What inspired you to write DIRTY BLOOD?
I knew I wanted to do a story about werewolves that was different than anything currently out there. It actually began as a NaNoWriMo project (National Novel Writing Month) in November 2010 and sort of morphed from there. I wrote the first draft, just over 50k words, in that first month. It was a crazy, whirlwind experience and taught me a lot about myself and my writing process to do it. Looking forward to it again this year. If you’ve never heard of it, check it out. They raise money for literary awareness and getting more books into school libraries and such.
Are there any more in the series, if so how many?
So far there is one other in the series currently available: Cold Blood. It was released in November 2011. Book 3 will be out end of summer 2012. I *think* there will be 5, but maybe 6, in all.
If so, have you planned the entire storyline, and do you know how it’s going to end?
yes, and yes. *grins excitedly* I know exactly how it ends. And most of the way I’m going to get there. But I change my mind a lot, usually right in the middle of building a scene, so I try to leave some of it open to figure out when I get there. Some wiggle room. But the important things and the culmination, those are all things I know. (P.S. Its epic!!!)
Was there any particular scene/chapter that was your favorite to write?
I LOVED the plunger scene. It speaks so much to Tara’s “improv” tendencies and her “make it up as you go” personality. And I loved when Wes found out and cracked up laughing.
Which books are you reading right now?
Just finished CoLS by Cassandra Clare. Love her. I mean, LOVE her. I’ve read all her books and I say all the time, SHE is who I want to write like “when I grow up.” About to start Catching Fire (Hunger Games #2) since I’m like the only person on the planet who hasn’t read them all yet. And then Hourglass by Myra McEntire. And then… and then… (No more “and then!”)
What’s next on the agenda?
For reading, see above. For writing, I am smack in the middle of book 3 (Dirty Blood series). No title or cover has been released yet. Hoping to do that in June so check back. I can tell you, for fans of the series, this will be the best one yet!
Tell us one thing about Heather Hildenbrand that we won’t be able to find on the Internet?
I am stupid-scared of slugs. Like cower in a corner afraid. Although, I may have said that on a blog somewhere. So… something NOT yet on the internet? How about: I quote movie lines a lot (see above with the “and then”) Like, ALL the time. My kids do it, too, now. Classic go-to’s: Little Rascals, Newsies, the Other Sister, Little Mermaid, Sandlot. Too many to name. My 6yr old son knows to say “You’re killing me smalls.” He can also recite the entire ‘mallow-roasting dialogue. “You want a s’more?” “How can I have s’more? I haven’t had any yet.”
What inspired you to write about werewolf slaying?
Real life.
Ha ha, just kidding. (I wish!) First, I love YA PNR. It’s my favorite to read so it stands to reason that’s what I love to write.
Also, I am fascinated with wolves and their pack dynamic and human-like relationships so it starts there. And the “slayer” angle is fascinating in its own right. It’s an age-old dilemma in fiction: “what if you fell in love with those you were supposed to kill.” With a paranormal twist.
What music did you listen to when writing this book? (I had Muse: Resistance running a lot when reading this)
I don’t often listen to music when I write. I’m the minority, I know. But I have kids and the only time there is peace and quiet to write is when they’re at school. And I love quiet. (another fun fact: loud noises scare me.) So, when they are gone and it’s time to work, I don’t want to spoil the quiet with anything. I do listen to music when I plot and edit, though, and certain songs help inspire the “feel” of a character or scene. For Dirty Blood, Wes’ song is “Hey Jude,” by the Beatles. I love the version from the movie Across the Universe. I love that movie, period. (I dig musicals.)
I also listen to Sea Wolf, The Fray, Paramore. Uhhhh what else? Oh I love Matchbox Twenty. The old stuff.
I felt some character building outside of the main ones could have been worthy, especially with the girl
Tara hated so much. What is her story? I believe her name was Cindy. (Ex: Cindy making out with George.)
Oh yes! Do not forget about Cindy. The thing is, Tara’s stepped into this whole new world she never knew existed, so at the end of book 1/beginning of book 2, she’s shoved into that world for a while. But things will circle back around. Her worlds will merge. And Cindy’s story is coming. 
It was referenced in the book by Leo “they are too powerful for their blood”. If Tara did take on the “savior” role what happened? The book ended abruptly and it left me hanging on what happened with her leadership and the relationship with Wes.
You’ll just have to read book 2 and find out!
