Ask the Author: Nicky Wells
Answered Questions (7)
Nicky Wells
I don't know! I like to stumble from book to book as the fancy takes me, and quite often I alternate between romantic comedy and crime, old and new. Right at this moment, I'm re-reading Labyrinth by Kate Mosse and enjoying it as much as I did the first two times; I seem to discover something new every time. Also, I'm very much in the hands of my 12yo son who likes to pass on books he's enjoyed to see if I might enjoy them as much (Rick Riordan, anyone? And yes, I did enjoy them!). I remember doing the same with my Mum when I was his age, so this kind of "reverse" sharing is a family tradition. :-) I'm always open to new reads!
Nicky Wells
That's a great question, and I'll give you an honest answer. I had a really freaky encounter in a coffee shop once and to this date, I don't really know what happened. I was there with a boyfriend, and I thought our relationship was going all right. I had to nip to the restrooms, and when it got to washing of hands, this old lady suddenly spoke to me. To be honest, I hadn't really noticed her lurking in the shadows, so she gave me a huge fright.
Anyway, she addressed me by name (!) and then told me to go home. "Go home," she said (albeit in German), several times. Then she left. Freaky, or what? It gets worse.
Of course, I was totally stunned and still rinsing my hands, so it took me a few seconds to go after her. When I got out of the restrooms, there was no old lady. So I dashed across to our table and asked my boyfriend if he's seen a weird old lady coming out of the ladies', and he said, no, the only person to have come out was me (he'd been watching and waiting).
Now I *know* I didn't imagine her. She was as real as anything. So who was she, how did she know my name, and where did she go?
The meaning of her warning became obvious a little later down the line when the boyfriend and I had the most almighty row and split up over a pathetic, tiny little thing in the most painful manner possible: as these things go. Looking back, I reckon that's what she'd meant that night: to go home and cut my losses there and then, before things got ugly.
So. How's that for a plot?
Anyway, she addressed me by name (!) and then told me to go home. "Go home," she said (albeit in German), several times. Then she left. Freaky, or what? It gets worse.
Of course, I was totally stunned and still rinsing my hands, so it took me a few seconds to go after her. When I got out of the restrooms, there was no old lady. So I dashed across to our table and asked my boyfriend if he's seen a weird old lady coming out of the ladies', and he said, no, the only person to have come out was me (he'd been watching and waiting).
Now I *know* I didn't imagine her. She was as real as anything. So who was she, how did she know my name, and where did she go?
The meaning of her warning became obvious a little later down the line when the boyfriend and I had the most almighty row and split up over a pathetic, tiny little thing in the most painful manner possible: as these things go. Looking back, I reckon that's what she'd meant that night: to go home and cut my losses there and then, before things got ugly.
So. How's that for a plot?
Nicky Wells
I find inspiration almost anywhere. Quite often, a snatch of conversation overheard on the bus, an interaction observed in a cafe, or a random thought that pops into my head will give rise to an idea which, if novel-worthy, will blossom into a full-blown plot within seconds. It's a bit like dreaming, I guess; it happens so fast, the whole things comes to you in a matter of seconds. Very often I'm caught on the hop and have to beg paper and pen (on one occasion even a napkin) to set out the rudimentary outline before it drives me insane; because if I don't write it down straight away, it will distract me all day long.
Nicky Wells
If you're starting out on a novel for the very first time, I'd say, plan, plan, plan. Draft an outline for your plot, map out your timeline, sketch your characters. That way, you can check for plot holes and inconsistencies before you get going, and you'll find this will really help you to a) get into the swing of things and b) keep your momentum going. Good luck!
Nicky Wells
Control over destiny! I am totally in charge, and I get to develop my dream world (and my character's lives) just how I want. That is, up to the point when the characters leap off the page and start interfering with my master plan!
Nicky Wells
I don't! I'm an OCD planner, and I have a very, very good idea of where the plot is going before I even start typing the opening chapter. I make a point of getting to know my characters inside out before getting into the story, so I tend to find the writing simply flows. Evidently sometimes things are hard going, which is usually a red flag telling me to pick up the pace or tighten the plot. But I've been very fortunate so far to never have found myself suffering from writer's block. :-)
Nicky Wells
Great question! In terms of general fiction, my favourite couple would have to be Scarlett and Rhett. Their complicated love is so deep, so profound, so doomed, and yet they are so right for each other. If I may refer to my own work, my favourite couple at this time would be my first creations, Sophie and Dan. Their romance is epic, with many twists and turns, and Dan in particular shows a loving, caring, deeply loyal side that is simply adorable. And enviable! Yes, I'm jealous of my heroine. LOL!
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