Interview with an Author featuring Shari Nichols

The Literary Vixen presents…

Joining us today is Shari Nichols! Her series, Ravens Hollow Coven is available now.

Tell us a bit about yourself.

First off, thank you so much for having me here, Laura.

I live in NJ with my husband near a beautiful 50,000 acre park. We’re now empty nesters so we enjoy going there whenever we can. It’s my sanctuary. We do a lot of weekend trips with friends now. Take me out for a nice dinner and a glass of wine and I’m good to go. I can’t wait to start traveling again.

Have you always wanted to be a writer?

Yes and no. I’ve always loved to create stories, but I never imagined I could have a career as a writer. I wrote for the school newspaper in both high school and college. But I went to school for business. It wasn’t until I took some time off from work to raise my family that I decided I wanted to write.

What time of the day do you usually write?

I like to start first thing in the morning, but when I’m deep into the story, it’s whenever I can get the words on the page. I like to do sprints.

How much ‘world building’ takes place before you start writing?

Quite a bit. Okay, Laura, I may be breaking the fourth wall, but here goes. The first thing I do is create character charts to find out more about who my characters are, when and where they were born. Their sun signs, what they look like, their personality traits. I also ask what they want. What’s their conflict? What happened in their childhood and what wounds did they endure? What about past loves? Then I tie their wounds into the plot and do a short chapter by chapter outline. I include turning points like the first time they kiss, when they learn to trust each other, when they realize they’re in love. I include the black moment and the climax that leads to the HEA.

I change as I go because sometimes things come up. I never stick one hundred percent to the outline. And when I get stuck, I call a writing friend and ask for help, which is more often than not.

Which of your books were the most enjoyable to write?

Wow, that’s like asking me to pick my favorite child. I can’t! I loved writing each book for different reasons. My first book, HAUNTED is loosely based on my friend’s real life experience with a ghost. I was riveted by the story and found it compelling, I knew I had to write about it someday. I did quite a bit of research for that book and learned so much about the spirit world. As for my Raven’s Hollow series, it’s all about the witches, the vampires and he demons. Think Practical Magic meets Supernatural. I love anything to do with magic. I’m a huge HP fan so these books have been thrilling to write.

Who is the author you most admire in your genre?

Do I have to name just one? I love Kresley Cole. She’s a genius world builder. I got to meet her at an RWA conference in NYC. She was absolutely lovely. I also love Christine Feehan. She’s an amazing writer. I love Nora Roberts. I also got to meet her at an NJRW meeting and loved her humor!

Do you hear from your readers much? What do they say?

I do hear from my readers, but of course I’d love to hear more! Maybe you can help me out with this, Laura! ☺I’m humbled beyond words when I get an email or a FB message from a reader that says they loved a book or a character and want to know about my next release.

Favorite book when you were a kid.

I loved all of the Nancy Drew books. I read everything from Judy Blume. Her books are honest and raw. They got me through those awkward middle school years.

If you had to describe yourself in three words, what would they be?

Curious, goofy, passionate.

What advice would you give to other authors?

I’d say join a critique group. Send your work out to beta readers. Submit to publishers, agents and contests. Get feedback. Don’t reinvent the wheel by creating a genre that no one has ever heard of. You always want another set of eyes on your work before you submit. You want to make sure you’re putting out the very best work you can. Go to writer’s conferences and meetings. Talk to other writers and network. Enter contests. Read books about writing and read everything in your genre. Keep striving to get better and try not to compare yourself to anyone else. You’re on your own journey. Be consistent. Try to write every day and put the distractions aside. Use a timer and have fun.

What is the one thing you want people to know about you and your books?

All of my books are loosely based on real events and inspired by real people. Book one in my RH series, MIDNIGHT DESIRE is loosely based on a chilling crime story that took place in London, England in the nineties. I set it in a paranormal world, made my heroine a witch and turned the story into a romance. In book two, MIDNIGHT TEMPTATION, my hero’s a vampire and was inspired by my grandfather’s struggle to get out of Europe after he awoke from his funeral and climbed out of his coffin. In book three, MIDNIGHT CRAVING, (out this July), my heroine’s backstory is based on a childhood friend who suffered sexual abuse. Book four in the series, AFTER MIDNIGHT (out in October) is a novella, and the only book in the series that doesn’t have a suspense element. It’s just a light, whimsical, sexy read.

As for me, I’m starting an MA program in creative writing this summer and looking forward to this new adventure. I’ve outlined a three book contemporary series, Love in the City about three best friends from college navigating friendships, careers and love while living in the Big Apple. I’m excited to get started on book one.

Thank you for having me, Laura! This was so much fun!

Thank you Shari Nichols for chatting with me! I will include her information down below. Check out her series today!

~Synopsis~

When tarot card reader Gillian Howe hosts a supernatural speed dating event, she’s hopeful to discover her chance at love.

Making the perfect match is her passion. Too bad she can’t find one for herself.

A chance encounter with a wealthy vampire soon finds her plunged into a secret society of trancing, blood bonds, and human escort rings. She’ll need help to survive, but the vampire detective is the last person she wants…even if he is scorching hot.

Garrett Mulroney has dealt with his share of the supernatural. His sire tried to force him into a life of debauchery, but he chose to uphold the law.

The fact that the one woman he can’t seem to get out of his lust-filled dreams is at the center of his investigation doesn’t bode well. It’s a good thing she hates his guts, because it helps douse his growing desire for her and focus on the case.

But when Gillian’s cousin is kidnapped into the Du Sang Brotherhood, she becomes the prime witness.

Now they’re forced to put their differences aside and go undercover by pretending to be a couple. The more time they spend together, the more Garrett wants her in his life—and in his bed.

Will they be able to develop the love and trust needed to take down the Brotherhood or become its next victim?

If you like Hailey Edwards, Lisa Edmonds, BR Kingsolver, or Jennifer Blackstream, you’ll love this paranormal romance with mystery, magic, and suspense!

BookBub | Goodreads

Shari Nichols grew up in a small town in Connecticut where haunted houses, ghosts and Ouija boards were common places, spurring her fascination with all things paranormal. Ever since she read her first Barbara Cartland novel, her life-long dream has been to write sexy, romantic stories. When she’s not writing, she’s reading, going to the gym, or hanging out with family and friends.

Shari’s a member of Romance Writers of America, New Jersey Romance Writers, Liberty States Fiction Writers and Fantasy, Futuristic, and Paranormal Romance Writers. Shari’s new series, Ravens’ Hollow Coven, is an urban fantasy with City Owl Press.

Awards: New York Book Festival Honorable Mention, Reviewers Choice Award for Best Book, Reviewers Choice Award for Best Series, Beverley Award, Golden Leaf Finalist For Best Book, Golden Leaf Finalist For Best Book by a New Jersey Author, HOLT Medallion Finalist, Literary Titan Silver Medal Winner.