1. What inspired you to write your first book?
The short version:
A recent trip to India resulted in my renewed interest in mythology. The similarities shared in those myths that attempt to explain “origins” cross culturally was astounding and I wanted to explore that. What better way to do that than to take a fresh peek at Pandora’s Jar? It was such fun to immerse in the myth, modernize it, and play with the questions it poses … what is the origin of good? Evil? Personal responsibility? Etc…
At the end of the day, we all need a little hope and a lot of grace.
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2. Writing can be a difficult job, what inspires you to keep going?
If for no other reason, I simply love writing and enjoy the outlet it provides. I love sharing stories. I love how I physically feel while in the process of writing any kind of narrative. I love personal emails, twitter updates, Facebook statuses, text messages. I honestly feel relaxed and energized within my body when I’m writing anything that communicates my thoughts, hopes, dreams, love, ideas, etc. Writing adds to my happiness, and I like happy.
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3. What are you working on now?
Right now I’m about halfway finished with the first draft of the second book in the Charis series, Journey to the Underworld. Suffice it to say, Hades is a trip.
What’s next?
Why, book three of course. And then? I see something magic and witch-crafty coming. I already have a first sentence rumbling around in my head.
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4. What’s your writing process, schedule, or routine?
My writing routine changes. In an ideal world, I kiss the hubby good-bye, make morning phone calls, jump back into bed with my laptop, and write for around 4 hours. After that, it’s time to workout, make dinner, do chores, and kiss the man when he walks back through the door.
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5. Who is your favorite book character of all time? Why?
The use of the word “favorite” is tricky. Most compelling? Memorable? Lasting? Well, that’s easy, Cathy Ames of Steinbecks’ East of Eden. The writer describes her as follows:
I believe there are monsters born in the world to human parents. Some you can see, misshapen and horrible, with huge heads or tiny bodies. . . . And just as there are physical monsters, can there not be mental or psychic monsters born? The face and body may be perfect, but if a twisted gene or a malformed egg can produce physical monsters, may not the same process produce a malformed soul?
That’s bad ass!
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6. What advice would give to aspiring writers?
Write, and then share your writing, both for the purposes of critique and connection. If you can’t find a proper venue, a proper platform, create it yourself. Boom!
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7. What’s your favorite quote?
Do song lyrics count? (I’m also a songwriter, so they resonate with me.) If so, it’s easy:
Memories may be beautiful and yet
What’s too painful to remember we simply choose to forget
So it’s the laughter we will remember
Whenever we remember the way we were.
(Alan and Marilyn Bergman)
I was four years old when that song came out. Four. I heard Barbra sing and was overcome with emotion. I had no idea what the words meant, not in my then short life experience, but I knew they were beautiful, full of tension, and profound. Forty years later, I get it. And guess what? The words are no less beautiful now that I fully understand their meaning.
8. Who would you most like to have a cup of coffee with? (Dead or alive) Explain…
Jesus. Do I really have to explain?
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9. What is your biggest pet peeve?
My biggest pet peeve is something I’m guilty of myself, talking on the phone while at the cash register. What are you gonna do?
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10. Tell us something quirky about you.
I make up words when speaking to my husband. What’s worse? My older son now does the same thing with his wife. LOL!
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11. Favorite comfort food?
Before being diagnosed with a wheat allergy … fried chicken.
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12. Star Wars or Star Trek?
Meh.
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13. Sunrises or Sunsets?
Sunsets … preferably in the company of the one I love with a full-bodied, juicy red swirling around my glass.
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About the Author:
Nicole Y. Walters lives in Seattle with her husband. She has two grown sons, good boys, who call their momma regularly. Nicole loves a great many things in life . . . green apples with almond butter, the smell of puppy breath, and the feel of the words “I love you.” She also thinks writing is pretty cool too. Charis: Journey to Pandora’s Jar, is her first novel, and it was a joy for her to write every word. Inspired by Nicole’s own life’s journey, Charis: Journey to Pandora’s Jar is a book about friendship, faith, courage, and the power of one and all. Most of all, it’s a book about the compelling promise of hope.
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Connect with Nicole!
Charis: Journey to Pandora’s Jar
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Buy Charis:
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