CK: When did you launch your writing career?
AN: I started writing the summer of 2008. It started out as a hobby to occupy my mind when I was house bound for a few months due to illness. I found a great critique group online who encouraged me to submit my manuscripts. The rest is history.
CK: That sounds familiar. Writing definitely will keep your mind occupied. What prompted you to write about vampires?
AN: I’ve always loved vampires. Even as a little girl I was fascinated by them. The best kind of stories are ones you love to write so that’s what I did. It wasn’t difficult to world build because these vampires had lived in my head for years.
Nosferatu vampires have been an interest of mine and I developed a government with political intrigue around this race. Never a dull moment.
CK: Ditto on that. I'm a vampire lover myself. Where did you submit your first story?
AN: The Omegas was the first story I finished and it got accepted at Lyrical Press. I combined my own nerdy past with the paranormal in this story and found something spectacular. My very own geeky werewolf pack who hires, of course, a Nosferatu vampire to teach them how to fight.
CK: I love the awesome book covers. I have never read any of your books, but they are definitely on my list. How do you fit writing into your busy schedule?
AN: Every free moment I have. Breaks at work, between kids schedule, and after their bedtime. I gave up most of my TV time as well but love every moment of it. I carry a note pad in my purse and write my first draft long hand whenever a moment arises.
CK: What are the pros and cons of being a published author?
AN: Pros: I’ve met people who are as passionate about story telling as I am, made some great friends, and have people who want to read my books.
Cons: I have to promote, which feels like I’m jumping up and down shouting, ‘Look at me, look at me.’ It doesn’t feel comfortable. I wish there was an easier way to let readers know about new books and authors.
CK: You know, I can relate about the promotion aspect of being an author. This is why I decided to invite authors to my blog Annie. Honestly, I'm not much of a blogger, and one day I looked a my blog and decided I needed to do something different. Also, please tell us about your most recent project.
AN: The Alpha will be released in June from Lyrical Press. It is the second book after The Omegas where Eric, the new Alpha of Chicago, is about to get a little Spice in his life.
I just completed the manuscript for the book after BAIT. Another vampire thriller with Connie Bence.
AN: My writing doesn’t require much research. I usually read about the cities I’ll be writing about. Key areas and sites, street names, some restaurants or clubs to keep real.
CK: Where do you see yourself two years from now?
AN: That’s a hard question. I hope to have an agent by then. I’d be happy with just that.
CK: What are your hobbies?
AN: I garden both flowers and vegetables. Otherwise, I don’t have time for much else.
CK: How do you unwind?
AN: A hot bath, a good book, and a big glass of wine. I try to do this at least once of week.
CK: Do you mold your characters strictly from imagination or from those you cross paths with in everyday life?
AN: Completely from my imagination. It takes time. They don’t always introduce themselves as whole at once. I’ve been trying to meet my hero of my next manuscript. I know his personality but can’t picture how he’ll look. I can’t start writing it until he reveals himself.
CK: What are your favorite paranormal creatures? Pick two please.
AN: Vampires. Bet that shocked you. LOL
Second one is hard, I have a thing for urban wizards.
CK: LOL, you must tell me more of these urban wizards. Where can you be found on the internet?
AN: You can find me on Twitter- @annienicholas Facebook
http://www.annienicholas.com/
http://annienicholas.blogspot.com/
http://paranormalromantics.blogspot.com/ (Mondays only)
CK: Annie Nicholas, thank you so much for sharing. It was awesome having you here today! Next time, we need to speak of those wizards. ; )
