Ask the Author: Sandra Nikolai
Answered Questions (14)
Sandra Nikolai
Hi, Jennifer. I would like to write more books in the Megan Scott/Michael Elliott Mystery series, time permitting. I've recently published the first novel in the Amber McNeil Mystery series, in which Megan and Michael make a "cameo" appearance! I hope to continue working on both series.
Sandra Nikolai
I enjoy many fictional book worlds, but my favorite ones involve solving mysteries.
I'd love to travel to Donna Leon's fictional book world set in Venice, Italy. Working as an apprentice with her character, Commissario Guido Brunetti, as he solves crimes would be the ultimate thrill!
As a second choice, I'd travel to Kathy Reichs' world of forensic science to learn how her character, Dr. Temperance Brennan, gets to the "bones" of the matter in criminal investigations.
I'd love to travel to Donna Leon's fictional book world set in Venice, Italy. Working as an apprentice with her character, Commissario Guido Brunetti, as he solves crimes would be the ultimate thrill!
As a second choice, I'd travel to Kathy Reichs' world of forensic science to learn how her character, Dr. Temperance Brennan, gets to the "bones" of the matter in criminal investigations.
Sandra Nikolai
Too many to list, but off the top of my head, my summer reading list contains books by Angela Marsons, Erica Spindler, and Karin Slaughter. What can I say? I love mysteries!
Sandra Nikolai
When I was a young child, I learned that Louise, a five-year-old playmate, would often sleepwalk. She would leave her home and walk down the street in the middle of the night, only to be discovered by a caring neighbor and returned to her parents. Our family moved to another area a year later, so I don't know what happened to Louise or her late night habit. Looking back, it's a mystery that she didn't get hurt -- or kidnapped! Other authors have used the "child-kidnapping" plot in their books. The difference is in the story and the way we tell it. I imagine that my experience could form the base for a plot as well.
Sandra Nikolai
There are too many to name! My favorite fictional couples range from Fox Mulder and Dana Scully in The X Files to Richard Castle and Kate Beckett in Castle. And of course, Sherlock and Watson.
As the author of a mystery series, I have to confess that my book characters, Megan Scott and Michael Elliott, now hold a special place in my heart and always will. I suppose you could say they're my all-time favorite fictional couple!
As the author of a mystery series, I have to confess that my book characters, Megan Scott and Michael Elliott, now hold a special place in my heart and always will. I suppose you could say they're my all-time favorite fictional couple!
Sandra Nikolai
Hi Julie! Thanks for your question. I always set up a detailed outline before I start writing the story. It prevents my ideas from straying off course and also serves as a useful tool to keep me focused on the plot line and what my characters should be doing. Happy reading and best wishes to you at Christmas!
Sandra Nikolai
I draw inspiration from everyday events, the experiences I've had, and the people I've met. Reading and writing have been a part of my life since my youth, and I'm grateful to be able to share my stories with readers today. As long as an idea inspires a story inside me, I'll keep writing books.
Thanks for your question, Delzine!
Thanks for your question, Delzine!
Sandra Nikolai
ICY SILENCE is in the final stages of publication. I'll be promoting it on my Author Facebook page and other social media venues in early October. Thanks for your interest, John!
Sandra Nikolai
Odd as it might seem, I usually get an idea for a story when I'm not sitting at my desk. It could happen while I'm doing household chores, exercising, or even shopping. I suppose my conscious mind takes a break during those times, and ideas filter through more easily when I'm not trying so hard. Wish I could go shopping more often!
Sandra Nikolai
I'm working on a short story to bridge the gap between my last novel and the next one in the Megan Scott/Michael Elliott Mystery series. Ironically, I started my career by writing short stories. Don't be fooled by the shorter length. A short story has a different set of writing rules and, if anything, demands a tighter plot. It isn't any easier to write!
Sandra Nikolai
Time is your friend. Use it to learn all about the writing profession, the publication process, and how to promote your work before you take the leap. Get feedback from beta readers or join a critique group. Hire an editor to review your final draft. Above all, follow your dream and continue to give readers a quality product. They'll come back for more!
Sandra Nikolai
For me, it's the opportunity to create and share my stories with others. It's my love of words and using them as best I can to communicate the characters, setting, and other elements I envision in my story. It's the sense of accomplishment at having produced an art form that entertains readers. I could go on and on, but you get the idea. I love what I do!
Sandra Nikolai
Most of the time, I'll walk away from my writing and do something else, like read another author's book or go for a short walk or tackle a household chore. Yes, washing the dishes works too! Doing something else usually helps to clear my mind and find a solution to writer's block.
Sandra Nikolai
Jealousy and revenge are some of the dark emotions that inspired the central theme of my recent mystery novel, "Fatal Whispers."I used the storyline to show how negative emotions, if given free rein, can sometimes lead to deadly results. I increased the challenge by introducing three murders for my sleuths to solve.
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