In an effort to introduce my readers to other authors and their work, every week I run an Author Spotlight, sharing information about an author, their work, and how they go about writing their books.
Nancy J is an accomplished writer who works across multiple genres. Her debut Amazon eBook, Masked Love, is a mystery novel in a trilogy. In addition to her writing career, Nancy J enjoys watching classic television shows, as well as drama, action, mystery, and horror films, and keeps up with the latest books by JD Robb and other emerging authors. Nancy J values both professional and personal relationships, staying connected with friends, acquaintances, and family through social media, and occasionally hosting trusted guests at her home. Based in Rhode Island, she is currently focused on developing her next novel.
A conversation with Nancy:
When did you decide to become an author and why?
In 2023, the first novel was self-published on Amazon. Becoming an author was always a dream until a friend encouraged me.
How long have you been writing, and what was your first book?
I have been writing on and off since first grade. My first book written is Her ‘Entities’, but the first book published is Masked Love.
What genres do you write in?
Mystery, paranormal, psychological thriller, and most recently, contemporary romance.
How many books do you have out?
12 published – all on Amazon
Are you trade published, independent, or a combo?
Independently published – but I am looking into traditional publishing for my 12-book series.
What is your writing style? Pantser or plotter or?
Pantser and proud of it!
Do you write more than one book at a time?
I am in the process of adding chapters to four new novels and editing three novels. So, yes, I am always writing more than one book at a time.
How much research is involved in your writing?
Depending on what I am writing and how deep into the story I go, it can take an entire month to research.
Where do you write? Do you have a home office, write in a coffee shop, or what?
I do most of my writing on my laptop, sitting on my loveseat in the living area of my apartment, while listening to a show on TV that I am binge watching.
Do you use any programs like ProWriting Aid, Grammarly, or ?
Due to living on disability and below the poverty line, I am only able to use Grammarly to check my spelling and some of the grammar aspects of a novel. I tend to use my dictionary, thesaurus, and a grammar book.
How do you promote your books?
I have three separate newsletters that go out each month. I also send postcards to the readers I already know who purchase or read through Kindle Unlimited.
What are your writing goals, long and short term?
Continue with editing the 12-book series and write more books in the Rhode Island: Killer series with Valerie Phelan. I plan to do Novel November and make sure it is a novel in a genre other than mystery.
Any advice to new authors or someone who wants to become an author?
My only advice is always the same – Write something every day, read every day, and when writing that first draft, write until you type “The End.”
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And finally, here’s a chuckle to start your day from the collection of funny signs we see in our travels and that our readers share with us.
Thought For The Day – The writer must earn money in order to be able to live and to write, but he must by no means live and write for the purpose of making money. – Karl Marx
Nick Russell
World-Famous, New York Times Best Selling Author, and All-Around Nice Guy!