Indie Author Spotlight, Episode 7

Hi! I'm S.E. Reed, an award-winning multi-genre Indie Author and volunteer at The Writer's Workout. Welcome to the next 'episode' of the newly resurrected Indie Author Spotlight. Each episode will feature a Q&A-style interview with an Indie Author. In addition, some of the authors have chosen to participate in a 2nd interview on my website, Writing With Reed, which I'll link at the end.

On today's episode, we are speaking with author Romany Heartford, who I've had the pleasure of interviewing in the past for my website. We met through our mutual publishing house and I was immediately drawn to her during one of our Zoom sessions. Romany is bright, fun, warm, and witty. Not to mention she's a heck of a writer.

Book Cover

Hey friend! I'm so happy to be interviewing you again. Can you tell us about yourself?

I’m Romany—an English teacher by day, wannabe author by night, and 24/7 book addict. My debut YA novel, Mad Girl’s Love Song, came out on February 18th! I’m basically a walking bookworm, so teaching English is the closest I can get to living in a library and getting paid for it. My love for writing started in childhood, but it wasn’t until my twenties that I realized writing wasn’t just a hobby—it was a full-blown obsession.

Tell us about your writing style (genre, age range, etc.)

I’m drawn to historical fiction, particularly when it involves the grit and drama of real life. But I also dabble in fantasy, especially when reality is already as bizarre as it gets—hello, Henry VIII and the French Revolution! I write YA fiction too, exploring themes of self-discovery and mental health, and I adore stories with unreliable narrators who make you question what’s real.

Tell us about a project you’re proud of and link it.

I’m most proud of Mad Girl’s Love Song. It’s a YA novel set on an isolated island where the Doctor and his team try to “fix” teens who don’t conform. It’s a deep dive into mental health, rebellion, and self-acceptance. Writing it was a journey, and I’m so excited for readers to meet Heli, the sharp, witty, and fiercely vulnerable protagonist. Find it here!

author Romany Heartford

Spill the tea, what are you currently working on?

I’m currently working on an adult historical novel set during the French Revolution. It’s about the complexities of survival in a world where just staying alive was a full-time job. I’m obsessed with the idea of resistance and revolt, and there’s something utterly captivating about stories that involve defying the odds.

What is your biggest/best piece of advice for other Indie Authors?

Find your people. I can’t stress this enough! Whether it’s a writing group, an online community, or just venting to friends who get it, having a support system makes all the difference. Writing doesn’t have to be a lonely road—sharing the journey with others is where the magic happens.

Who is your favorite Indie Author?

There’s so much talent out there, but I’d have to say I’m a huge fan of you Shelby! I admire the way you write with depth and authenticity, and such range. I also love how much you put into the book community.

Aweeee!! Well aren't you so sweet! I'm a huge fan of yours as well. And I'd love everyone to become a fan... so where can people find your work and social presence?

You can find my work on my website, and I’m active on social media too, sharing snippets of my writing process and some of my (questionable) musings. You can find me on Twitter, Follow me on X https://x.com/romanyheartford  Instagram, and Goodreads—all the usual spots for bookish chatter.

For more Romany, head over to my website for the 2nd installment of this spotlight: https://www.writingwithreed.com/post/bonus-episode-with-romany-heartford