5 Minutes with Nikki Duncan

March 23, 2011

Nikki Duncan is a 2008 Golden Pen finalist. Her first book, Sounds to Die By will be released in October from Samhain Publishing. Nikki is an active member of her local RWA chapters, serves on the RWA PRO Communications and PRO Education committees, and has had articles published and reprinted in over 100 RWA chapter newsletters and list serves. Nikki has done promotional work for several authors and has developed a Marketing & Promotion workshop with Misa Ramirez.

What project are you currently working on? (C’mon, give us a hint!)

I am currently working on a treasure hunting story that will likely kick off another series (maybe for Samhain.)

I have heard from numerous authors that chocolate is the staple of their diet. Is it in yours?

It’s in mine, but I wouldn’t say it’s a staple. I try to eat healthy so that I have energy when I get out of the chair.

Will electronic readers ever take the place of the humble paperback?

In my world there is room and love enough for both.

When you have writer’s block how do you break free?

I don’t believe in writer’s block, but if I hit a wall it’s because I’ve gone in a wrong direction somewhere. I get away from the computer and do something completely non writing related and if that doesn’t get the juices flowing, I will harass my editor or a writing friend for some ideas.

What do you do for inspiration?

Watch TV, read, hang out with friends, visit my yahoo groups. It just depends on what I need inspiration for.

Is there a genre of book you would like to write but haven’t yet?

I have a few paranormals that I would love to sink my teeth into. I just haven’t found the time yet or the right formula to make what’s in my head work. It’ll come to me though. In the meantime, I’m enjoying working with my suspense characters.

What kind of research do you do for your books? Do you enjoy the research process?

It depends on the book. I’ve read books and scoured the internet on topics ranging from Freemasons to American History to Serial Killers to Russia to Poisons and the Bible. Then there are the ones on Magic, Secret Societies, Psychics, Mysteries of the World, Runes and Face Rea

ding. I sort of look everywhere for information and inspiration.

What is your favorite movie of all time? The one where you can watch it and still get affected at the same spots each and every time?

Hmm. This is tough because if a movie gets me the first time it will pretty much get me every time I watch it. However, one of my favorite movies is Calamity Jane with Doris Day. I also loved A Perfect Husband with Minnie Driver and Rupert Everett.

If you were stranded on a deserted island, what 5 things would you have with you? *mind you, you do have a strong hunky man to help you with things* *grins*

Interesting question. Books, because I might actually have time to read them. Notebooks so I could write the stories in my head to keep my sanity. A super awesome comfortable bed and someplace with indoor plumbing. I

don’t mind disconnecting from technology, but I prefer a few amenities. And it may seem odd if we’re talking a fantasy world, but my kids. I couldn’t happily go long without having them around. They make me laugh and smile.

What is your favorite way to relax after a hard day working and writing?

Watching TV with hubby or chilling with a book if the house is silent.

What is your perfect pizza?

Mushrooms and sausage.

Do you have a celebrity crush?

Channing Tatum. I totally dig him.

Out of all your books, do you have a favorite one? If not, then which one is closest to.

Hmm, that’s tough because each one I write I love a little more than the last. SOUNDS TO DIE BY has a special meaning for me because it’s the first one I’ve released. It was also one of the toughest, but the follow up to it that I just turned in means a lot to me because the heart and soul of the heroine is based on a great friend of mine.

What character out of all your books is the closest to your personality?

Probably Ava from the one I just turned in to my editor.

Have you ever been nervous over reader reaction when a new book comes out?

Yes. Specifically I was nervous about one reader who was going to read SOUNDS TO DIE BY. I knew her daughter had been born blind so she would know if I’d goofed up the details of that characteristic. I was relieved and deeply touched when she emailed me how profoundly the book had affected her.

How much does reader response mean to you over your books?

A lot. I love hearing from readers. I love to know how the books I pour so much of myself into impact them and what they thought – even if it’s not always all glowing. I like honesty.

What do you hope readers get from your books after they read them?

Well, I want them to forget the stresses of their day while they’re reading and while every book I do has a different bit of something that makes it special (at least to me) I want readers to know that everyone is entitled to the kind of love, respect, and devotion my characters find together. I want them to fall a little in love with their special someone again the way I fall a little more in love with my husband when I read a great book or write.

What is the weirdest thing a reviewer has ever said about one of your books?

I haven’t gotten any weird ones yet.

What is the nicest thing a reviewer has ever said about one of your books?

That it would entice any reader. That was from my review from Joyfully Reviewed.

Do you have a bucket list? If so, what are 2 things on it?