H.D. Reavis’s Stories, Lessons & Insights

H.D. Reavis shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.

Hi H.D., thank you so much for joining us today. We’re thrilled to learn more about your journey, values and what you are currently working on. Let’s start with an ice breaker: What are you chasing, and what would happen if you stopped?
There’s a story that will speak so deeply, so profoundly; that will envelope the reader so fully that they will lose track of time while reading it; a story that will spark conversation, and be remembered- that is what I am chasing as an author. Obviously as a writer we are quite content when our stories reach even an audience of one- that one reader is moved with enjoyment and finds something meaningful or fulfilling, even in an solely entertainment way- that is satisfying. As a storyteller we’ve reached an audience, even if it’s an individual one. But what if I reach a small group of five and in their excitement they share, and it just builds into an experience all its own. A story of that magnitude, that would be talked about and remembered, would be a job well done indeed.

Unfortunately that pursuit is a little daunting, it becomes the golden deer that roams in the forest and when I ever pin it down, capture it and look into it’s golden eyes- will I have in reality killed something I love? I believe in always pursuing better writing, trying new story formulas, experimenting; there’s a lot of pressure there. What’s popular right now? What themes are getting attention? Even, did I post that right on social media? It becomes a business model instead of a creative process. So, in that pursuit I must not lose track of the one simple task that is at the core of being an author: I am a story teller. If I were to let that hunt go, I would probably have the capacity to simply write without worry. That would be my hope at any rate. Do I step away from the hunt? Do I pursue the deer? Or do I simply let her be, free and wild and beautiful, hoping that one day she will wander to my side in trust?

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is H.D. Reavis and I am an indie fantasy author living in the southwestern United States. I’ve written for young middle school ages, all the way up to adult. My goal is to provide clean, exciting stories, with the clear understanding that good will prevail over evil; and that romance doesn’t have to stoop to graphic detail.

Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. What breaks the bonds between people—and what restores them?
Often when I write I deal with themes about honesty, grace, and love. I think wrapped up in those three are the elements that can make people stronger or break them. The first and perhaps the most important: honesty. That is such a crucial part to a healthy relationship. When people are honest about their expectations, their feelings, their goals it allows for understanding and growth. Those things spoken in love, with an end goal to build a better relationship, is a beautiful thing. But what happens when honesty is manipulated? When the words spoken are an outright lie? Maybe it’s a white lie; perhaps it is to save someone from hurt. But it’s still a lie. That is ultimately damaging. A lie rarely serves the better good of the one receiving it. It simply provides a way for the individual to avoid an uncomfortable truth. That will break a bond within moments of being discovered. Can it be restored? That is where grace comes in. There are hurts from the result of deception that may take years to heal, but with a view towards grace, it can happen. Grace isn’t merely forgetting, pretending the act never happened, it is an acknowledgement, an expectation of change, and then an agreement to strive patiently together. Which is not to say that all relationships will be restored to exactly how they were prior; a lie can and often alters a relationship into something new. Here is where my characters find love.

If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
Keep the voices talking. People will tell you all sorts of things, life will try to pull you all sorts of directions, but never stop listening to the voices inside you that want to tell stories. You are worth it. You have talent.

Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. Is the public version of you the real you?
Yes! Authenticity is very big for me. If I say I enjoy reading or cooking, it’s because I do both regularly. I cook dinner consistently for my family. I read something everyday. If I say I write clean romance, it means I also live with a strong moral code.

Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. If you knew you had 10 years left, what would you stop doing immediately?
I believe I would stop pursuing the hunt (laughs at herself), and just write as much as possible without any fear. Social pressure and expectations would go completely out the window. I would probably start saying yes to a lot more things with my family- staying up late, buying one more book, driving until the song is over.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.amazon.com/author/hdreavis
• Instagram: @hdreavis
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hdreavisauthor/