As Kourtney Heintz, I write emotionally evocative speculative fiction that captures the deepest truths of being human. For my characters, love is a journey never a destination. My debut novel, The Six Train to Wisconsin, was a 2012 Amazon Breakthrough Novel Semifinalist and will be published in May 2013.
As K.C. Tansley, I write contemporary fantasy novels for young adults. Believing in the unbelievables & writing about it.
Avid blogger, part-time ranter, mildly-obsessed archer, occasional bellydancer.
If you’re interested in hearing about the day-to-day struggles to write the best books I can possibly write and to become a published author, then you’ve come to the right place.
They say a journey of a thousand miles begins with one step. Let’s see where my feet take me.
And if you want more info on me, check out my website: kourtneyheintz.com.
104 comments
Comments feed for this article
September 22, 2010 at 12:40 pm
ReadersHeaven
Hi, nice to meet you !
September 22, 2010 at 3:58 pm
Kourtney Heintz
Nice to meet you too!
January 27, 2011 at 10:28 am
Joan
Kourtney, thank you for the Bell post. I, too am an aspiring writer and soak up all the help I can get. Appreciate it that you took the time and made his comments so coherent.
January 27, 2011 at 4:44 pm
Kourtney Heintz
Glad to help. I process everything I learned when I type up my notes. And it give people a chance to hear about topics too.
There was also live blogging on the WD conference website, which gives great overviews of all the sessions: http://www.writersdigestconference.com/category/live-from-the-conference
June 18, 2011 at 2:47 am
quindalina
It’s so funny, I just saw your comment on my blog, so I checked out yours (very nice!) and I am also originally from little Connecticut!! What a small world:)
June 18, 2011 at 11:26 am
Kourtney Heintz
Thanks! I love reading about your travels. You have a fantastic writing style that makes me feel like we’re gabbing over coffee. You know how to draw the reader in. How cool that you’re from CT originally.
I grew up here too, moved away from about 16 years and then came back for a while. It’s always nice to come home. 
October 27, 2011 at 7:55 am
2btotallyliterate
Hi Kourtney, the laws of probability not favoring the aspiring novelist, I think you would be wise–no matter how wonderful your innate talent–to expend most of your efforts on short pieces. As you get feedback on your work, your talent will bloom and, more important, you will not be overcome with frustration.
One other thing, I urge you to be your unique self. In other words, don’t try to be like anyone else. If you do, you’ll err. As fact, your perspective has been influenced by myriad factors, and it is different from all others’. Good luck!
October 27, 2011 at 10:21 am
Kourtney Heintz
Thanks for visiting and sharing your thoughts. Publishing short stories is no easier than publishing a book unfortunately. As for getting feedback, I have beta readers, I attend conferences with agent critiques, and I also participate in charity auctions where agents/editors/pubbed authors critique my work. I prefer writing books so that is where I focus my talents. I am completely aware of how difficult a goal I have here. When I wanted to go to Georgetown, many people told me that was impossible. Guess what? I got accepted early action and graduated from Georgetown. I remain true to myself and my voice in my writing.
December 24, 2011 at 6:07 pm
jmmcdowell
Thanks for following my blog – also the record of my writing journey. I’m looking forward to reading more of your posts.
December 24, 2011 at 9:57 pm
Kourtney Heintz
You’re very welcome! I’m very interested in hearing more about your writing journey. It’s a lonely path trying to get published and it’s great to meet someone else who is experiencing similar ups and downs.
January 10, 2012 at 6:19 am
jmmcdowell
Good morning!
I’ve nominated you for the Kreativ Blogger award. You can find the details at http://jmmcdowell.wordpress.com/2012/01/10/the-kreativ-blogger-award/
I hope it helps even more people find your blog!
January 10, 2012 at 12:06 pm
Kourtney Heintz
Thanks so much JM! *Huge smile* I’ll check the details out immediately.
January 19, 2012 at 11:45 am
Sally Panayiotou
Hi Kourtney, I would like to pass on the One lovely blog award to you
http://sallypanayiotou.wordpress.com/
Sally P aka limebirdsally
x
January 19, 2012 at 12:08 pm
Kourtney Heintz
Thanks so much Sally! It’s wonderful to know you’ve enjoyed my posts and felt they deserved an award!
January 19, 2012 at 7:41 pm
lscotthoughts
Hi Kourtney,
Thanks so much for your visit and I wish you all the best in your publishing endeavors! You’ve already put yourself in the inner circle, so I’m sure with perseverance, you’ll make it to the finish line! I’ll read more of your posts, too!
January 19, 2012 at 7:57 pm
Kourtney Heintz
Thank LScott! Wishing you the best of luck too! I’m glad to have found your blog and I’ll be visiting often.
January 20, 2012 at 7:22 am
limebirdbeth
Limebird Writers have nominated you for the 7 x 7 award! Woo hoo, congratulations. – http://limebirduk.wordpress.com/2012/01/20/wowzers-we-have-been-nominated-for-the-7×7-award/
January 20, 2012 at 9:48 am
Kourtney Heintz
Beth, thanks so much for the award. It’s so cool when someone lets you know they enjoy your posts!
January 20, 2012 at 4:21 pm
indiaphare
Hey, I’m passing on the One Lovely Blog Award to you because your blog is definitely lovely, and a lot of fun. You can see the details here: http://indiaphare.wordpress.com/2012/01/20/one-lovely-blog-award/
Thanks for keeping me entertained!
January 20, 2012 at 8:03 pm
Kourtney Heintz
Thanks so much India! So delighted to hear my blog entertains you.
February 14, 2012 at 1:41 pm
Janet
Hi Kourtney,
Nice to meet you and thanks for following my blog. All the best with your novels. I guess you’ll let us know via your blog how things turn out.
February 14, 2012 at 3:38 pm
Kourtney Heintz
Hi Janet,
Congrats on your blog award! Glad to follow such a cool blogger.
Thanks! I’m querying away on the adult book and revising the YA. I’ll keep you posted about how things turn out on my blog/FB/Twitter. When I get an agent, I’ll also be shouting from my rooftop for the greater CT area. 
February 15, 2012 at 6:29 am
Victoria-writes
Thanks for following me, love connecting with other writers on their publishing journey! Looking forward to reasing your blog!
February 15, 2012 at 9:58 am
Kourtney Heintz
You’re welcome. I’m looking forward to hearing more about your publishing journey too.
It’s great to find other writers in the trenches.
March 4, 2012 at 8:56 pm
Cat Forsley
So wonderful to REALLY connect
VIRTUALLY yes – But ———— You are One Coooooool lady 
U know what I mean ? Sometimes You Just Kinda Feel Like You know The person – from their style of writing perhaps – I dunno what It is ………
Totally wonderful Kourtney —– xo Catherine ……x 
“In the Trenches ” above comment —–
March 4, 2012 at 10:40 pm
Kourtney Heintz
People’s words are so personal. I totally get what you mean. Reading your blog gives me a glimpse into your mind. And I really enjoy learning about you. Delighted to be WordPress buddies.
March 5, 2012 at 6:59 am
Cat Forsley
Delighted FOR SURE = ME ………:)
and That is such a healthy thing —- I SO LOOK FORWARD TO READING MORE …….:)))))) Your wordpress Buddy 
xx
Looking into the Mind of a writer and artist – Gives us all perspective –
March 5, 2012 at 10:11 am
Kourtney Heintz
Hi Catherine! Being inside the mind of a writer and artist is such a crazy fun place to be.
Thanks for all your support!
Hugs,
Kourtney
March 5, 2012 at 10:16 am
Cat Forsley
IT SURE IS ——
XX
ENLIGHTENING ——- PERSPECTIVE AND MIND OPENING
March 6, 2012 at 12:50 pm
La La
Linked to you on my blog. Don’t worry, you don’t have to fill anything out unless you want to do so
March 6, 2012 at 1:24 pm
Kourtney Heintz
Thanks so much!
I’ll come check it out and fill out whatever would be helpful. 
March 7, 2012 at 10:05 pm
Michael
Hi Kourtney, I wish to share this, “Sunshine Award” with you because your posts often brings in the lights I am looking for. I hope you can accept it. Be mindful, no pressure, okay. Meanwhile, the details are in my latest post. Have a great day Kourtney. !!!
March 8, 2012 at 12:15 am
Kourtney Heintz
Thanks so much Michael! I will post about it next week and spread the love forward. I’ll check out your post too.
March 8, 2012 at 12:17 am
Michael
Thanks Kourtney. Enjoy the day. it happend to be the “International Women’s Day” as well. Regards. !!!
March 8, 2012 at 12:23 am
Kourtney Heintz
Thanks! You too. The first time I celebrated IWD, a guy friend taught me how to make borscht.
March 8, 2012 at 12:24 am
Michael
Hahaha ………….. Have a beautiful day, my dear lady.
March 12, 2012 at 4:50 am
Samir
Hi Kourtney – Thanks for passing on the ABC award to Cecile’s Writers. It’s always great to know that fellow bloggers find your content awesome
http://cecileswriters.wordpress.com/2012/03/12/awesome-blog-content-award/
March 12, 2012 at 9:52 am
Kourtney Heintz
Samir, you are very welcome. I really enjoy Cecile’s Writers awesome content!
March 28, 2012 at 12:22 pm
crubin
Hello!
I have tagged you for the The Lucky 7 Meme. Details can be found on my blog: http://carrierubin.com/2012/03/28/why-i-will-never-have-a-bestseller/. You can either thank me or punch me, but please do not feel obligated to participate. It’s all in fun, and I have no expectations of anyone continuing on with the chain—um, I mean, game.
Have a great day!
Carrie
March 28, 2012 at 12:41 pm
Kourtney Heintz
LOL. I will thank you. I also got tagged by Girls With Pens so I’ll add you to the blog post I’m putting together on that for Thursday.
It’s a neat little chain game. ;P
March 28, 2012 at 12:45 pm
crubin
Oh, aren’t they all…
March 28, 2012 at 12:49 pm
Kourtney Heintz
I can’t help participating. Especially because they don’t bring bad juju if you refuse (unlike those deadly chain letters).
April 9, 2012 at 9:35 am
creativeboys
Hello Kourtney!
You are the winner for two awards! Congrats! http://nizamhappieboyz.wordpress.com/2012/04/09/hug-the-sunshine-award/
Have a great week and best wishes, Nizam
April 9, 2012 at 9:57 am
Kourtney Heintz
Thanks Nizam! Glad to know you enjoy my blog!
April 9, 2012 at 9:58 am
creativeboys
I did !
April 12, 2012 at 8:17 am
butimbeautiful
Hi Kourtney, just wanted to let you know that I read your novel excerpt and really liked it. It was very fast paced and well-written and I think the central idea, of a person who feels all the ills of the world, is a very interesting one, especially since she’s a social worker (I would be a hermit, if I were her). Anyway, looking forward to reading the rest of it!
April 12, 2012 at 10:05 am
Kourtney Heintz
Thanks so much!
Glad to hear you enjoyed it. I tried to douse the characters in conflict. The characters came to me before the plot on this one. If you have a second,could you please post a short review on Amazon? You could just paste your comment to me there. And feel free to star it whatever you feel it deserves. 
April 23, 2012 at 3:56 am
lostupabove
Thank you for following my blog.
April 23, 2012 at 10:32 am
Kourtney Heintz
You’re welcome!
Looking forward to reading your posts.
April 29, 2012 at 8:28 pm
Jeannette Monahan
Hi Kourtney. I keep running across you on other blogs and clicking back here…don’t know why I haven’t clicked follow before now.
April 29, 2012 at 11:38 pm
Kourtney Heintz
Hi Jeannette! Thanks for clicking follow now.
LOL. Bloggers and writers run in such close circles, we start to recognize each other. 
May 9, 2012 at 7:25 pm
arabwriterchick
Hi! I just nominated you for the inspiring blog award. Check out my page here: http://arabwriterchick.com/2012/05/09/inspiring-blog-award/ Cheers
May 16, 2012 at 8:33 am
Samir
Hi Kourtney, we’ve nominated you for the T.M.I. Award
You can find the details here: http://cecileswriters.wordpress.com/2012/05/16/think-before-speaking-t-m-i-award/
May 16, 2012 at 9:25 am
Kourtney Heintz
Thanks so much!
May 21, 2012 at 9:35 am
crubin
Hi Kourtney,
I nominated you for The Genuine Blogger Award and The Reader Appreciation Award. Info can be found here: http://carrierubin.com/2012/05/21/two-awards-and-a-sassy-recipient/
As always, do not feel pressure to participate. I nominated you because you were one of my earliest followers who continues to come by, and I appreciate your support.
Have a great day!
Carrie
May 21, 2012 at 10:24 am
Kourtney Heintz
Dear Carrie,
Thanks so much! Wow a double award.
I’m planning to do an award post this week so perfect timing! I’ll definitely participate. 
I appreciate the nomination. You have a really terrific blog that is a gut splitting laugh riot. I don’t know how you do it. But every post makes me snort and giggle. 
Have a wonderful day,
Kourtney
May 21, 2012 at 10:34 am
crubin
Thanks for the nice words! I just realized you already have the Genuine Blogger Award, but then again, that shouldn’t surprise me.
May 21, 2012 at 10:37 am
Kourtney Heintz
It’s all good.
I can regift it again. 
Aw, thanks!
May 23, 2012 at 5:28 pm
Cat Forsley
U ARE SWEET
I HOPE IT’S BEAUTIFUL OVER THERE -
SUMMER IS HERE FULL ON XOXOXO
LOVE
XX
C
May 23, 2012 at 5:31 pm
Kourtney Heintz
I don’t understand pingbacks either. LOL. I get them in my comments and approve them.
The weather is very humid here. Spring and summer seems to be in a tug of war. Lots of rain and humidity here. 
Hugs,
Kourtney
May 23, 2012 at 5:35 pm
Cat Forsley
WHAT IS A PING ? MUST GOOGLE ?
LOL
HAVE A GREAT NIGHT XOXOXOXO
HOPE YOU ARE FEELING BETTER XX
May 23, 2012 at 5:46 pm
Kourtney Heintz
Don’t really get the difference between a ping and a track back. They are supposed to be good.
Let me know if you find a clear definition. Toe is much improved. 
Got a request on my YA manuscript today. That was a fantastic mood lifter. 
Hugs,
kourtney
May 23, 2012 at 5:52 pm
Cat Forsley
GOOD FOR YOU HONEY XX
ON THE TOE AND ON THE YA .,…………….:)
May 23, 2012 at 7:00 pm
Kourtney Heintz
Thanks Catherine! I’m glad to be out of toe pain and having a little YA love too.
May 23, 2012 at 9:34 pm
philosophermouseofthehedge
Kourtney are you OK? Did you have a car accident? Is there a cat in your lap helping? DId you delete a post about awards? ( got an error when I tried to comment on it – will try again…if I can find it?)
ANyway, yea you….hope you are OK
May 23, 2012 at 9:37 pm
Kourtney Heintz
LOL. WordPress accidently posted my post immediately instead of at 7 am tomorrow. Grrr. So I pulled it back in 2 seconds, but not fast enough. I probably should have just left it up. I’ll repost it now. I am okay. We managed to pull over and avert an accident. My dog soothed me.
May 23, 2012 at 9:39 pm
philosophermouseofthehedge
SIgh. Heart rate calming down. Thanks for response. Hasta tomorrow
May 23, 2012 at 9:42 pm
Kourtney Heintz
LOL. So sorry to cause you distress. I am 100% fine.
I just threw the post back up tonight. Don’t want a broken link. That’s irksome. 
May 29, 2012 at 9:40 am
Lisa Ann Hayes
Gave you a blog award today! http://lisahayesblog.com/2012/05/29/favorite-posts/
June 6, 2012 at 12:18 pm
byamandaleigh
Hey Kourtney! I wanted to let you know that I truly enjoy your blog and everything you’ve posted. And I adore that you’ve liked some of the things I’ve written. So sweet of you! That being said, I wanted to also tell you that I’ve nominated you for the Readers Appreciation Award!!!
http://byamandaleigh.com/2012/06/06/woohoo-the-reader-appreciation-award/
Spread the Love!!
June 6, 2012 at 1:03 pm
Kourtney Heintz
Thanks so much Amanda! It’s wonderful to hear that a fellow blogger enjoys my blog.
June 11, 2012 at 10:24 am
byamandaleigh
You’re it! You’ve been tagged with the Lucky 7 meme… Check it out…
http://byamandaleigh.com/2012/06/11/the-lucky-7-meme-and-a-little-bit-of-billow/
June 11, 2012 at 12:04 pm
Kourtney Heintz
Thanks so much for thinking of me Amanda!
August 1, 2012 at 4:47 am
4amWriter
Hey Kourtney, thought I’d let you know that I nominated you for the Reader Appreciation Award. Here is the link: http://4amwriter.com/2012/08/01/awards-in-rhyme/
Don’t feel obligated to do anything with it, but you’re one of my top 3 commenters and I wanted to let you know how much I appreciate your support.
August 1, 2012 at 11:25 am
Kourtney Heintz
Kathryn, thanks so much for the award! I really enjoy your blog.
I’ll do an award post in August. And congrats on receiving this award too!
September 18, 2012 at 8:11 pm
Androgoth
A fine introduction my friend, and I wish you very well in your quest to become a published Author, the road is long and hard with many knock-backs along the way but with hard work and a true commitment towards success there can be a most fruitful and positive outcome
I am visiting you today from Cat’s Space…
Androgoth
September 18, 2012 at 8:35 pm
Kourtney Heintz
Hi Androgoth. Thanks so much for stopping by! Cat is AMAZING. Glad to meet you through her.
It’s slow going, but I can’t imagine committing my life to any other enterprise.
September 18, 2012 at 8:50 pm
Cat Forsley
OMG …..
????????
LOL XX
x
xo C
DO U KNOW I SUBSCRIBED TO THIS COMMENT AFTER ALL THIS TIME
I see ANDRO !!!!!!!!!!
Watch OUT
I WAS JUST ABOUT TO TURN THE COMPUTER OFF – AND HERE I READ …… “I CAN’T IMAGINE COMMITTING MY LIFE TO ANY OTHER PURPOSE …” KH
WHAT A QUOTE – RIGHT THERE …..:) and what beautiful synchro !!!!!!!!!!!!!
Goodnight K xx
and Andro ,,,,lol
Don’t stop believin!!!! xoxoxoxoox C xx
ps- gonna put that quote in the passiony quotes on the site right now ….
that was a truly awesome moment xx
September 18, 2012 at 9:29 pm
Kourtney Heintz
Wow! Very cool that Andro popped over from your blogosphere.
I really can’t. There’s nothing I want to do everyday until I die but write. The rest is just stuff that I have to do. 
Glad you like it–feel free to use it on your fervour & forever blog.
It’s something I was thinking about today actually. How happy I am to wake up and write everyday. How much better it is than anything I did before.
September 18, 2012 at 8:53 pm
Androgoth
Writing scripts can be a tad slow to reach the height that we are aiming for but that is part of the adventure and for the period in between we can adapt our styles and gain a wider understanding of what genre is our forte. I wish you every success my friend
Androgoth
September 18, 2012 at 9:31 pm
Kourtney Heintz
Thanks. Genre has always been a stumbling block for me. I find I can’t stick to one thing. I am always crossing genres and mixing them into my own delicious cocktail.
It’s a long long journey, but the me of today is ten time better than the me of a year ago. Wishing you lots of success too.
September 18, 2012 at 9:45 pm
Androgoth
Thank you my friend, I figure that whatever genre we are writing in is the correct path, as every word that we write adds to our creativity and thus pushes the boundaries of our own thinking. You will always improve and find new avenues and of course these are all really good experiences, a sort of learning curve shall we say?
Do have a very nice rest of evening, here it is 02:45 and time that I put out the candles for the morning
I will call again later and read some of your work 
Androgoth
September 18, 2012 at 11:56 pm
Kourtney Heintz
Very true. I think everything I’ve done has prepared me for this moment. And everything I will do will prepare me for the next one. None of my writing misses have been a waste of time because all were part of the learning process.
Have a good rest.
Kourtney
September 18, 2012 at 8:52 pm
Cat Forsley
ENTERPRISE
LOL
SEE this is why i have to go to zzzz now
tooo much computer time xx
lots of love !
September 18, 2012 at 9:30 pm
Kourtney Heintz
LOL. No worries. Similar sentiment. Get thee into bed and dream fair Catherine. You’ve got a big big week ahead of you in the studio! Love,
K
September 18, 2012 at 9:48 pm
Cat Forsley
LOVE AND IN THE PASSIONY QUOTES XOXOXOXO
XX
GOODNIGHT FAIR MAIDEN OF THE QUILL
U KNOW U NEED TO SLEEP WHEN
September 18, 2012 at 11:57 pm
Kourtney Heintz
Rest well for the coming days will take lots of energy! Enjoy them.
Happy dreams. 
October 25, 2012 at 5:16 pm
dontchawannadream
Thanks for following my blog and visiting it!!!
You’ve made my day. Following yours too.
xxx
October 25, 2012 at 5:54 pm
Kourtney Heintz
It’s an honor to meet one of Cat’s friends and an awesome blogger featured on her Fervour & Forever Blog! Thanks for following me back
December 20, 2012 at 1:17 pm
jmmcdowell
Hi, Kourtney, I’m tagging you in the “Next Big Thing Tour” in a post on 12/26. The tour is designed to post on Wednesdays, and I know this is a heck of a time of year for it. So please don’t feel obligated to do up a post for 1/3/13! If you’re interested, I can send you the questions so you have time to prepare. Hope you have a wonderful holiday season!
December 20, 2012 at 2:30 pm
Kourtney Heintz
Hi JM! Thanks so much for tagging me. I think I was tagged in this by Victoria Writes a while back. http://kourtneyheintz.wordpress.com/2012/11/21/the-next-big-thing-award/ If it’s the same award, I gratefully accept, but I don’t think I should do another post on it. If it’s different, I’ll be sure to put up a post!
Have a terrific holiday! 
January 29, 2013 at 6:56 am
Gwen
Hey, stranger! Thanks for the follow. How’s The Six Train coming along?
January 29, 2013 at 11:09 am
Kourtney Heintz
You’re welcome!
I’m self-publishing it this spring. Went through lots of agent requests. Did lots of revisions and realized it’s not something agents think will be a bestseller. So best to self-pub and see what happens.
January 29, 2013 at 11:21 am
Gwen
How exciting. I’m sorry it didn’t work out via the agent route. You can count on my support!
January 29, 2013 at 11:47 am
Kourtney Heintz
It’s pretty nice to be in complete control for a change.
I still think it’s a necessary route to try. I learned so much about writing a hooking query letter and what wasn’t working in my manuscript. Definitely time well spent. And I’ll try the traditional route with each book. But when you think about how much money a book has to make to be profitable to a publishing house and the agent, you realize there are good books that won’t be traditional published from a numbers perspective. Aw thanks so much Gwen! How are things going with your book?
January 30, 2013 at 12:09 am
Gwen
Haha – funny you should ask. A very kind and generous blogger nominated me for “The Next Big Thing,” so I shall be posting about this topic very soon. Stay tuned
January 30, 2013 at 12:14 am
Kourtney Heintz
I’ll keep my eye out for that post.
March 13, 2013 at 12:38 am
Moment Matters
Kourtney, how are you?
Good news, we are giving you the “BEST MOMENT AWARD“. Congratulations and enjoy the rest of the day!
March 13, 2013 at 9:51 am
Kourtney Heintz
Thanks so much for this lovely award.
I won’t be able to do an award post for a bit because they take some time to put together and I’m under deadline for my book, but I really really appreciate the nomination. 
March 30, 2013 at 5:32 am
Awesome Epic Dragon | jmmcdowell
[...] Kourtney Heintz’s Journal [...]
March 30, 2013 at 10:03 am
Kourtney Heintz
Thanks for the awesome award!
May 11, 2013 at 5:31 am
Some Blogs You May Not Have Seen | jmmcdowell
[…] Kourtney Heintz, who has just published her first novel, blogs about her writing and experience with independent publishing. Her blog is a must-read for anyone serious about “going it alone” with their books. You’ll learn quickly that “alone” is not how to travel this path successfully. […]
May 13, 2013 at 6:58 pm
The Bumble Files
Hi Kourtney,
I come to you by way of Carrie Rubin’s blog, who speaks highly of you. I’m an aspiring writer, so I think I came to the right place. It’s nice to meet you.
May 13, 2013 at 10:17 pm
Kourtney Heintz
Hi Bumble Files! Thanks for stopping by! I love Carrie’s blog such a fun place to hang out.
Hope to see you around here and there!