A Little Something About Nikki Winters:
As a new indie author, Nikki Winters is always eager to share her work with readers. Being an avid horror movie fanatic, she loves all things dark, bloody, and messy. Halloween is her favorite time of year, along with all things black and red.
If it wasn’t for talking with her book club on a daily basis, she wouldn’t be sane! The small group of women inspire her with her stories and motivation.
Living in the South is too hot for her. She prefers the weather cold and snowing. Posted up in a cabin in the woods, with a warm cup of coffee in hand, and blankets of snow on the ground is what she strives for.
Questions and Answers:
1. What made you want to be an author?
I had been reading MANY books for many years and one day, it practically hit me. I thought to myself, “You know what, I know I have really good ideas for a story and/or stories, I want to experiment and see what I’m capable of.”
2. Typically, what was the timeframe it took you to write your books?
It only took me a month to write my part of the Hell Night Anthology. It is a novelette, so that for me was definitely a good start. When it comes to my other works, I work on them as much as I can, when I can.
3. Are you a planner or pantser?
100% a planner. I am too OCD, not to plan something out first. For me, it makes it easier to write when I have all the details lined up. From the character names all the way to the outline of how I want my stories to flow.
4. What would you say is your unique writing style?
I prefer to write in first person, present tense. That way I am able to truly connect with my characters and “feel” what they feel or go through. I am eager for my readers to experience the raw emotion of my characters and what they go through.
5. Whether it be traditional, self, or story book apps. How did you find the publishing process?
Through networking with other authors and being present on Bookstagram and TikTok. Definitely did my research.
6. How much of your process includes doing research into your subject matter or plot?
A lot! I think it is very important to do as much research as possible, so I can provide you with as much true, authentic details as I can.
7. How old were you when you first discovered your passion for writing?
I was very young. Probably of grade school age. I always enjoyed creative writing. Loved coming up with a scary piece or something thriller related.
8. When you’re not writing, what do you enjoy doing with your time?
I am a horror movie fanatic, so if you're ever guessing what I am up to, I can almost guarantee I am watching a horror movie or tv show.
9. Is your family supportive?
My family has always been very supportive in whatever makes me happy. That being said, there is no way I would want my parent or close family members to read my works, lol. They would probably look at me in a whole different light, BUT they definitely support me no matter what.
10. What was one of the most surprising things you learned about yourself in creating your books (characters, location, plot)?
I truly thought that writing my female characters would be so much easier than writing my male characters, but it is quite the opposite. I grew up a tomboy, so I was always around my cousins and close guy friends. I learned how males joked and talked with one another and I just became accustomed to it very early. So, sometimes writing my female characters I have to try harder to branch outside of myself and provide a different type of female character other than my own characteristics.
11. What is your favorite component about the genre you write?
I truly enjoy and love everything dark, twisted, & paranormal. I just can’t get enough. When write either dark or Paranormal stories, I just love being in that state of mind to deliver a good story.
12. What advice would you give to help others become writers?
Definitely put yourself out there and write what YOU truly enjoy. Not everyone will like your stories and that is OKAY. Just keep up all your hard work and keep doing what YOU love.
13. Do you hear from your readers much? What kinds of things do they say?
I do. With me just coming onto the scene, I am so thankful for each and every reader or fellow author that has personally reached out to me. It truly means the world to me, and I always value your time. “I love how you write your characters so raw and in first person.”
“Wow, I think I felt exactly what happened in that scene.” These statements make me so happy.
14. Do you like to create books for your target audience?
I do! All of my works will always be for readers 18+. Writing erotica is very important to me.
15. What pulls you in about a book? Do you read a book based on the cover or the summary?
Oh boy this is a tough one, lol. Honestly, I would say BOTH. Sometimes, a cover is what truly catches my attention, BUT just the same, a summary or blurb can hook me no matter what the cover looks like, it just depends on what mood I’m in.
16. How do you handle writer's block and what do you tell other aspiring authors who may be fighting or fearful about hitting that wall?
My best advice for aspiring authors is simply this… writers block WILL HAPPEN. It happens to everyone, no matter who you are. I find it refreshing to take a break, whether that is a couple of days, a week, maybe two weeks. No writing - don't even think about your story. Just watch a movie, watch a TV show, read something that you have been putting off, because you have been writing your ass off, lol. Just give your mind a mental break and I promise it will come back. If anything, your ideas will start to flow better once you give that creative beautiful brain a break, lol.
Final Note: Nikki Winters is the last of the highly anticipated additions to the author features. She is one of three authors behind Hell Night and the Queen of Erotica. She brings so much depth and purpose to her characters and where she wants her story to go. I personally cannot wait to read Hell Night. And I highly suggest you get your copy today.