Author Interview Nicole Wells

Author Interview

27 Jan

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Author- Nicole Wells

Nicole Wells is the author of the science fantasy series, The Five Elements. Thanks Nicole for taking the time to share with us!

Genres Nicole Writes in

Fantasy romance, paranormal romance, science fantasy romance, science fiction romance, paranormal women’s fiction.

Ways to follow Nicole!

Books by Nicole Wells

A Bit About Nicole

In the ethos where herds of story ideas run wild and free, I am known as the Devourer of Books. A voracious predator, I—

Okay. I’m a mom of three. And I spend way too much time in the fantasy world in my head. But, hey, in this world I’m still supernatural. I channel the powers of my insomnia for good. I have a second sense for cereal disasters and broken toy catastrophes. They call me Mom, which is code for You’re-Awesome-We-Love-You or Stop-Writing-On-Your-Computer-and-Play-With-Me. I’m not sure which. My kryptonite is my pet peeves: food stains on papers and losing the little plastic tethers when you remove the tags off new clothes.

So, yeah, that's me. Your average superhero mom. Oh, and I’ve got three eyes (one in the back of my head).

I’ve written several books including the Five Elements Series and The Worst Story Ever Written.

Now lets get into the interview …

Interview with Author Nicole Wells

1. Can you tell me a bit about yourself and how you became an author?

I’ve wanted to write since high school, when I first got high on strewing words together to craft something that felt different and bigger than I was. Fast forward several decades and I’d just gone through some major life changes. I was pregnant, in a new land and without a job. I figured I’d start writing. It helped that there was a story that wanted to be written. That book baby, UpSpark, was birthed in about three weeks, and none have been so easy since!

2. What do you like to do when you aren’t writing?

I have to carve out snippets of time to write, and they are meagre slices. The game plan is for hefty portions once my youngest is in school. I have three kids, and one is special needs. So when I’m not writing or with my kids, I’m often hiding in the pantry eating chocolate. I’ve also been known to disappear into books. Sometimes I drag the family along for a hike. I like to cook and garden, but gardens and cooking do not like me.

3. What authors, books, TV shows, movies, or fandoms are your favourites?

The only thing we (and by extension, I) watch is Bluey. I read avidly, however, and would surely surpass my word limit if I were to list all the current authors I adore. Suffice it to say, there’s tons of amazing talent out there, indie and traditionally published alike. I’m currently reading Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo and I’m in awe. I’m also reading Brandon Sanderson—his weavings are impeccable as always. There are several stories I’ve beta read that blew me away and are still with me months later. These are by first time authors and the stories aren’t out yet, but when they are I can’t wait to let you know!

I grew up on Mercedes Lackey, Ursula Le Guin, David Eddings, and Isaac Asimov, to name a few. A lot of nonfiction influences my work, including the meditative stylings of Brene Brown and Eckhart Tolle.

4. Do you have pets, and do they help or hinder your writing?

Ahhh! Don’t ask me this! I’ve been without a four-legged for so long, it feels like a limb is missing. We’re maxed out in space and time over here, but maybe we can wing a fish or something someday soon. Honestly, for the last seven years we’ve called our automatic vacuum “Cool-boy” (yes, we let the kid name it) and that’s all we’ve got. I’m not joking when I say we all gather and watch when we let it loose in a room. (This reveals that one, we really should watch more television, and two, I need to vacuum more.)

5. What comes first for you— plot, characters, or world building- and why?

Plot, dammit. My mind keeps plopping these enticing books ideas into my lap when I’ve got other books to finish! Ten WIPs is my max, do you hear me, brain?

6. What is your writing process like? Are you more of a plotter or a pantser?

I’m currently a weird amalgamation of pantser morphing into a plotter. It’s ugly, but it’s working. Pantsing brings me such joy and keeps the writing process liberating. Plotting helps me refine my craft.

7. What do you need in your writing space to help you stay focused?

My writing space is usually my bedroom rocking chair, a lap pillow, and a locked door. The process looks something like, Okay, I’ve got two hours! Yes! Then I proceed to word vomit all over my keyboard (I didn’t say it was pretty). About ten minutes in the screaming will start. Ignore the screaming! They’re fine with their dad! Someone will try the door handle. When the kids start crying “Mommy,” I’m done. Fifteen minutes later, I’m settled back in the chair, trying to pick up the threads and remember my plot points. After an hour or two my neck is killing me and I have a lot of editing ahead of me, but there are precious words that I can count like a pirate fondling her gold treasure. Sometimes hubs or a babysitter will gift me an empty house. I usually squander this time, starting innocently enough as research but eventually degrading into the rabbit hole that is the internet. I then berate myself when the ominous sound of car doors slamming jolts me out of my reverie.

Basically, I need a chiropractor, a proper desk, a more regular babysitter, and dear Lord, more time.

8. What’s your writing software of choice?

There’s writing software? Haha, yes I use a combo Google docs and open office.

9. Where do you like to write?

Anywhere I can. One time I set up in the driveway in a patch of sun, just to be outside. I think I scared the neighbors, being in that weird border zone of close-enough-to-chat but giving off serious don’t-bother-me vibes.

I get in my zone, so it doesn’t matter where I write so long as the kids aren’t around—I can’t tune them out. (Have you gotten the impression I may have gone just a little crazy with this whole pandemic thing, being stuck in a small house with all of them and no where to go? Shout out to the amazing writing community that helps keep me sane!)

10. What is your most productive time of day for writing?

I’ve tried writing after the kids go to bed, but then I get all jazzed up and can’t sleep. Then I tried early morning but it was too hard to turn off, being such a little snippet of time. I’m still experimenting. Traditionally, I’ve been a morning person

11. What is the most valuable piece of advice you’ve been given about writing?

Just write. Really, everything else is contained in this. Imposter syndrome is improved as you follow your passion and have more experience under your belt. Your craft improves as you get more practice. You have better chances of gaining traction when you have more books out. We really can be our own worst impediments, holding ourselves back from the dive.

12. What is your favourite and least favourite part of publishing?

There’s the moment when I‘ve finished—it’s such a great sense of accomplishment boosted with the excitement to unleash my friends and their adventures out on the world. Then there’s the moment I get feedback that people like the story or it’s changed their life. That’s priceless.

Although I’d pay good money to avoid having to do marketing. I suck at selling myself.

13. How do you celebrate when one of your books is released?

I used to treat myself to a take-out dinner, but my waistline says that’s not sustainable, haha. I sometimes goad hubs to buy me flowers (hasn’t worked yet).

Tbh I’ve spent most of my life doing delayed gratification, so nowadays if I feel like indulging, I do, which tends to take the specialness out of celebrations. And, as I always have multiple works on the launchpad, I’m deep into the next one when a book baby goes out into the world. Maybe I’ll step back and appreciate it all more when I go full time.

14. What are your favourite forms of fan appreciation?

OMG everything and anything. It all means so much! Every little thing touches my heart, really. I encourage readers to reach out to me. I love hearing from them!

I have plans to launch a Patreon account where readers can influence the stories—I’m so excited about this! I want to create a space where we can interact. I like to give back to the fans and make them a part of the creative process and the finished product!

15. Do you plan to write in other genres or subgenres in the future, if so which ones?

I’ve written under another pen name and plan for a third. These cover additional genres. As Nicole Wells, my stories will always include some science or fantasy mixed with romance. That will cover magical realism to high fantasy, science fantasy, science fiction and everything in between, with steam ranging from closed door to medium spice (18+). I endeavor to write memorable stories with twists and lovable characters who’s struggles are enlightening. You can sign up for a newsletter and get your choice of free stories and let me know what you think! www.nicolewellswrites.com.

16. What are your favourite resource recommendations for new writers?

20booksto50k (on facebook) is imho the best resource out there. However, I’d add a caveat—write your passion. Be aware of the market, but stay true to you.

17. If you could choose any fantasy worlds to visit, where would you go?

Puppies, chocolate and flowers are mandatory. Magical powers are a must, a cool crew of friends and some man chests a plus.

If I think anymore into the question, I get anxiety about the travel. Will it be a portal that might dismember me? What if I don’t speak the language? What if I can’t go back home? I like the quaintness of Elizabethan times but I need plumbing and modern dentistry or magic to match. Also, how much stuff can I pack? I’m a creature of comfort—I need to bring everything, including the kitchen sink.

18. Would you share something about yourself that your readers might not know (yet)?

Well, you’ve probably gleaned that my brain is wired a bit differently. I’ll anchor that with the fact that I have synesthesia (sensory input gets interpreted via other senses) and prosopagnosia (inability to recognize faces). So, sometimes I hear a noise and see beautiful geometric patterns. Not quite synesthesia, but I also on rare occasions hear music. And one time I didn’t recognize my own dad.

I have degrees in biochemistry and molecular biology, medicine, and acupuncture, and dallied with the idea of a minor in philosophy, but damn if I remember the structure of leucine or where GB 12 is located.