Interview with Nancy Straight!

So some exciting stuff is happening on the blog because one of my favorite authors is here! Can I get a round of applause for Nancy Straight? She's awesome, epic, and the coolest of the cool. I got to meet her (finally!) at UtopYA last June and she is great! I'm so happy to have her on my blog today. Let's get this interview started shall we?

Thanks for stopping by Nancy! Let's chat books...

Centaur Redemption just came out, what can you tell new readers about the series? How many books will there be?

Did you ever think Centaurs could be sexy? Yeah, me either – but my Centaurs don’t have hooves, Zeus changed their appearance a millennia ago, so they look human. The series has a tough time fitting into a single genre. Its roots are in Greek Mythology, but the first four books are primarily centered on Camille and Drake and their struggle to be together. I had intended for the series to be five books when I started, but completed Cami and Drake's saga in four. There will be more books in this series, but I haven't a clue how many.

Any WIP that is coming out soon?

No, nothing soon. I am envious of authors who are able to work on multiple books at a time – I’m not one of them. I have a story in my head that is screaming to get out, but most of the story is still in my head. Centaur Redemption just published on 1/31/14 so I’m still catching my breath.

What made you want to start writing? Or when did you know you wanted to write?

It was the combination of two events. Event one: I used to work with a lawyer who I had a great deal of respect for. We were working together one afternoon, he set a pile of papers on the table I had written, looked me square in the eye and said, “Mrs. Straight, you are one of the most compelling writers I’ve ever met.” Keep in mind, what he was reading was work-related and a full ten on the boring scale. His compliment was unexpected and flattering, I filed it away.
The second event was when I finished reading Stephanie Meyers’ Twilight Series. She was able to elicit nearly every major emotion I had experienced in my life, in just four books. When I put Breaking Dawn down, I was wholeheartedly inspired and I began writing.

What helps to motivate your writing?

Life. I’ve always been an observer. People do and say some of the funniest things. It helps that I am a magnet for funny. Strange things happen to me all the time, so I never seem to run out of material to pull from.

Ever get writers block?

Never, let me find some wood to knock on! My life is very chaotic (I wouldn’t have it any other way). I share my life with two fantastic sons, three rotten dogs and a husband that I adore. I have a regular career that some weeks grows to 60+ hours per week, so my life reduces the amount of time I spend writing. But when I’m able to sit down in a quiet room with my laptop I am always able to write.

Favorite snack?

Hmm, depends on the day. Usually Nacho Cheese Doritos, but my sweet tooth gets the better of me some days and I love warm brownies with ice cream.

Not to pit characters against each other, but is there a character you've had the most fun writing about?

A favorite? I absolutely LOVE Daniel. He’s Camille’s best friend, is the voice of reason when she makes some questionable decisions and is as sarcastic as any friend I’ve ever had. The part that I don’t like about him was he is in love with Camille and kept popping back into the story trying to convince Camille to leave the Centaur life behind her.

What is one song that you can't stop listening to lately?

This changes every day. I think yesterday I had an old Jodee Macina song on replay on my iPod, “Heads Carolina tails California.” I love that song! I grew up in Iowa and left the cold of the mid-west in 1991. My first stop was Hawaii for three years, California for two, Virginia for four, and I’ve been in South Carolina for thirteen years now.

What does your writing cave look like?

It looks like the inside of an airplane, the inside of a hotel room, a recliner in my living room, the passenger seat of a car and anywhere else where I can break out my laptop and get lost in one of my worlds. I write wherever I am able to.

What time of day is your favorite time to write at?

After everyone goes to bed or before they wake up. My life is so busy that I crave a quiet dark room where I can be alone with the worlds I create. Creepy, right?

Is there anything you want to tell readers?

Shortly after I published my first book, Meeting Destiny, I joined goodreads. I think I had sold maybe twenty-five books. I was still very new to the site and I was surprised when a friend request came in from Charles Young. This was followed by a message saying he had read Meeting Destiny and loved it. Charles was my very first fan and I still message him regularly. If any of you have ever sent a message like the one I received from Charles to a “Rookie” author, I can guarantee you will never comprehend the lifelong impact your simple act of kindness has made (or will make) in that author’s life! When a story moves you, let the author know. Since that day, I’ve met many readers who have gone out of their way to brighten my day – every single message has been an inspiration.

Thanks so much for letting me stop by today, Paulina. I’m one of your biggest fans and it’s an honor to be here! <-- Aw shucks! :) It was awesome having you Nancy! You are such an inspiration and an awesome writing buddy to have around!

Want to read her Touched series? ( I would HIGHLY recommend them, they are brilliant!!) Here is a handy dandy link to click on and guess what? Book 1 in the series, Blood Debt is FREE!! Click that link to start reading an awesome book!

Until next time,