R e b e c c a  H e i d t

Meet The Iconic Rebecca Heidt

Neurodivergent Wisdom: Impactful Advice for Aspiring Writer

What does Iconic mean to you?

Living to your fullest and true self.  

You've transitioned from a career in the food industry to pursuing your passions in the arts. What motivated this change and how did your previous experiences influence your artistic journey?

For as long as I can remember, the idea of women in a workplace was a supportive position filled with strength, knowledge, and charisma. I embodied that in every position I worked, providing a business sense, structure, and goals. Eventually, I realized my goals belonged to someone else, that I was replaceable, and full of burnout. I started asking myself harder questions. What makes me happy? Why am I not doing it? Why was I working myself to the bone for someone else? The answers gave me a hard look at how I showed up for myself, showed space or didn’t for my softer side, and what I wanted my next 5-10 years to look like. Then, I made small steps to start. Remembering in school how I loved to work on art and creative writing. My previous joy of sitting with nature just to exist in the same moment. The things I lost. 

Your interests span a wide range from writing to anthropology and spirituality. Can you share how these diverse interests converge in your writing and art?

I like things that make people more curious, and that make us think beyond the basics. A lot of my art is abstract to help provide conversation on perception and opinions. I pull from dreams, history, and made up movie scenes that I haven’t written yet to transcribe into rich colors. I use the same idea within my writing. In “The Reality” I merge mythology and history with The Tree of Life, ancestors, history repeating, and choices around stepping away from generational trauma. In “Reborn”, I consulted Klostret I Ystad museum for history accuracy while in a fantasy setting. Along with 5 Goddesses from Greek, Egypt, Roman, and Norse mythology. My art and writing play a push and pull with each other, begging for others to dig deeper than the normal.

You've successfully published the 'Acceptance' series, with 'Acceptance: Reborn' on the way. Could you walk us through your writing process, especially how you maintain continuity and depth across a series?

When I think of a story it plays out as a movie in my mind. The plot and worlds build themselves around one or two scenes. From book 1 I always knew what the general plot was going to take, but also allowed space for the characters to grow within the storyline. I write out of order and sometimes writer’s block won’t let me bridge scenes until later. It’s extremely important not to force anything. Feeling sad? Be the characters and write the sad scene, and follow along with the strong feelings. The continuity and depth is me treating them like real people. The memories they have connect to the past books. Just like we draw on past experiences and knowledge, they do too. In this idea, we are all the same and can connect with others around the world.

You've been a speaker on various podcasts discussing motivation and mental health. What key messages do you aim to convey through these platforms?

The key message I share is at any stage in life a person can start changing their life if they want to change it. It’s not about the lost time of younger years. It’s not about how in the past poor decisions were made. Life is about progression and learning. If you can learn to overcome fears, self doubt, toxic friends and partners, society niches, etc., then a person can find out how bright they can really shine. The world would transform itself.

"If you can learn to overcome fears, self doubt, toxic friends and partners, society niches, etc., then a person can find out how bright they can really shine. The world would transform itself".

You mention 'pushing the literary boundaries' with your latest book. How do you approach this in your writing?

Every book I self-publish I work very hard to dig deeper within myself to make it better than the last. That’s in connection to characters and writing style. I combine what I think the world needs to hear in the near future and raw emotions. “Reborn” in particular was written in the middle of my father’s hospice and passing away. I used this book as my way to grieve. I explored thoughts of the cosmos, life, and what’s important. The thing about grief is it brings up all past losses with it. An animal passing, a relative, or even a friendship that didn't make it. I wrote separate letters to myself in the middle of my hardest grief and added them to the story to share. 

Your books have received notable recognition and awards in several categories. How do these accolades impact your approach to writing, and what do they mean to you personally?

Personally, they mean everything to me. Not from an ego point, but a motivational piece. For every 7 rejections from bookstores or 5 other award companies I didn’t win, someone sees the value in an emotionally sensitive writer's work. I don’t know why other books won over mine, so it’s hard to know how to approach the writing. The only thing running through my mind is working on an area I’m not as strong in. If I research it and lean into it, then the rest will follow. Awards aren’t guaranteed, but they are appreciated.

Your podcast appearances often touch on mental health. How do you incorporate mental health themes into your writing, and why is this important to you?

My main character, Selena, in the entire series navigates a line of authenticity and obligation. This mirrors mine and all our lives. With that battle comes mental health, sometimes poor coping, and living with the bad decisions Selena’s made without it destroying her future. Again, just like the world. To get this understanding, I've had several dark nights of the soul of self, accountability, and acceptance. Authenticity, more times than not, is bullied and made to feel broken or crazy. Attached to that is extreme mental health issues. I want my readers and the world to know there’s more beyond all that. I promise. 

How does Nature and spirituality influence your creative process and the themes in your books?

Ever since I was a child this is what I knew. I always felt at home in Nature. I’m the one who talks to plants and animals. It’s the kind of energy that makes me reflective, meditative, and joyful. In turn, more spiritual. It influences my level of creativity and vision for my art and stories. If I’m too closed off from it, then I get in a slump becoming more frustrated. I feel more caged. It’s a very uncomfortable feeling.

What advice would you give to aspiring writers who wish to follow a path similar to yours?

My ADHD and neurodivergent personality thrives in switching between creative outlets and taking the extra time to make it right. My process and ways aren’t for everyone, and that’s okay. We process differently. My advice is to take it step by step. A start point is researching goals and a general route to reach it. One of the hardest steps is changing your day to make it happen. If you want it enough, then you’ll do it. On the flip side, if you set unrealistic goals and time frames, then you’ll burn yourself out. Reachable goals, flexibility, and patience.  

"My advice is to take it step by step. A start point is researching goals and a general route to reach it. One of the hardest steps is changing your day to make it happen. If you want it enough, then you’ll do it".

Follow At:
Instagram: @heidt_bristow_revolution and @rebecca.heidt.author
Facebook: Rebecca Heidt-Stitt
Tiktok: @theexaltedpeacock

Reborn E-book Cover: Designed by Mohammad Imran

Photographer: Brianna Fredriksen