I have read many of Heidi’s stories, over a number of years.
Heidi is an excellent writer, from the description to the characters, to the
faith throughout. I appreciate her sharing stories about people of different
races, with a number of struggles and health issues/disabilities.
Guest Author Interview: Heidi Gray McGill on Faith, Fiction, and Finding
God’s Best
An
honest, heartfelt conversation between two blind authors, friends, and sisters
in Christ
Kathy:
Welcome, Heidi! It’s always a joy to chat with you—especially since I usually
get a sneak peek at your books before the rest of the world does. Thanks for
joining me today.
Heidi:
Thanks for having me, Kathy. You’ve been a gift to me in more ways than
one—friend, encourager, editor… and unofficial typo catcher-in-chief. I’m still
laughing about the time you caught that I wrote “shuttered” instead of
“shuddered.” Apparently, my heroine was closing windows in fear instead of
trembling. That’s what happens when autocorrect and a tired brain join forces!
Kathy:
Would you give our readers a brief bio? What do you enjoy doing when you’re not
writing?
Heidi:
Absolutely. I’m a Christian historical and contemporary fiction author who
writes with a touch of humor and a whole lot of heart. I live just south of
Charlotte, North Carolina, with my husband of over thirty years. I’m also a
proud Grammie—which might be my favorite role yet. When I’m not writing, you’ll
find me cooking comfort food, playing board games with friends, or soaking up
time with my grandsons.
Like
you, Kathy, I’m legally blind. Writing with less than 5% of my vision remaining
brings unique challenges, but God has been faithful through every one of them.
I rely heavily on assistive technology—and the encouragement of friends like
you!
Kathy:
Can you share a little about your writing journey? Any stories that still make
you smile?
Heidi:
I started writing in March 2020 after retiring from directing an ESL program. I
thought I’d write one book. Eight books later, here I
am—still loving every moment.
Early
on, I had three characters with names starting with the same letter. Even I
couldn’t keep them straight. That’s when I learned the importance of naming—and
of trusted editors! The learning curve was steep, but the joy of seeing God use
these stories to touch hearts? That’s what keeps me writing.
Kathy:
Do you have a writing schedule that works for you?
Heidi:
I’m more of a “rhythms over routines” kind of girl. Mornings are for
business—editing, emails, marketing, and keeping the house running. My creative
brain wakes up later. I usually find myself brimming with ideas in the evening,
after a day filled with real-life inspiration. That’s when I settle in and let
the words flow. I’ve learned to give myself grace and trust God’s timing—it’s
never failed me yet.
Kathy:
Where do you find your story ideas?
Heidi:
Real life is my best inspiration. Whether it’s stories shared by ESL students,
something I overhear at the store, or family history, I keep my ears and heart
open. I ask God to guide my imagination—and He never runs out of ideas.
Sometimes a simple question becomes the seed of an entire novel.
Kathy:
Tell us about one of your favorite authors.
Heidi:
I love Karen Witemeyer. Her stories are full of heart and faith, and she blends
romance and humor beautifully. Her characters feel real—flawed yet rooted in
truth. I aim for that same balance: writing authentic, faith-driven stories
with a sprinkle of joy.
Kathy:
I’m loving your Discerning God’s Best series,
especially since it’s set mostly in Missouri—my home state! Can you give
readers a glimpse into the heart of the series?
Heidi:
I’m so glad you’re enjoying it! The setting of the series is mainly the
fictional town of Shumard Oak Bend, Missouri, just after the Civil War. But it
actually begins earlier with the free prequel, Deep in My Heart,
set in Edgefield, South Carolina in 1857. Readers can get that story by signing
up for my newsletter. The series spans through 1878, ending with book five, Written
on My Heart. The overarching theme of learning to trust God’s
best—even when it doesn’t match our plans—connects each independent book.
Here’s
what I hope readers take from each one:
- In
Deep in My Heart
(prequel), readers are introduced to the roots of several
key characters and the themes of faithfulness and freedom that carry
through the series.
- In
Desire of My Heart
(Book 1), siblings Rachel and Charlie, along with Melvin
Trexler, must learn what it means to wait on the Lord. Not passively—but
faithfully. I hope readers are encouraged to listen for God’s voice, even
when it’s quiet.
- In
With All My Heart
(Book 2), Robin and Pete must surrender what they thought
they wanted. It’s a story about letting go of control and allowing God to
lead, even when the path forward is unclear.
- In
Stitched on My Heart
(Book 2.5), Delphina’s journey reminds us that small,
faithful acts—done in obedience—can lead to unexpected healing. Sometimes
God stitches together a life of purpose from the scraps we thought were
useless.
- In
Matters of the Heart
(Book 3), Katie and Hans wrestle with finding their
identity in Christ rather than performance or people-pleasing. I hope
readers see that our worth is never earned—it’s already given.
- In
Healing of the Heart
(Book 4), Thomas and Teddy must face their pasts and learn
how grace and love can mend the deepest wounds. It’s about how God uses
even broken pieces to make something beautiful.
- In
Written on My Heart
(Book 5), Deputy Gabe Manning and schoolteacher Betsy
Smith both struggle with belonging—each in their own way. Their story is
about discovering that home isn’t always a place—it’s a Person. And God’s
love is big enough to write His truth on every heart, no matter how
bruised or burdened.
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More
than anything, I want readers to close each book feeling seen, encouraged, and
reminded that God is still at work—still writing beautiful stories, even during
our mess.
Want to start the journey?
You
can grab Deep in My Heart, the prequel to the Discerning
God’s Best series, for free when you
sign up for my newsletter. Just visit heidigraymcgill.com to begin.
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Title:
Author Interview with Heidi Gray McGill: Trusting God’s Best Through Fiction
Meta Description: Christian author Heidi Gray
McGill shares her writing journey, the heart behind her Discerning
God’s Best series, and why faith, trust, and God’s timing matter
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Keywords: Christian historical fiction, Heidi Gray
McGill, Discerning God’s Best series, Christian romance Missouri, Christian
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