In this novel, I have shown what happens when people fear anyone who is different, whether it be physically, culturally, or spiritually. I also show what happens when people learn about, and learn from one another.

Corinne Hoebers – 26 October 2025

The Back Flap

Against the violent backdrop of the French and Indian (Seven Years) War, two German siblings come to learn about and understand the Mi’kmaq. Christian, now named Bear Cub, lives with the ancient People and develops a deep bond with his chosen brother, Eagle Feather, while his new family’s way of life is increasingly threatened. On the outskirts of Lunenburg, Hanna, his younger sister, befriends a Mi’kmaw Elder and questions her papa’s ownership of the land they are settling. Christian immerses himself in the Mi’kmaw language and the ways of the land, prepared to defend the People alongside Eagle Feather. Christian’s father and older sister, Elisabeth, refuse to accept his new way of life; nor will they recognize the humanity of their perceived enemy. Christian is caught between two diverse families and cultures—the one to which he was born and to whom he feels obligated, and the one he has grown to love and respect. Settlers and Mi’kmaq alike struggle on land that is the ancestral home to one and promised to the other. Their struggle with one another resonates to this day. Corinne Hoebers Tethered Spirits is a deeply moving novel.

About the book

When did you start writing the book?

2018

How long did it take you to write it?

Three years, and extensive editing for 4 years.

Where did you get the idea from?

I am a direct descendant of the 1753 settlers of Lunenburg, Nova Scotia, and wanted to write about both the settlers and the Mi’kmaq. The Mi’kmaq and settlers are closely intertwined in the early years of Lunenburg, and to not write about both is an incomplete story.

Were there any parts of the book where you struggled?

Yes and no. Tethered Spirits would not have been possible without the help of specific people from the Mi’kmaw community, of which of am eternally grateful.

What came easily?

When I wrote the story of the settlers.

Are your characters entirely fictitious or have you borrowed from real world people you know?

The characters are fictitious. Tethered Spirits is a work of imagination based on my distant German grandfather, Michael Hirtle, who emigrated with his family to Nova Scotia in 1751. For the purpose of this novel, I changed the surname to Heber but kept the Christian names unaltered. The main storyline of the Heber and Mi’kmaw families is pure conjecture, even though long and intimate friendships between the Mi’kmaq and settlers were common.

Do you have a target reader?

Yes and no.  I feel anyone who enjoys historical fiction would enjoy this novel, especially those who have an interest in colonial beginnings of Indigenous and non-Indigenous relationships which is present globally. In this novel, I have shown what happens when people fear anyone who is different, whether it be physically, culturally, or spiritually. I also show what happens when people learn about, and learn from one another.

About Writing

Do you have a writing process? If so can you please describe it?

Although starting out with a skeleton outline, most of my inspiration happens as I write the story. I usually don’t know how the story ends until I get there. I allow the characters to tell the story.

Do you outline? If so, do you do so extensively or just chapter headings and a couple of sentences?

A rather skimpy outline.

Do you edit as you go or wait until you’ve finished?

I try not to edit as I go, but at times, it’s difficult to move on and I become stuck.

Did you hire a professional editor?

Yes.

Do you listen to music while you write? If yes, what gets the fingers tapping?

No

About Publishing

Did you submit your work to Agents?

Yes

What made you decide to go Indie, whether self-publishing or with an indie publisher? Was it a particular event or a gradual process?

When I had hired a local freelance professional editor and worked with her for over a year, she eventually was hired by OC Publishing as editor and Associate Publisher.  OC is a hybrid publisher.

Did you get your book cover professionally done or did you do it yourself?

Professionally done through OC Publishing.

Do you have a marketing plan for the book or are you just winging it?

Yes,  I do have a marketing plan.

Any advice that you would like to give to other newbies considering becoming Indie authors?

As this is all new to me, I do not have any advice at this time.

About You

Where did you grow up?

Dartmouth, Nova Scotia

Where do you live now?

Annapolis Valley, Nova Scotia

What would you like readers to know about you?

I love hiking and gardening, and the mysterious, mystical, and diverse world we live in.

What are you working on now?

A literary fiction based on my growing up years in the 50s and 60s in Nova Scotia and the relationship with my Dad who was a nature photographer, commercial artist, and an environmentalist long before this term was common.

End of Interview:

Get your copy of Tethered Spirits from Amazon US or Amazon UK.