Heather Alexander began writing the original version of her first published piece 18 years ago, daydreaming in a high school class.

“I was always writing some form of poetry. The meaning behind it has always run true from my own personal standpoint, but now as an adult looking back, I believe everyone has a responsibility to teach younger generations about life topics in some form,” she said.

“While the primary responsibility to teach aspects of life begins in the home, it really does take society as a whole, so this is what I have to offer as my part.”

In 2015 Alexander was living in Brown County with her family when her children’s book, “The Wish Book,” was accepted for publication.

[sc:text-divider text-divider-title=”Story continues below gallery” ]

“The Wish Book” was released in 2016 when Alexander and her family were moving to Avon, Indiana. But she doesn’t intend to be a stranger around Brown County since family and friends live here.

Alexander also wants to promote other local art and stories on her website, spirited expression.com.

Q: Have you written any other books?

A: At this time, “The Wish Book” is my only published piece. It was published by Golden Fleece Press, Virginia. Submission of a second, young children’s story has taken place and a few other projects are in the beginning stages.

Q: What’s your day job?

A: Outside of being a mother, wife and author, my work and focus is researching, building and maintaining an author platform.

Q: What are your connections to Brown County?

A: My husband, Eric Alexander, is a 1997 Brown County High School graduate. He is the son of community members, Jim and Teresa Allen. We resided in Brown County from October 2012 through August 2016. Our children, Jeremiah and Ian, completed ninth- and sixth-grade in Brown County Schools last spring. Community participation includes spending three years assisting coaches and bookkeeping for parks & rec baseball and a member of Cub Scouts Troop 190 for three years with two years as advancement chair. I also assisted with bookkeeping for various fall league baseball teams in 2014 and 2015 as well as the 2016 BCHS junior varsity baseball team.

Q: What’s your writing ritual? In what environment do you work best?

A: I work best in quiet, well-organized areas of our house, generally in my office. Rituals vary depending on the day and current project, but the most consistent thing is coffee.

Q: What’s the last book you read? Do you have a favorite?

A: My all-time favorite book is Dr. Seuss’ “Mr. Brown Can Moo Can You?” Audiences are captivated by the fun-loving, bouncy rhythm, used to teach various sounds.

Q: Where can people buy this book, and for how much?

A: “The Wish Book” is available for $10 plus shipping and handling. To place an order, email [email protected] with “Order” in the subject line. It is also available on multiple websites.

Q: Do you have any book signings or related events planned?

A: I am waiting, eagerly, on responses from multiple locations, including in Brown County.

Q: Anything else you’d like to say that I haven’t asked?

A: Spirited Expression: Explore. Create. Succeed. www.spiritedexpression.com is currently one of my largest projects in the beginning stages. A CryptoQuote contest is running from Feb. 1 until 11:59 pm April 30. Details are on the website under sections “Word games” then “CryptoQuotes.” The Book Nook, under “Explore,” offers a partial 2016 reading list and a 2017 reading list. A calendar for scheduled events and book signings will soon be added. Purchases will soon be available here, too.