Center Stage - Special Edition

Hello everyone! :) It’s Gina C. and welcome to the 10th episode of Heather’s “Center Stage: Creators in the Limelight Series.” Today it is my pleasure to interview the Queen of Interviews herself - the one and only Heather Hubler. Heather has been so generous with giving other creators the chance to shine that I wanted to make sure she had a minute to be in the spotlight herself for once. She deserves all the love and support that she’s graciously given to all of us! If you’re new to this wonderful series that Heather created, please let me take a quick moment to explain her vision:

Heather’s aim with each mini-interview is to give a small glimpse into what makes up the amazing creators of Vocal through a fun and informative format. Of course, I’ll be doing just that for Heather today. Following her format, this interview will take place over Direct Messenger.

Heather is an incredibly talented poet AND story writer. I remember when I first met Heather - it was around 7 months ago and it was during the Christopher Paolini Fantasy Fiction Challenge. I had the pleasure of reading her submission - “The Sweetest Sound” - and I instantly fell in love with her prose, her lovable characters, and her captivating dialogue. In fact - in all of her work - Heather’s compelling storytelling skills instantly grab the reader’s attention, and her plots are always full of intrigue and intricately-woven detail. Though it would be truly impossible for me to pinpoint a favorite story of hers, here are some that I’ve always loved and have been awestruck by:

The Sweetest Sound

The Dance

A Story with No Beginning - Runner-Up in Return of the Night Owl Challenge

I Dreamt of Lions

When it comes to poetry, Heather’s ability to evoke powerful emotions through truth, beauty, and rawness is - in my opinion - unmatched! Her pieces are each incredibly relatable, and I am constantly spellbound by her rich, expressive, and carefully-selected language. Again, while I cannot possibly pick a favorite poem of hers, here are some that have really touched me:

We Are Queens

Low

Colors of Silence

When

Invisible

Heather’s pieces - whether short stories or poetry - not only demonstrate a sophisticated level of creativity, but also - many times - explore important social issues that pull on the heartstrings of her readers. For example, in her short story “The Dance,” Heather touches on the theme of ageism, and in her poem “We Are Queens,” Heather speaks to the countless challenges and expectations imposed on women.

I am always invested and thoroughly impressed with everything Heather produces, so don't hesitate to dive into her works! Her Vocal library currently consists of over 150 wonderful pieces to choose from. :)

I hope you enjoy this behind-the-scenes look into Heather's mind as we explore how she approaches the writing process and life. Let's get started!

G: ---Interview Start---

H: Hehe. It's go time or shit-show time...it could go either way with me.

G: Sounds awesome! LOL, I caught myself feeling all stiff and you just broke the ice, thank you.

I'm excited to interview you! You have done so much for so many creators, and it's your time to shine.

H: Thank you! I'm excited too but nervous. And thank you for agreeing to this undertaking.

G: Don't be nervous. You're going to be awesome. And, of course I am so happy to do this. Are you ready for the first question?

H: Yes? Hahaha

G: Hehe, awesome. So, I've had so much fun getting to know you over the last few months. I know just from our conversations that you have always been a very avid reader. Do you have any favorite authors or books that inspired you to start writing?

(off the record omg was that a bad question? lmao)

H: (It's an awesome question!!)

Hmmm, so you are correct :) I am an avid reader. I read probably 300 books a year plus what I read on Vocal now. I've always loved to read. It's been my escape from life ever since I've needed it to be.

I think the first time I realized I wanted to do something similar, like give back to readers and help them escape was in high school. I started reading Robert Ludlum's Bourne Identity.

(So that just dated myself because those books were out long before the movies.)

I was completely engrossed by the level of plot twists and intrigue. I was blown away by the level of detail involved. I love when things rely even on the smallest points.

FFS, I've already written a book on one question, lol!!

G: I literally gasped when you said "300". That is incredible! You are like a super reader. I find that so impressive. And no worries, I feel like great books never go out of style. I love your answer to this so much -- about how you were blown away by the level of detail. I know we've had conversations about this very thing before, and it naturally leads to another question I was going to ask you: what do you think makes a great story?

And no worries, your answer was perfect and I'm here to get all the intricate Heather details so we can see how your genius mind works!

H: I appreciate you think it's impressive because I know some people don't believe me, lol. And that's a slow year. I read even more before joining Vocal.

Hmmm....I want to feel something. I want to be so immersed that I can barely catch my breath for needing to finish it. I don't care what genre it is. Okay, that's a bit of a lie. I don't generally read horror. Ever. I can handle bad stuff happening, graphic things even, but they have to mean something other than to just terrify me, lol.

That's what I want to do for readers, grip them tightly and take them for an epic ride.

No idea if I can pull that off or not, but that's the goal.

And you are seriously too sweet to me.

G: Believe me, 300+ books a year is definitely impressive and admirable. And I love how you are so open to genres when reading. I understand about the horror. And YES - you definitely grip your readers with your amazing stories (and poems). I have another question to talk more about that, actually. Are you ready to move on to the next?

H: Thank you for the kind words there. And yes, I'm ready!

G: You are welcome. Ok, I wanted to talk about your work. You have SO MANY wonderful pieces. Truly! I have to say that I enjoy your fiction just as much as your poetry. Do you have a favorite piece that you've written? Feel free to comment on a story, poem, or both!

H: Oh yay! I'm glad you enjoy my work. That's the main reason I write :)

That's a tough question.

G: Seriously love it SO MUCH. I'm like...a fan 😍

Take all the time you need. I know there must be many pieces that mean something to you for so many different reasons.

H: Well, I love Spy Tip #14 which I wrote for the Runaway Train challenge. And I love that one for a number of reasons.

It was one of the first pieces I got a lot of feedback for as I'd just joined the facebook Vocal groups. It felt validating to know people enjoyed it. I also love humor and sarcasm. And the characters were just fun. I also thought it was pretty creative :)

Of course I love The Dance as well. It was a heartbreaking piece but I thought it was on an important topic.

As for poetry...I use poetry to get out my emotions. I'm a sham of a poet as I don't give a single damn about form or structure. I don't count syllables except for haikus. I just do what I want until I like it, lol.

I think I love Challenge Demons though as I had that one brewing for months before I published it.

G: Oh yes, Spy Tip #14 that is such a great story!! I was stalking your page today at lunch. I've read so many pieces of yours but still need to catch up on some of your older work. You really have a knack for creativeness! I've noticed that many times but was reminded again today by your recent poem - Unwanted. All I can say is...DAMN 😳 That was brilliant!!

(sorry if I'm moving slow... my internet is fading in and out)

H: No worries, I'm all comfy right now :)

G: Omg and yes - The Dance! That was one of the first(ish) stories that I read of yours. So important and captivating!!

H: Thank you!! At least I made a good first impression, I think, hahaha.

That's the thing I love...dropping little bread crumbs to see who will follow and get 'it'. Have you read my short story called Apples for Midnight?

G: Yes, you did! I keep coming back for more Heather, that's for sure!

And your poetry -- omg! Don't you feel guilty for ONE MINUTE about not caring about structure! (I'm biased as a fellow free-form poet but...) your poems are AMAZING. You have such a way with raw truth mixed with exquisite, vivid description. I am constantly in awe.

H: Aww, you are so good for my self-esteem.

G: You are welcome! I love the breadcrumbs so much, and you are so good at it! I have not come across Apples for Midnight...are there breadcrumbs?

H: Lol, but somehow you make it look like you have structure!! And your poetry always blows me away. You have all these meanings and metaphors.

G: Aw thank you, you are so sweet. But this is not about me. This is about you!! Tell me more about those breadcrumbs.

H: LOL, I guess I can't help being the interviewer now!

Yes, I laugh every time I come across it because my best friend was one of the few that read my work for like the first year on Vocal. And she's a high school English teacher. She was so pissed she hadn't seen the twist coming. She went back and picked it apart to see if I messed up or contradicted myself. I was super pleased...hahaha.

G: I love that so much. That's awesome that you kept her from seeing the twist - a High School English teacher! Well, I'm sold. That will definitely be the next piece of yours that I read.

Well, you ARE the master interviewer. So it's understandable, lol.

H: I will warn anyone that bothers to check it out, that the word count for the challenge entry was only 2k. I think mine was exactly 2k, so kinda short and sweet.

G: Yes, I agree. Writing details like that - the breadcrumbs with their precise placement - definitely shows that you put a considerable amount of thought and care into your stories.

H: Thank you. I also love to research, like everything.

G: Oh, I love that! Honestly I think that is so impressive that you can write that intricate of a story in so few words. Writing shorter stories is definitely something that I struggle with.

H: Yes!! The year I joined, Vocal had a summer fiction series of challenges. ALL were 2k or under. It was a challenge right off the bat!

G: I love that, and it definitely shows.

H: Thank you.

G: You're welcome. That definitely sounds challenging for sure. I love that you embraced it. I really need to find another term other than "I love that..." But's it's true!

Well, did you have anything else you wanted to add, or are you ready for the next question?

H: I know, right? It's not easy coming up with another way to say that, but it is true. I am ready.

G: Ok, awesome. So the next question is one of yours. Do you have any favorite hobbies outside of writing that you would like to tell us about?

H: You're a natural interviewer BTW :)

G: Aw you are so sweet, thank you. I did feel nervous at first but now I feel more relaxed.

H: Oh good, I think you're doing great. And we haven't cussed at all.

LOL, I'm laughing now because I guess I already answered this. I love to read. It is the number one thing I've always loved to do. I'll go with my second one then, which is going to the movies.

G: Oh, haha! That's perfect. I love going to the movies. What is the last movie you saw?

Haha! So true...about the cussing....who would've thought we'd be so proper.

H: Oh yay! I wish we could go together. Maybe some day.

I don't get to go to the theater as much anymore so I think the last thing I saw was Top Gun Maverick, which I loved. I was nervous to see it as Top Gun was my favorite movie for a long time. I wanted to be a fighter pilot even before the movie came out.

G: Oh, I also love Top Gun and very much enjoyed Top Gun Maverick. And for real, it'd be so fun to meet up. That's dope about wanting to be a fighter pilot. You're way cooler than me, lol!

H: Not gonna lie that it makes me happy you love them too.

And you're a superhero for being a teacher. I did not end up being a fighter pilot, sorry for the spoiler everyone. But I have at least flown a plane solo on several occasions.

G: Whoa, that is so cool! You are impressing me left and right here today.

H: I'm dredging hard for the cool stuff trying to dig up anything worthwhile!!

G: Well, aside from being awesome, flying planes every once and awhile, reading 300+ books, and writing amazing stories and poems, do you have any projects you are currently working on? Oh! And being a mom, duh.

Sorry, I meant writing projects.

H: I knew what you meant. I speak messed up typing. I do it all the time...hahaha

G: Love that!

H: So, I do have a long-term writing project that I plan to get back to this summer. People may ask, why wait? Because it's just a slightly less busy time for me. I've had ideas for novels for quite a number of years, but never had dedicated time. I started the one I'm working on last summer and feel more confident now to keep going.

G: That is sooo exciting! Would you like to give us just a tease of an idea about what your novel is about? (If not, it's totally ok.)

H: Thank you. It finally feels exciting instead of just daunting.

Hmmm, so I need to preface this tease by saying that if you haven't figured it out yet, I just do what I want as far as rules and guidelines. This will kinda verge on sci-fi tipping over into fantasy. We'll see as I get further along. I do know how important it is for marketing and selling it to a publisher to know what my audience is and the genre, but I dislike doing anything just because. If I have to self-publish and 3 people read it, then it is what it is.

I've read a lot of scientific publications and books related to the idea of multiverses, and that will be a big element of the series.

G: Oh, that sounds SO COOL! Honestly, I love a good mixing of genres. Multiverses blow my mind and are so intriguing. I will definitely buy and read your book. I can't wait.

H: I love mixing genres too. Reading and writing them is the best.

This is one of the books I've read. It's a bit of a mind fuck, hahahaha.

G: I will have to check that out. I love a good mind fuck, lol! (oops, there goes our no cussing record....hahaha)

Speaking of minds. I did have just one more question for you, if you're up to it.

H: Sure thing, I'm having so much fun.

G: Yay! Me too. Oops tho, I should have been a good interviewer and asked you if there was anything else you wanted to say about your project first before moving on.

H: No, I'm good to move on but thank you for asking.

G: Ok awesome! So my last question comes with a shout out to your amazing poetry. I think I already said this here, but I'm so in love with your poetry style. You write with such raw truth and vivid description. What is going through your mind when you're looking to find that perfect word, or complete that key line in your poetry?

H: Oh I love that question! I have no idea how I'm going to answer it yet..hahaha.

And thank you for your lovely words.

G: Of course! And, you could also twist it by talking about your writing process, if you want. Maybe that will lead to it.

H: So it's no secret I love the thesaurus and I use it a lot. I love nuance in language and so I really do want just the right word. I am incredibly deliberate. I just keep reading it over and over looking for the word that feels right, that aha moment.

G: I love the thesaurus!! I love the nuances you use, and I can tell that every word is so carefully chosen.

H: I will look up the origins of phrases, root meanings, words that match or describe anything scientific in the piece, lol. Science nerd and word nerd, unite!! (I have a B.S. in BCMB.)

G: Oh, origins of words! I love that. And I am such a fan of your scientific terms.

H: Thank you :)

G: Of course! It's so nice when that a-ha moment comes.

H: Yes...it's such a rush. And I know you are very purposeful too with your words.

G: Yes! We definitely have that in common. And the re-reading of our work...I do that until my head just about spins off.

Well, its been fun talking to you! You are so talented and I feel honored that I got to interview the Queen of Interviews herself!!Is there anything else you would like your readers to know?

H: I had the best time. You did great, and I appreciate that you offered to do this :)

Hmm, I would like readers to know that you can do what you want (within reason, lol, don't get arrested). But don't be afraid to try different things, and make up new things. I've never been a follower. Peer pressure always pissed me off. I may arrive at the same conclusion, but I've thought long and hard on it. Do your research and above all have fun.

That sounded like some cheesy high school year book blurb...hahahaha.

G: Such great advice! I'm going to use the term again but...I love it. Haha, definitely not cheesy. I love the part about not being a follower and not being afraid to do your own thing. And especially the part about having fun.

H: Yes, the fun part is the best. And if life is crapping on you, watch TikTok, bahaha.

G: And of course, it was a pleasure to interview you. You've done so much for the community.

LOVE that! Good old TikTok is always there for a laugh. Ok well, thank you again.

That will complete our interview.

H: YAY!!

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Secret after party...

H: Now you need to go eat dinner :)

G: I hope that was ok.

H: I really loved your questions.

G: Aw yay, I'm so glad.

H: People will probably think I'm crazy!!

G: No way! It's good to be silly. I was too.

H: I asked Jason his favorite pizza topping and had him sweating...it's so funny and right at the end :)

G: Haha! That's hilarious. I was reading Dana's interview today but haven't finished yet.

H: I'm kinda unapologetic though. You're endearing :)

G: Aww, thank you - you are GREAT! Honestly, no need to apologize for anything, own it.

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I hope you enjoyed this brief look into Heather's writing life and genius. I highly encourage everyone to check out her work and subscribe!

Chat interview conducted via facebook messenger on May 2, 2023.

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** (Heather speaking!) I'd like to give a huge shout-out to the fabulous, Gina C. for taking on this daunting task (hehe). She is such a wonderful friend and supporter. I could not have asked for a better person to do my interview. Please check out all of her show-stopping poetry and short fiction as well as her very own interview, the first one in the series!!

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And get caught up with the most recent one in the series with the amazing, Veronica Coldiron!!