Reflect and Resolve with Heidi Gray McGill

2020 and all its challenges reminded me there is a silver lining in everything. I started my debut book, Desire of My Heart, in 2019 and placed it on a shelf after my first reviews clearly indicated it needed more time and attention than I was willing to invest. In March of 2020, my schedule cleared, because of all the changes happening in our world, and I no longer had an excuse. It was time to start writing again.  I dusted off the cover and gave my book the attention it needed—and it flourished under such care! Nine months later I birthed my first book.

My 2021 goals continue to evolve.  With All My Heart, book 2 in the Shumard Oak Bend novels will be finished early in the year.  I have plans for a prequel, a short side story, and book 3.  Pretty aggressive, but exciting!  I am also writing a first-person, contemporary fiction to challenge me and grow my writing skills.

Heidi Gray McGill loves to travel, especially to foreign lands, even though she speaks no foreign language.  She embraces the culture, the food, and even the inconveniences that come with adventure.

Her thirst for adventure plays out in her writing.  If she can’t visit in person, especially in 2020 during the Covid-19 Crisis, why not visit in her mind, and eventually in writing?  When mishaps are shared in her stories, a slightly tweaked personal incident could be possible, although she will most likely deny all reference to reality.

In addition to writing, Heidi is the founder and Director of an English as a Second Language Program in her hometown.  She is an ESL certified teacher and enjoys providing opportunities for non-native speakers to learn English and of God’s love.  

Heidi lives out daily her favorite Bible verse, 1 Samuel 1:18 “[Hannah] said, ‘May your servant find favor in your eyes.’ Then she went her way and ate something, and her face was no longer downcast.”  Heidi identifies with Hannah, believing we each choose to be joyful in our hearts, no matter our circumstances. She also agrees that eating something, especially chocolate, can solve myriad issues. 

Heidi has been married for nearly 30 years and lives near Charlotte, NC where she spends her days having fun with her grandson.  When she isn’t playing, you’ll find her cooking, scrapbooking, or writing.  She recently released her first book, Desire of My Heart, and is working on a sequel, With All My Heart.

Find Heidi Gray McGill online on Bookbub or her website.