Ask the Author: Mina Marial Nicoli
Answered Questions (7)
Mina Marial Nicoli
I am assuming this question is not referring to the current work in progress, but my most recent published work, which at this time, is The Quest for the Wild Violet. I have to admit that I wrote the story a long time ago - long before I published The Magic of Avalon Eyrelin, yet as things would have it, Avalon Eyrelin was published first and The Wild Violet was published second. My inspirations for The Quest for the Wild Violet were a combination of Peter Rabbit by Beatrix Potter, Charlotte's Web by E.B. White, and the Velveteen Rabbit by Margery Williams. I have to admit I never actually read the latter - somehow it missed me, but I remember the concept of a stuffed magical bunny and I used that in a way, but not with anything like the same premise. There are no humans in my story. Anyhow, the concept of an animal story focusing largely on friendship stuck with me, and the way my mind works, a story brews there on the back burner for a long while before I can sit down and write it all in one go of it. I will never claim to be as talented a writer as E.B. White, however. Charlotte's Web was written masterfully. I write with feeling, but I am not a master of my craft yet. I am still growing and learning.
Mina Marial Nicoli
I don't really plan ahead, and my tastes in books varies so widely that I will read all sorts of different kinds of fiction. I pick things up when I pick them up - I am kind of spur of the moment with reading. When I have the time and the urge, I go in search of a good book. Often, I enjoy rereading well loved books I've already read before, as well. For instance: almost every Stephen King or Anne Rice book I have ever read, I have read each of them around 3-4 times over the years. I revisit the really enjoyable ones.
Mina Marial Nicoli
Writer's block has never been an issue for me. I have always suspected that it arises when someone is not fully committed to their story, or is not inspired by their story idea. In order to write, you must have passion for what you are writing, or you will never finish it. So choose a topic that inspires you and sparks that passion, and you will never have a moment of writer's block.
Mina Marial Nicoli
You get to spend a large amount of your time dreaming and stepping outside reality. The mind can imagine such wonderful places and stories and people.
Mina Marial Nicoli
Don't give up. And read Stephen King's book for aspiring authors, On Writing. He gives some excellent advice that very well might put you in the way of finishing a book for the first time. That's how it happened for me.
Mina Marial Nicoli
I am currently working on a sequel to The Magic of Avalon Eyrelin. I am also working on some smaller projects like dark fairy tales in collaboration with another author. Fun stuff.
Mina Marial Nicoli
I imagine worlds where anything is possible - a world apart from reality - and my imagination informs me about what happens there.
About Goodreads Q&A
Ask and answer questions about books!
You can pose questions to the Goodreads community with Reader Q&A, or ask your favorite author a question with Ask the Author.
See Featured Authors Answering Questions
Learn more