Behind the Pages: Heather Jarvis

In every issue of JHStyle, writer Heather Jarvis brings a sharp eye, a curious mind, and the kind of lived-in mountain grit you can’t fake. Over the years she’s taken readers everywhere from the racks at Wyoming Whiskey to the banks of the Snake River, even into the boundary-pushing world of botanical cancer research. This winter, she’s diving into a fresh mix of local stories: the craft and flavor behind 460 Bread, seasonal style insight from Terra JH, the art of creating holiday magic with Hilary Munro, and plenty more.

Heather’s been hooked on mountain-town life since moving west in 2010. With a journalism background and 15 years in newsrooms as a writer, editor and digital content manager, she knows exactly how to find the heartbeat of a story. These days she balances her thriving freelance career with raising two wild little boys — sneaking in mountain biking, snowboarding, hiking, live music and travel whenever she can.

We caught up with Heather for a behind-the-pages Q&A about her creative process, the pieces she chased for this edition, and what keeps her inspired season after season.

What was your favorite part of contributing to the 25/26 Winter Edition of JHStyle?

Interviewing the amazing locals and getting to hear (and tell!) their stories.

During cold months, what's your go-to beverage to warm up?

Chai tea.

What's the perfect wintertime meal?

Anything my chef husband makes.

What's your favorite part of winter? And what's just the worst?

My favorite part of winter is the winter sports, of course. But I hate feeling cold (so I wear many, many layers).

When it's time to turn on some music and get to writing, what's on your playlist?

I know this sounds weird, but EDM. It gives me an energy that gets the creative juices flowing. Plus, when I worked in a busy newsroom, it was a good way to drown out the sound of other people talking around me.

Chilly temps, wind, snow... what wintertime wardrobe items would you perish without?

Everything — waterproof boots, SmartWool socks, and all the layers.

Describe your ideal winter day.

Cross-country skiing in the morning with my dog, then curling up next to the fire with a good book and a glass of wine. But that was pre-kid days.

Where's your favorite spot to write? Why?

In my rocking chair at home. I'm not really into coffeeshops, and the chair is so much more comfortable then a desk.

If you could enjoy a fireside chat with one writer — dead or alive — who would it be and why?

Hunter S. Thompson, I mean, how cool would that be?

If someone is looking for a great book to add to their winter reading list, what would you recommend?

"A Thousand Splendid Suns" by Khaled Hosseini is one of my all-time faves. Also anything by Thrity Umrigar.

Discover more of Heather's outstanding work at heatherjarviscreative.com.