Guest Author, Interview with Heidi Gray McGill

 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!

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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!

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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. 
  

 

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.

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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 most.
Keywords: Christian historical fiction, Heidi Gray McGill, Discerning God’s Best series, Christian romance Missouri, Christian author interview, post-Civil War fiction, faith-based fiction, Missouri Christian historical romance