From Rejection to Bestseller: Heather B. Moore's 20-Year Writing Journey

In this inspiring episode of Called to Create, Scott and Darla Brandley sit down with award-winning author Heather B. Moore to explore her remarkable journey from aspiring writer to published success.

Heather shares the raw truth about her early writing career—starting at age 30 while helping her grandmother with her personal history, facing rejection after rejection, and nearly giving up on her dreams. But it was her husband's advice to "fight for it" and one pivotal phone call that changed everything.

In this episode, you'll discover:

• How Heather learned the craft of writing through a weekly critique group
• The hierarchy of rejection letters (and why the worst isn't always a form letter)
• The incredible story of writing a complete book in just 2 months while caring for four young children, including a nursing baby
• Why she writes from 4-7 AM, inspired by Mary Higgins Clark
• Her transition from LDS fiction to national historical novels, including World War II and Cold War stories
• Practical advice on setting personal goals, meeting deadlines, and staying motivated through the long publishing journey
• How to handle rejection, imposter syndrome, and comparing yourself to other writers

Key Takeaway: "Don't give up. If you wanna get published, don't give up. Just follow your heart—it's totally possible to achieve your dreams. Stay creative, stay close to the Lord, and know that creativity and writing is definitely a gift that we can cultivate."

Heather B. Moore has been writing for over 20 years, publishing everything from Biblical and Book of Mormon historical fiction to contemporary World War II novels. Her recent book Rebecca and Isaac won a praiseworthy award at LDS-PMA, and her latest work Her America (releasing August 2025) profiles eight women who transformed America.