TUESDAY TALKS

SPOTLIGHT AUTHOR:   S A N D Y   N I C K S

Before we get started talking about your books, tell us a little about yourself.  Where are you from?  What is your occupation outside of writing? 

Thank you for having me, Susan! I’ve lived in NJ all my life. I grew up in northern NJ and now live by the Jersey Shore with my husband, kids and spoiled pets. In addition to writing, I work as a freelance virtual assistant. I’ve done work for small businesses, publishing professionals, writers and musicians. I enjoy working with writers the most and would love to find a permanent position as an assistant to an author. I also care for my adorable nephews a few times a month.

Would you describe yourself as an introvert or an extrovert?

 I’d say I’m a bit of both. I’m very outgoing, love meeting new people and have a tendency to talk too much, but I can also be shy especially when it comes to public speaking. I have a hard time with that! I once read that if you like your paper towels to roll from the top, you’re an extrovert. If they roll under, you’re an introvert. Therefore, I’d say I’m an extrovert ; -)

Do you have any pets?  If so, what kind and tell us their names.

Yes! I have four dogs and four cats. I had five cats, but sadly one passed away last month. I miss him so much, and despite still having 8 furry babies, the energy in the house doesn’t feel the same. I do have two of his sons so I’m thankful for that. As for the dogs, I have an Italian Mastiff named Angus, a Lhasa Apso named Emma (she makes an appearance in Falling for Autumn), a German Shepherd named Charlotte and Roxy is a Rottweiler mix.

What are your favorite books to read?

I read various genres. Of course I love romances, but enjoy true crime, paranormals, murder mysteries and some nonfiction.  I must admit that I read a lot of gossip magazines too. They’re my guilty pleasure!

Where is the most unique place you have traveled?

Hawaii. I spent two weeks in Maui about twenty years ago. It was gorgeous. The road to Hana and the Haleakala volcano were amazing. I also went scuba diving while I was there and got to hold a baby octopus. Other than Hawaii, I don’t travel other than to Belmar beach. Pretty boring, huh? My son just returned from Costa Rica though, and I’d love to go one day. He wants to move there, so who knows, I may just get to go! He held a baby sloth and I’m dying to do the same.

Aside from your successes in the writing industry, what in your life has given you the greatest sense of accomplishment?

My children are my life and the keepers of my heart. I’m so proud of them and they are, without a doubt, my greatest accomplishments. They’re young adults now, and although I often miss their younger years, it’s so much fun hanging out with them at this age. We’re very close and I treasure every moment with them.  

Do you have one particular genre that all your books fall under (i.e. suspense, romance, etc.)  or do you write in many different genres?

The Sisters for All Seasons books are romantic comedies with a touch of suspense. I also write time travel romance. Although I love writing romance, I’d really like to write a murder mystery one day.

Prior to becoming a published author, how many rejections did you receive?  How did you handle the rejections?

 I received quite a few over the years from both publishers and agents. Some were standard rejections, but I actually received a couple of personal, positive ones. Sounds strange, but even though the editor/agent didn’t want that particular manuscript, they offered encouraging words that made me feel hopeful instead of hopeless.

I handled each one differently. Some I didn’t care about and others made me feel disappointed because I had been asked to submit a partial. It is frustrating to receive a rejection, but after you give yourself a day to be upset, move on and keep submitting. Eventually your book will find a home!

How and when do you write? Do you keep yourself on a schedule or do you work while the muse is with you?

I write at my desk, at Dunkin Donuts and on the couch : -) I’m not a morning person so most of my writing is done in the afternoon and at night. I used to write when the muse struck, but now I have deadlines to meet for my publisher and have no choice but to stick to a daily schedule. Of course life interferes and there are many days that pass that I don’t write at all. However, even if I’m not writing on my laptop, I’m always writing in my head!

If you have a new release coming out, tell us about it. 

Crazy Days of Summer is my next release. It’s book two in the Sisters for All Seasons series. Although characters from each book appear in the other books, readers don’t have to read the series in order to follow the adventures of Autumn, Summer and Spring Winters.

Blurb:

Crazy Happens.

Summer Winters is used to having a hectic life. She has no choice. She works long hours for a famous movie star, she’s planning her beach wedding in New Jersey from her office in California, and her mother calls ten times a day to discuss ideas for the ceremony that include mermaid ice sculptures, fish bowl centerpieces and having the bridal party jump in the ocean.

Bret Hartford is handsome, wealthy and famous. With a recent string of box office successes, he’s rocketing to A-list status. He throws lavish parties, attends red carpet events and is always flocked by a bevy of beauties hoping to win his heart.
Like violent waves stirred by a coastal storm, Summer and Bret are suddenly hit with lies and betrayal. Summer’s wedding plans quickly unravel when her fiancé becomes distant and her mother falls ill. Bret’s future takes a hit when he becomes embroiled in a scandal that threatens his career. While Summer tries to mend her broken heart and care for her mother, Bret is relying on her to help him uncover the truth.

When Summer and Bret join forces to get their lives back in order, their working relationship turns like the tide. From low to high, they soon find their friendship is changing to something more intense.  Can this heated passion endure the crazy days of summer?

If you could give one piece of advice to writers trying to get published, what would that advice be?
I would suggest they continue to hone their craft even after they’re published.  I still attend conferences and online workshops. I would also strongly suggest they learn everything they can about the publishing industry. Authors need to know and understand the business side of writing. I read publisher sites, editor and agent blogs and numerous industry sites. Study, learn and follow guidelines carefully. Be prepared before you sell and have a marketing plan.  Have fun though, too! Enjoy the process and believe in yourself!  Sorry for offering more than one piece of advice – LOL

What's up next for you and your writing?
2011 is going to be a busy year for me. Crazy Days of Summer will be released in May. I’ll be starting book three in the Sister for All Seasons series, A New Trend for Spring, and working on my next time travel romance, Inside A Silver Locket.

Where can we read more about you and your work?

You can visit my website at http://www.sandynicks.com/, follow me on Twitter, friend me on Facebook, or visit my publisher's website - Vanilla Heart Publishing.   

 Thanks for dropping by today Sandy.  It has been a pleasure getting to know you and your work a little better!