I love dogs. A lot. If you read closely, you’ll find a dog in each of my novels. Lolo, our German Shorthair Pointer is my constant companion. I take her with me whenever I can. She is my writing buddy, my reading buddy and the sweetest dog ever.

Family comes first. Always – no matter what. Period.

“Do what you love, love what you do.” Famous, wise words from beloved author Ray Bradbury. I am so fortunate to be able to follow two of my greatest passions – working in education and writing. By having the opportunity to pursue both of these loves I don’t become overly defined by one or the other. Working in education as a Title I Reading Coordinator keeps me grounded, reminds me of the importance of children and how crucial education is. Writing gives me the chance to express my creative side – create new worlds and characters.  When I’m at school my energies are focused on helping teachers and schools do what I think to be one of the most important jobs in the world – teaching kids how to read. And when I’m at home working on a novel I can escape the world around me.

I’m an unapologetic binge-watcher.  I love getting immersed in television shows and before I know it I’ve watched the first three seasons. Recently, I discovered The West Wing (I know haven’t we had enough of politics??) and the quirky Netflix series – Stranger Things.

I’m an unapologetic binge-reader. See above. The same goes for when I find a favorite author and series. Once I get started I can’t stop. I’m always on the lookout for the next Louise Penny, Inspector Gamache novels as well as anything new by Lisa Scottoline. I snatch up the newest Alexander McCall Smith’s Number One Ladies Detective Agency novel the minute it comes out. The same goes for MC Beaton’s Agatha Raisin and Hamish Macbeth series.

Mind, body and spirit matter. We’ve all heard it before – but it is true. When one of these three is out of harmony it impacts all other areas. So I try, and often fail, to take care of these three graces or gifts – because this is what they truly are, in balance. As a result, I read, I attempt to exercise, I pray and meditate even if it’s just for a few minutes each day.

I used to hide in a toy box. Yes, it’s true. When I was little I would toss out all the toys and climb in with a flashlight and a book. I still have the toy box but don’t hide in it anymore. Instead I store all my writing supplies inside.

I think chocolate should be its own food group. My current chocolate obsession is chocolate covered sea salt caramels from a gem of a candy store in my hometown ~ Betty Jane Candies. Whenever my stress level hits a critical level and I need a serious chocolate fix, I make a trip to Betty’s. I’m lucky to live within a few miles of two Betty Jane stores.

Treasure your journey. Again, not my words, but a mantra I’ve come to recite over and over again in good times and in bad. Again, as women, we tend to be really hard on ourselves and often forget that it’s okay to make mistakes. This is how we learn, how we grow. I will never be the perfect mother, teacher or writer, but I’m at peace with this, because I try to do each fully, honestly and with love.

I’m a homebody. My favorite place in the world is to be at home with family. I’m perfectly content sitting in my cozy chair reading a book with Lolo at my side. Don’t get me wrong, I love traveling too. One of the highlights of my life was when I was able to travel to London for my first novel The Weight of Silence. I would love to return one day.

Missing Pieces by Heather Gudenkauf is out 26th January (HQ, £7.99)

Heather Gudenkauf

Heather Gudenkauf