Author Interview: Dave Henderson – Writing Love, Healing, and Hope

At Creative Paramita, we love connecting with authors and sharing their journeys, stories, and insights into the writing world. Today, we’re excited to feature Dave Henderson, a romance author who crafts heartfelt stories filled with emotional depth, healing, and hope.

Dave’s latest book, Guardians of the Heart, is a poignant tale of love, loss, and finding the courage to move forward. In this interview, he shares his inspiration, writing process, and thoughts on book covers.

Let’s dive in!

1. Tell us a little about yourself. How did you get into writing?

I’ve always been a romantic at heart. I love love—the kind that makes you believe in second chances, in healing, in finding someone who truly sees you. My escape is devouring romance novels and watching Hallmark movies, completely captivated by the idea that love can change lives.

But what really draws me in are stories where characters don’t just fall for each other—they grow together. I believe the best romances aren’t just about finding the one—they’re about realizing your own worth, too. My favorite stories are about characters who build each other up, who learn that healing isn’t about being saved by someone else but about choosing to heal for themselves. That’s the kind of love story I want to write—ones that feel real, that remind us of our strength, and that always, always have a happy ending. Because no matter how hard life gets, I truly believe love should leave us with hope.

2. What inspired you to write your latest book, Guardians of the Heart?

This book was deeply personal for me. I wanted to explore themes of caregiving, grief, healing, and finding love when you least expect it. Ethan and Mark’s story touches on the weight of past loss, the courage to move forward, and the power of human connection. Additionally, breast cancer has impacted my own life and my family’s, so weaving that into the story was a way to honor my mother’s battles and highlight her resilience.

3. If you had to describe your book in just three words, what would they be?

Emotional. Healing. Playful.

4. Do you have a favorite scene or moment in your book?

One of my favorite moments in Guardians of the Heart is when Mark comes over for dinner, and Ethan’s mom opens up about what it truly means to live with cancer. She doesn’t just talk about her own experience—she shares the impact it has on the people who love her.

For Mark, who is still deeply grieving his late wife, it’s a moment of raw honesty and unexpected healing. When she tells him, “Your job was not to save her, it was to love her,” it shifts something inside him.

He’s carried so much guilt, believing he should have done more, been more. But in that moment, Ethan’s mom gives him the permission he never gave himself—to grieve without blame, to remember without regret, and to understand that love, in itself, was enough.

It’s a deeply emotional and transformative moment in the book, and I hope it resonates with readers just as much as it does with me.

5. What’s the biggest challenge you faced while writing this book?

Balancing the emotional depth of grief and healing while still making the romance feel hopeful and uplifting. I wanted readers to feel the weight of what both Ethan and Mark have gone through but also believe in their journey toward happiness.

And, of course, making sure Ranger (Ethan’s loyal golden retriever) stole just the right amount of the spotlight!

6. What do you hope readers take away from your story?

That love can find you even in the most unexpected places. That healing isn’t linear, and grief doesn’t have an expiration date, but that doesn’t mean happiness isn’t still ahead.

And that sometimes, the best relationships are the ones that challenge us to see ourselves differently.

7. Do you have a writing routine, or do you write whenever inspiration strikes?

A little bit of both! I try to write consistently, but I don’t force the words if they’re not coming. I do my best thinking when I’m out in nature or just letting my mind wander, and sometimes that’s when the best ideas strike.

I’ve learned to trust my process—even if it’s a little chaotic at times!

8. What’s one piece of advice you’d give to aspiring authors?

Write the story that excites you.

It’s easy to get caught up in trends or worry about what will sell, but the best books come from passion. Readers can feel when a story is written with heart, and that’s what makes a book unforgettable.

Being an independent author is not about becoming rich. It’s about sharing what you love with the world and helping people feel better while they read your books.

9. How important do you think book covers are, and what was your experience working on yours?

Book covers are everything—they’re the first impression, the invitation to step into the world you’ve created.

I wanted Guardians of the Heart to capture the depth of emotion, the strength of its characters, and the small-town warmth that makes the Pacific Edge Series special. Seeing the final cover come to life was such an exciting moment—it felt like the story had finally become real.

I genuinely do judge a book by its cover.

10. Where can readers connect with you and find your books?

I love connecting with readers! You can find me on:

Amazon 
Instagram
Facebook
Newsletter

If you pick up Guardians of the Heart, I’d love to hear what you think! Reviews mean the world to indie authors, and your support helps bring these stories to life.

Final Thoughts

A huge thank you to Dave Henderson for sharing his writing journey and insights with us! If you’re a fan of heartfelt romance stories filled with healing and second chances, be sure to check out Guardians of the Heart.

Stay tuned for more author interviews, and if you’re an author who would love to be featured, feel free to reach out!

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