The Literary Vixen presents…
Joining us today is Nyx Halliwell! Her latest release, Haunted Honeymoon, Confessions of a Closet Medium, Book 7: A Supernatural Southern Cozy Mystery about a Reluctant Ghost Whisperer released on February 14th 2023.
Have you always wanted to be a writer?
It’s been a dream since childhood. I was an introverted, shy girl who loved to read and devoured books. My favorite place was our local library, and the only thing about school that excited me was the book fair!
How much ‘world building’ takes place before you start writing?
I see each scene before I write it, like a movie playing out in my head. Since I write series, I keep track of my characters and places in detail in a story bible to make sure I don’t forget important facts. I find that diving deep into the settings with my characters is helpful and fun. Like in my Confessions of a Closet Medium Series, I grew up in a small town and often base some of the characters and situations on things I remember about mine. Every time I start a new book in this series, it’s like going home.
What time of the day do you usually write?
After I’ve had coffee lol. Mostly before noon, but sometimes later. There are days (and nights) where a scene or character dialogue exchange pops into my head and I have to get it down so I don’t forget it. I have notepads everywhere for those moments.
What gave you that final push to press publish on your first book?
I wanted to share my stories with others.
Which of your books were the most enjoyable to write?
Tough question! I’ve enjoyed each and every one. The Confessions Series, about my reluctant ghost whisperer, is definitely a favorite. As soon as I finish one story, I can’t wait to start the next.
What was one of the most surprising things you learned in creating your books?
Readers love magic. I do, too, so I’m always thrilled to get messages and emails from those who discover my witches and psychic medium and can’t get enough of them!
What are some challenges that have come up during your writing and publishing journey?
Finding readers. It’s a tough market to be seen and heard in, and I want to grow my readership organically, not bribe people with tons of free giveaways or by buying reviews like some authors do. That totally goes against my policy. The readers who love my stories are like family, and you can’t put a price on that.
Are you working on anything at the present you would like to share with me?
My latest release is Haunted Honeymoon (A Supernatural Southern Cozy Mystery about a Reluctant Ghost Whisperer), Confessions of a Closet Medium, Book 7. My main character, Ava, and her husband plan on spending the weekend on a lovely tropical island for their honeymoon, only to discover a bunch of ghosts are stuck there and need Ava’s help.
What advice would you give to other authors?
Do what you love. Write what brings you joy. You’ll feel good about your books and your readers will enjoy them more than if you force yourself to write to market and there’s no joy in it. Joy in the writer; joy in the reader.
What is the one thing you want people to know about you and your books?
They’re fun! There’s always a mystery, a touch of romance, and they always have talking pets.
Thank you Nyx Halliwell for chatting with me! I will include her information down below. Check out her newest release, Haunted Honeymoon today!
~Synopsis~
A tropical island getaway seems like the perfect honeymoon setting for newlyweds Ava and Logan, but a haunted mansion, a strange disappearance, and a goat named Fred, make them wish they’d stayed in Thornhollow.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★ “From the moment I met Ava I just knew she was going to become one of my favorite heroines. “ ~ Reader review
Long walks on the beach, a couples massage, romantic dinners—it’s all I’ve been wishing for. A honeymoon gift from a friend sends us to an island retreat that promises the perfect weekend getaway for me and Logan.
Arriving at the secluded spot, however, we discover the staff are ‘missing’, and ghosts inhabit the dilapidated historic mansion that once belonged to the island’s owner. The only living person seems to be a mysterious woman who insists her goat, Fred, talks to her and predicts the future.
Fred claims an ancient curse is at work and a phantom killer who wants the island to himself stalks the land. If Logan and I don’t leave, we’re next on his list.
But we’re trapped—our only means of escape lying at the bottom of the sea. Can I use my ghost-whispering skills to help the earthbound spirits cross over, as well as track down this killer? Or will the ancient evil that haunts this place make my honeymoon one to die for?
Read Ava and Tabby’s next ghost adventure today!