Yvonne Heidt

Temporary Insanity - I Blame Andi Marquette.

Yvonne Heidt — Mon, 10 Jun 2013 14:55:45 +0000

I went temporarily insane this last week.

I blame Andi Marquette. No, really.

I read this really great interview she did with Eden Glenn last week on her author spotlight blog. In it, she answered a question about how she started writing fiction. It’s a great interview and you can find the whole thing HERE.

The one thing that I've learned about writing and publishing in the last three years is how long it actually takes to get a book to market.

Into The Magical Kingdom

Yvonne Heidt — Mon, 03 Jun 2013 14:16:26 +0000

Reblogged from Women and Words:

In 1968 (or so), my family moved across the street from the San Francisco Richmond Branch Library, and though we lived in a tiny run-down house at the time, this was our view:

As a six year old – I viewed this as a fantasy castle, a virtual palace full of secrets just waiting to be discovered.

My mother took me in and got me a card to this magical place.

Loving My Niece, Mikaela Lynch

Yvonne Heidt — Sun, 19 May 2013 18:01:39 +0000

I’m an author, I write for a living. But aside from Daughter’s obituary, this is the hardest thing I have ever put on paper.

Last Sunday, on Mother’s day – on a Facebook post no less – I learned that my beautiful niece, Mikaela Lynch – was missing. The beloved daughter of my brother and his wife was gone from their house.

Do I need to describe how my blood turned to ice-water? The way that panic beat so hard in my chest I thought my heart would burst? Those horrific dark days of searching that turned into a tragic loss.

But this isn’t about me at all.

This is about showing love for the Lynch’s – my blood, my family. This is about remembering Mikaela, and how many people she touched.

I have never in my life met two people who were more in love with their child. Every single time they looked Mikaela, their faces lit up from within. It was a beautiful thing to witness. A gorgeous child that took after both – a perfect blend of love. She was cherished.

They say that special children pick their parent’s – and Mikaela couldn’t have chosen better. From the time she was a baby and began having seizures, Michael and Bari were on it. The doctors, the specialists, the care givers – and woe to the ones that crossed her in any way.

They never gave up hope or treated her any differently. They were told horrible things by insensitive people who thought they were trying to give them a dose of reality about Mikaela’s condition.

Michael and Bari dressed that baby up every day and included her in everything. Everything. She went everywhere with them, regardless of what they were told. And that never changed as Mikaela grew. Their entire household, and each minute of their lives revolved around Mikaela and her needs.

They have a village, literally – for her. Over the years, friends, teachers, caregivers, and family were all drawn to this special little girl, and fell in love with her.

Was she challenging? Yes. To not acknowledge that wouldn’t be honest – but Mikaela was never shut away, or out of the family’s everyday life. It was heart wrenching to see her hurt herself, locked away in her mind. Clothes? Forget it. She couldn’t stand the fabric against her skin – but she had an entire wardrobe, and she would be dressed patiently each time she stripped them off.

When she began climbing – things that couldn’t be nailed down and or braced to wall – were taken out of the house. Barriers were erected onto all railings, locks and alarms installed on all the doors. Seven foot fences were installed. Sling swings hung in the living room in every house they owned. Anything and everything that could be a comfort for Mikaela, was provided – in any space in the house she wanted to be.

Mikaela sang, laughed, and learned to communicate. She gave big hugs and awesome kisses. She was smart too. She knew where the cookies were in the cupboard and how to get to them! She learned to sign, and loved taking baths, as the water comforted and soothed her. She loved horses, and riding.

And she was loved beyond measure. Having witnessed this for myself, and being blessed by spending time with Mikaela, how on earth is it even possible to offer comfort to my brother and sister-in-law? To Ryan, my nephew?

To Billie and Gerald, her maternal grandparents?

To my mother and Papa, who have now lost three grandchildren?

To my sisters, and their children.

To the friends who have supported Michael and Bari, the teachers who adored her?

To the thousands of people who have shared their prayers, condolences, and their own heartbreaking stories over the last week?

How do I grieve myself?

To say I want take it all away is an understatement. To say I’m sorry – seems so insignificant. But I sincerely would do anything in the world to lessen the pain her loss has caused.

All I can share is my love. It is here, for you – and freely given from my soul. It’s all I have to give.

You know, I always thought that my niece had a great secret going on with the Angels. I believe she could hear them, and they sang to her. I believe she is happy, talking up a storm, and dancing with her cousin, Dezi. I can only think of that as wonderful.

Mikaela Renee Lynch came into this world naked, through the water of life. She left us the same way.

And our lives will be never the same.

I would like to thank everyone involved. But again, are mere words enough?

I can only tell you that I have a new cause in my life now – and a personal passion to get behind and run with as hard as I can.

If you would like to know more about Mikaela – please visit MIKAELA’S VILLAGE.

Or visit her on Facebook HERE.

Losing My Religion

Yvonne Heidt — Mon, 06 May 2013 13:05:55 +0000

Reblogged from Women and Words:

That's me in the corner. That's me in the SPOT-light....

Okay, I got that out of my system!

I waffled back and forth considerably when I considered writing the subject matter in this blog.

Then again, I’m a Libra, I’m used to it.

I’m not exaggerating when I tell you I own the “people-pleasing” gene. It appears to be an inherent quality that’s deep within the fabric of my spirit.

She's Got Spirit

Yvonne Heidt — Wed, 01 May 2013 16:54:55 +0000

Reblogged from Women and Words:

One of our very own bloggers, Bold Strokes Books author Yvonne Heidt, offers a healthy dose of paranormal with her romance. Listen to hear what she has to say about love and ghosts.

Also, don't forget to join Karis Walsh and me this Saturday for a Shindig event - a live, interactive video chat. All the details are here.

Check out my interview with Carsen Taite :)

The Week of Deserae

Yvonne Heidt — Mon, 29 Apr 2013 15:16:53 +0000

Reblogged from Women and Words:

I had an entirely different blog planned today. But I can’t get my daughter, Deserae, out of my mind. This is not an amusing story, but instead a piece of my heart that I'm sharing.

I have the gift of words, the gift of communication. I have a voice, and my purpose is to use it. I am part of a club that no-one ever wants to join.

Crank Calls in Austin, Texas

Yvonne Heidt — Mon, 22 Apr 2013 20:46:14 +0000

Reblogged from Women and Words:

I spent April 5th and 6th in Austin, Texas, at my first Lone Star LesFic Festival. If you missed my first blog covering Friday night - you can read about Dinner with the Boss - right here, and catch up.

Okay, ready?

Sandy wanted to personally thank Shelley Thrasher and Barbara Ann Wright for making me laugh in a way she hadn't heard in a while.

Dinner with the Boss - Friday Night - Lone Star LesFic Festival 2013

Yvonne Heidt — Mon, 08 Apr 2013 16:50:12 +0000

Reblogged from Women and Words:

First of all, I have to tell you, I've only been a published author for less than a year. I was (am) a huge fan and reader of lesbian fiction. When I received an email from Dr. Yvette Murray, in November of last year, inviting me to be a guest author at the Lone Star LesFic Festival in Austin, my first book, Sometime Yesterday, had only been released two months prior.

Lone Star LesFic Festival

Yvonne Heidt — Thu, 04 Apr 2013 21:21:50 +0000

If ya’ll are in Austin Texas this weekend – and why wouldn’t you be – come and see me! I’m attending my very first Lone Star LesFic Festival!

Sandy and I are beyond excited to be attending and meeting so many wonderful authors. I have to confess – meeting Radclyffe will be surreal. I’m praying to the Goddess that watches over Blondes – that I don’t say anything stupid…

Editors are Murderers

Yvonne Heidt — Thu, 28 Mar 2013 20:04:13 +0000

Reblogged from Bold Strokes Books Authors' Blog:

By Russ Gregory

There’s a sort of push-pull, dance-to-the-death between writers and editors that rarely breaks out in actual physical violence but none-the-less leaves emotional scars. I’m not referring to disagreements over the placement of a comma or the appropriate use of passive voice. I’m talking about flat out murder… the killing of darlings.

As my editor Greg Herren explains it…