Notes from the Shelf

Today’s Featured Author: Heather Ogden

For this author Q&A, Heather Ogden talks about her debut novel, The Betrayal: The Lies We Fear — a story that explores the psychology of power, fear, and truth. Heather kindly took the time to answer a few written questions about her writing journey, creative process, and the inspiration behind her story. I especially loved reading about how her early interest in scriptwriting eventually led her to novel writing, and how her fascination with human behavior shaped her characters and themes.

Meet Heather

Heather Ogden is a writer, fantasy worldbuilder, and lifelong storyteller who finds strength in solitude and meaning in imagination. As an introvert, she’s always been drawn to quiet spaces where deep emotions and layered characters can unfold without noise.

She writes to explore identity, power, and the fragile line between loyalty and truth—often through morally gray characters and emotionally intense worlds. Her stories come from a place of reflection, curiosity, and a desire to understand the unspoken.

When not writing, Heather loves immersive storytelling in all forms: whether it’s sinking into a novel, strategizing through a D&D campaign, or exploring character-driven video games. She believes fantasy is a mirror—and that some truths are best discovered in the dark.

Q&A

What inspired you to start writing in general?

Growing up, I wanted to be a lot of things that I eventually grew out of, but one interest always stayed with me — storytelling. When I was younger, I actually wanted to be a YouTuber. My mom told me I had to write a script and show it to her before I posted anything, and that’s where my love for writing really began. What started as a simple creative exercise became the foundation for everything I do now.

What inspires you to continue writing?

When I began writing those early scripts, I discovered a deep passion for storytelling. I love creating worlds and characters that feel alive — people I can talk to, grow with, and share with others. The realization that I could make something others might connect with made me want to keep doing this for life. Writing brings me joy and purpose, and I can’t imagine doing anything else.

When did you know you wanted to publish a book?

I didn’t seriously consider publishing a book until college. I had originally planned to pursue scriptwriting, but once I saw how difficult it was to break into the film industry, I decided to bring the stories to life in my own way — by turning my scripts into novels. That’s when The Betrayal began taking shape and when I truly fell in love with the idea of becoming an author.

As a debut author, what was your biggest challenge in writing and publishing your first book?

My biggest challenge was definitely the editing process. I’d had some bad experiences with editors before, so I was nervous about who to trust. Thankfully, I found Shelli — she’s been amazing, kind, and supportive, and she never makes me feel like I have to change my story to fit someone else’s vision.

On the publishing side, the hardest part was learning what’s “normal.” As a first-time author, I had to navigate timelines, expectations, and how everything flows in the publishing world while also trying to establish myself. It was a huge learning curve, but incredibly rewarding.

How did your personal experiences shape the emotional tones or themes of The Betrayal: The Lies We Fear?

The Betrayal was born out of my love for psychology. I’ve always been fascinated by what drives human behavior — especially how power, fear, and belief influence the choices people make. The emotional tone of the story came from that curiosity rather than personal experience. I wanted to explore how people find truth when loyalty and manipulation become tangled together.

What is your writing routine?

My writing routine consists of snacks, cozy settings, and just the right amount of distraction. I love settling onto the couch with my laptop, grabbing a handful of snacks, and diving into my world. I usually have the TV on and music playing — I need background noise to keep my mind focused, oddly enough!

How do you develop an idea from initial spark to finished manuscript?

The Betrayal actually began as a dream I had after reading 1984 by George Orwell. From there, the story went through years of growth as I evolved as a writer. The outlining process was full of change — new details added, others removed, and names rewritten more times than I can count. But through all that, The Betrayal grew into the version readers see today.

Have you dealt with writer’s block and how do you handle it?

Absolutely. When I hit a block, I step away from the section for a day or two. Then I come back with a fresh mind and figure out what’s actually wrong. Usually, it’s that the scene itself isn’t flowing, so I delete a few paragraphs and rewrite it completely. It sounds harsh, but starting over often helps the story move forward naturally.

What’s the best writing advice you’ve ever received?

The best advice I’ve ever received was about perfectionism. I used to believe I had to get everything right the first time. But someone once told me, “The first draft isn’t meant to be perfect — it’s meant to be written.” That completely changed how I approach writing. It reminded me that progress matters more than perfection.

Do you have any advice for aspiring authors?

Take the plunge, even if it scares you. There will always be risks and unknowns, but dreams are meant to be chased. If your dream is to become an author, follow it with everything you have — even when it feels uncertain.

Which books or authors have most influenced your writing?

The Michael Vey series by Richard Paul Evans has been one of my biggest influences. His storytelling style and use of shifting points of view inspired how I approach narrative perspective in my own writing. Finishing book eight of that series gave me the “itch” to start writing seriously myself.

What book(s) are you currently reading?

I’m currently on book eight of the Michael Vey series, The Parasite. I’ve also recently started A Court of Thorns and Roses, which I’ve been meaning to read for a while!

What’s something readers might be surprised to learn about you?

Something readers might be surprised to learn about me is that I’m a huge gamer and a longtime D&D player. I love storytelling both on and off the page, so creating characters and adventures with friends is one of my favorite ways to relax. I also love traveling and exploring new places — it keeps my creativity flowing and inspires a lot of the worlds I write about.

The Betrayal is the first book in a series. Can you give readers a hint at what’s coming next?

I’ve heard readers asking for more worldbuilding and lore — and I can promise, books two and three deliver! The next installments dive much deeper into the history, magic, and political layers of the world, revealing secrets that even Angelette doesn’t fully understand yet.

Connect with Heather

You can find Heather on Instagram at @writer_central24, on Facebook at Heather Ogden, or visit her website at thelieswefear.com.

Wrapping Up

I loved hearing about Heather’s writing journey and the heart behind The Betrayal: The Lies We Fear. Her curiosity about human behavior and her passion for storytelling come through in every answer. If you enjoy character-driven stories with a psychological edge, this one might be worth adding to your TBR.

You can follow Heather Ogden on social media to stay up to date on her upcoming releases — and keep an eye out for the next books in The Lies We Fear series, which promise even more worldbuilding, lore, and intrigue.

You can find Heather’s book ‘The Betrayal: The Lies We Fear’ through Bookshop.org. Every purchase supports independent bookstores and helps sustain Notes from the Shelf. (Affiliate link; I may earn a small commission.)

Read my review for The Betrayal

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