We recently connected with Heather Kirchhoff and have shared our conversation below.

Heather, appreciate you joining us today. We’d love to hear about a project that you’ve worked on that’s meant a lot to you.

All of my projects are meaningful to me, but I do have one in particular I want to talk about today.

My debut book is called The Last Time, and it follows a teenager grieving the loss of her boyfriend while unexpectedly falling in love with someone else.

The Last Time is completely different now than when I first sat down to write it in 2012.

This book contains losing someone to suicide.

I chose to write The Last Time because I wanted to show what it’s like after you lose someone to suicide. I wanted to show the uncertainty and the questioning. I wanted to show that no it’s not best to die–your loved ones will feel the loss deeply.

The Last Time wasn’t as romance focused originally as it is now.

It still goes into the topic of losing someone to suicide and the grief that follows, but it also has a happier ending for the main character.

My main character struggles with depression, which started before the suicide but deepened afterwards. She learns ways to cope with the loss while falling for someone who’s supporting her.

Bad things happen but it doesn’t have to lead to the end of life.
You’re stronger than you believe. You can live through hard things.
And if you’re going through something that you can’t get through on your own, then don’t be afraid to get help. Someone will be more than willing to help you.

Suicide is a topic close to my heart.

I almost lost someone to it myself years ago.

And so many people take this route, thinking no one will notice or care.
Trust me, they do.

Other trigger warnings for The Last Time involve unexpected pregnancy, bullying and considering self-harm.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I write Young Adult contemporary romance!

I currently have The Last Time and Smitten with You published. I am working on the next book, which I’m hoping to release in late 2026/early 2027!
I’m also currently updating The Last Time’s cover!

I was inspired to write by Twilight by Stephanie Meyer, Vampire Academy by Richelle Mead and Evermore by Alison Noel when I was thirteen! So I’ve been writing for about seventeen years.

Since then I’ve written countless novels and short stories!

I have dived into several genres, such as paranormal, horror, fantasy, realistic fiction and romance. I’ve even written a little poetry.

I decided to strictly write romance stories. I’m excited to publish many more!

A little about me…

I love traveling! I want to visit all fifty states! I’m currently at nine (not including the states we’ve driven through/stayed overnight but didn’t explore).

I’m married!

We have four cats: Sassy, Hunter, Midnight and Ember. I love sharing them on my social media!

My favorite artist is Taylor Swift.

I also love Dr Pepper!

I work in a nursing home, so, unfortunately, this isn’t my full-time job. But I’m hoping it will be one day! Or, at least, part time.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

I just want to share romance books.

I want to make you cry one book, then laugh the next.

I have a passion for writing in general, but I really want to write about topics that aren’t talked about much.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

The most rewarding thing is seeing someone enjoy the product I worked hard to create.

I love crafting stories. I love having control over what my characters think/say/do.

I enjoy seeing everything come together–between the story, cover, editing and formatting. Seeing it in person is always an amazing feels.

I especially love when someone gives my story a chance. Even one person reading makes the difficult days worth it to me.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heatherkirchhoffwritesya
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorHeatherKirchhoff
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_v724s7_4tRFapDjcHnBOw
• Other: https://linktr.ee/heatherkirchhoff