Anne Heck lights the way for those seeking to heal from life’s traumas. In her memoir, Anne demonstrates the importance of clear intention, of trusting inner guidance and the transformative power of forgiveness.
Anne Reeder Heck – 5 February 2021
The Back Flap
“Anne has explored in depth her healing path so that others can navigate their trials with greater ease and inspiration. Pay attention to the teachings offered in this book and you will be supported in new and unexpected ways on your own path to healing.”
~ Lynne Twist, Co-Founder, The Pachamama Alliance; Founder, The Soul of Money Institute; best-selling author, The Soul of Money
“A testament to resilience of the human spirit, Anne Heck’s story traces the trauma of rape all the way to a place of hard earned equanimity. Her unconventional path offers hope and wisdom to any trauma survivor. And Anne’s willingness to share her story with unflinching honesty is a powerful signal in a world where too many women know the trauma of rape.”
~ Gail Straub, Co-Founder, Empowerment Institute and award-winning author, Empowerment and Returning to My Mother’s House
About the book
What is the book about?
When faced with adversity, what we believe makes all the difference. This inspiring true story offers the gripping and uplifting details of a story that sparked national interest.
At age twenty-six, Anne was brutally raped by a stranger. Years later, still seeking to heal the remnants of this trauma, Anne stands alone in her living room one winter day and claims aloud “this is my year of strength.” Her clear intention results in a phone call; her rapist has been identified–and it has been fourteen years since the crime.
Appearing on the front page of The Washington Post and interviewed by Diane Sawyer on Good Morning America, Anne Heck lights the way for those seeking to heal from life’s traumas. In her memoir, Anne demonstrates the importance of clear intention, of trusting inner guidance and the transformative power of forgiveness.
When did you start writing the book?
I began writing this book in 2017.
How long did it take you to write it?
It took a little over two years to write the book.
Where did you get the idea from?
This is a memoir so it’s my lived experience.
Were there any parts of the book where you struggled?
The writing and extensive editing process were grueling. I hadn’t anticipated how emotionally draining this would be. What I learned is that writing about trauma can be re-traumatizing. I had thought that it could be healing, but for me that wasn’t the case. Writing and editing required great self-compassion and self-care.
What came easily?
I found it easy to connect with the parts of the story that inspired me to write it in the first place – the miracles that occurred on my path of healing.
Are your characters entirely fictitious or have you borrowed from real world people you know?
This is a true story.
We all know how important it is for writers to read. Are there any particular authors that have influenced how you write and, if so, how have they influenced you?
I typically read nonfiction work as I love true life stories, especially those that offer hope. I was inspired by Amy Scher’s This is How I Save My Life, another true and uplifting story of healing, and Returning to My Mother’s House by Gail Straub. I was grateful to have both of these authors endorse my work.
Do you have a target reader?
While the reader audience includes survivors of sexual violence, the book will appeal to anyone who’s been affected by trauma, is on a healing path, or is looking for miracles.
About Writing
Do you have a writing process? If so can you please describe it?
My writing process for A Fierce Belief in Miracles was, at first, to discipline myself to write everyday. I soon learned that I needed to take breaks from the writing to recalibrate my emotions. Writing became a practice of inner listening and self compassion, and this balance worked for me.
Do you outline? If so, do you do so extensively or just chapter headings and a couple of sentences?
I didn’t outline. Instead, I knew the stories that I needed to tell and began with those. From there, I added backstory and filled in parts that were clearly needed for the reader to understand my healing journey.
Do you edit as you go or wait until you’ve finished?
I did both, but found that editing as I wrote was distracting. When I got in a flow and told the story as I would speak it, my writing was easier and more efficient.
Did you hire a professional editor?
I did hire an editor/writing coach. As I had never written a book before, I felt there was much to be learned. It was a great choice for me and I learned many helpful tips along the way.
Do you listen to music while you write? If yes, what gets the fingers tapping?
No music; I like stillness because I can hear the words coming through me.
About Publishing
Did you submit your work to Agents?
No, I wanted to be part of a circle of women in the field of writing and She Writes Press was attractive to me. It’s been beautiful to be supported by other women authors with this first book.
What made you decide to go Indie, whether self-publishing or with an indie publisher? Was it a particular event or a gradual process?
The attraction of being part of a women’s circle of writers and having the support of that network was appealing. I researched my options and felt this the best way to go.
Did you get your book cover professionally done or did you do it yourself?
This was done through She Writes Press, but I chose the photo.
Do you have a marketing plan for the book or are you just winging it?
I hired a publicist and worked with them for five months. Now, I’m reaching out to folks on my own.
Any advice that you would like to give to other newbies considering becoming Indie authors?
There are many options available. It’s helpful to do your research, considering effort, timing of publication, expense, input into the look/feel of the book, ownership of your work, and then find the best fit for you. Ultimately, it’s important to trust yourself.
About You
Where did you grow up?
Barnesville, Ohio
Where do you live now?
Asheville, NC
What would you like readers to know about you?
Anne Reeder Heck’s life and livelihood are brimming with miracles. As a seasoned facilitator of spiritual circles for women, a certified Healing Touch practitioner, and an ordained interfaith minister, Anne is devoted to inspiring and guiding others to trust themselves, open to their intuitive guidance, and experience the magic of life through ceremony, positive intention and a creative, curious spirit.
Anne’s life training has been diverse and compelling. In addition to graduating with honors in chemistry and receiving her MAT, Anne is trained in spiritual dowsing, conscious languaging, women’s rites of passage, and transformational speaking. She is a self-taught artist, specializing in doll making, fiber arts and watercolor. She has trained in and/or participated in over seventy different healing modalities and is grateful to have studied with a multitude of wise and generous teachers.
Anne lives in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains with her husband of 26 years and her sweet retriever pup. She can often be found hiking nearby trails or meditatively turning her pedals on the Blue Ridge Parkway. When she’s not outdoors, Anne is passionately speaking, facilitating workshops, mentoring, writing or making art. To learn more about Anne’s offerings, or to see photos of her healing dolls, visit her at www.anneheck.com.
What are you working on now?
I’m currently writing a children’s book of poems about the little people of the forest. I have another two books in the works, one of them entitled The Power in You that focuses on accessing your inner strength and authenticity; the other is a workbook to facilitate empowerment workshops for mothers and daughters. I’m leading some zoom classes, including free teachings on Tuesdays. I also do one-on-one spiritual coaching, and have various creative projects in the works.
End of Interview:
Get your copy of A Fierce Belief in Miracles from Amazon US or Amazon UK.