Author Deborah Heiner: Writings of a Navy Dependent

Deborah Heiner’s writing spans multiple genres, blending her deep connection to the U.S. Navy with themes of resilience, justice, and emotional recovery. Her romance short stories focus on rebuilding after betrayal, while her crime/thriller novel follows a protagonist determined to uncover the truth about a missing Sailor.

As the daughter and spouse of retired Navy Chiefs and with other active-duty family members, Deborah brings firsthand insight into military life. She manages the legal department at a Navy training command and collaborates with JAG officers, NCIS agents, and base police. Holding degrees in Legal Studies and Criminal Justice, Debbie draws from her professional background to enrich the authenticity of her stories.

Beyond her career, she is the mother of two autistic teenage daughters and grew up as the youngest of six children in a single-income household. Taking on the role of primary financial contributor at sixteen when both her parents became disabled, she found comfort and escape in storytelling—a practice that continues to fuel her passion for portraying emotionally grounded and powerful narratives characters.

She is currently completing her third bachelor’s degree, in Creative Writing and English, and is preparing to submit her short stories to military and women’s fiction literary journals. Debbie is also currently seeking representation for her crime/thriller novel.

While her writing conveys authenticity, it does not represent real people or policies of the Navy.

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My Personal Works in Progress – Tales of Crime, Romance, Thriller, Love, and Betrayal

Writing has always been my way of making sense of the world — a place where love, loyalty, and betrayal often collide in unexpected ways. Lately, I’ve been diving deeper into the darker corners of human nature, blending my personal experiences with my knowledge of military life and legal systems to create stories that explore the fragility of trust and the consequences of deception.

Crime Thriller in Progress

I recently started drafting my first crime thriller, a story set on a military base where a murder shakes the tight-knit community. The Legal Officer, caught between duty and personal stakes, becomes the driving force behind uncovering the truth. With my background in Navy legal affairs, I’m weaving in authentic details about military procedures and the complexities of navigating justice within the chain of command.

Short Stories of Love and Betrayal

My short stories are rooted in the emotional turmoil that follows betrayal. The first follows a Navy wife who discovers her husband’s infidelity after his sudden death in a car accident. As she grapples with her grief and shattered trust, she’s forced to redefine her future.

The second story continues her journey, exploring how healing and forgiveness are not always linear. Facing pressure from her late husband's family and uncovering more painful truths, she must decide whether to hold on to the past or let go to find peace.

My third short story centers on a Navy Sailor whose civilian spouse’s betrayal leaves him questioning his identity and sense of stability. As he tries to rebuild his life, he faces the harsh reality that love and loyalty are not always reciprocal.