focus as a therapist/author wasn’t on the actual event, but rather on the healing and communal influence that all survivors deserve to help them on the road to recovery. I’m very proud of the message and I hope you are too.
Is writing book series more challenging? What has been the most enjoyable part of writing these books and the most difficult?
Since I’d always planned on writing a series, I’m not sure if it’s challenging or not. I know I’m long winded so writing a standalone novel would prove to be very hard! My favorite part is meeting new readers and hearing from them. They have the best ideas and are so supportive––I love hearing all the fan theories going on out there! It makes me smile every time. The most difficult is finding the time to get everything done. From seeing clients to sitting down to write, a lot goes into it and I find myself always running out of time. Someone make me a time machine!
What message would you like readers to take away from your books?
“I am not alone and my mental health does not define me.” If someone sees themselves in the pages of my work, that makes my job completely worth it.
Do you have a daily habit of writing? Or do you have an overall writing process.
I wish I could write every day, but with my schedule that’s not possible. I do “write” throughout my days, but I don’t count that. For me it’s sitting down and giving myself an hour or two to really get into my work that matters. I can do that a few times a week, but lately it’s been so random. Now, I just do what I can with what I’m given so there’s a lot of random notes on my phone that most likely make no sense. Oh well…such is the life.
What advice would you like to give writers who are struggling with their first novels?
Give yourself the grave to mess up, rewrite, and get frustrated. This is one of the hardest things you’ll ever do. Enjoy the ride and hold on tight––it only gets better! I promise.
About The Author
Samantha Heuwagen works as a Marriage and Family Therapist that specializes in Sex Therapy in Atlanta, GA. She is a graduate of Mercer University School of Medicine where she earned her second Master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy. Her first Master’s degree is in Women’s and Gender Studies from the University of South Florida where she first realized her passion for sex education and the power of the written word. When she isn’t working with clients, she writes about faraway places and tries to change the world through fiction bridging mental health awareness and social justice together.
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Thanks again to Samantha for taking the time for a Q&A session and stopping by the blog! Be sure to add The Starless Series to your reading list!
