Heather L.L. FitzGerald
Heather L.L. FitzGerald is excited to introduce readers to the realm of The Tethered World. She has always possessed the “what if” gene and an overactive imagination. As a homeschooling mother of four, she spent a lot of time immersed in reading stories to her kids while percolating quite a few of her own. Now that the kids are (mostly) grown, she’s enjoyed getting to spend more time pursuing writing, while her husband of 26 years cheers her on (and scratches his head at the crazy stuff floating around in her brain). She’s part of the North Texas Christian Writer’s group, and helps facilitate the Manet Writer’s group, along with blogging and Beta reading. The past two years she’s also had the privilege of judging a fan-fiction writing contest sponsored by author Susan K. Marlow.
Living near the big city of Fort Worth, Texas has afforded her family some special opportunities in the home school community. Over the last 12 years, Heather has taught ballet at a fine art school for homeschoolers—a large academy with nearly 900 students. Dance has always been her other passion because it uses music and movement to tell a story! She is overwhelmed by God’s grace that has allowed her to pursue both dance and writing.
Heather may be a Texan now, but she grew up in the Pacific Northwest, and used her beloved hometown of Orchards, Washington as the (above ground) setting for The Tethered World. Local landmarks like Beacon Rock and Burgerville make an appearance in her adventure, while one of her book’s quirkiest characters, Aunt Jules, is based on her best friend that still lives in the area.
Some of Heather’s favorite fantasy series include Gregor the Overlander, from Suzanne Collins (yes, she loves The Hunger Games, too!), The Wingfeather Saga, from Andrew Peterson (who’s music is equally moving), and The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis (her favorite of all: The Magician’s Nephew). Besides reading, writing, and dancing, Heather enjoys most creative outlets, such as painting, cooking, and decorating. One day she also hopes to add “travel” to her list of regular hobbies. In the meantime, drinking coffee is a cheaper habit—er—hobby, that she enjoys with much enthusiasm.