Monday 20 August 2012

Author Interview & Giveaway: Sandra Nikolai

Hello and thank you for visiting my blog today.  My guest today is author Sandra Nikolai whose debut novel False Impressions was published earlier this year.

Can you tell us a little bit about False Impressions?
False Impressions is a mystery set in Montreal, Quebec.  The story revolves around ghostwriter Megan Scott who is suspected of killing her husband and a female companion.  Startling evidence indicates that Megan's friend, Investigative reporter Michael Elliot, is also involved in the double murders.

Where did the inspiration come from to write False Impressions?
From real news events.  I'd hear about people spending decades in jail for a murder they claimed they hadn't committed, only to be found innocent later.  I wondered about the evidence that had led to the jail sentence in the first place.  Had it been planted?  Tampered with?  Contaminated?  The notion that all is not what it appears to be stuck in my mind.  I wrote False Impressions based on that premise. 

False Impressions is your first book, how long did it take to get published?
Years!  I admit I was working on other writing and editing projects at the same time.  False Impressions went through three major reviews and re-writes, and a professional edit before I was satisfied with the final product.  When efforts to land a literary agent failed, I turned to Indie publishing.

Do you have a set daily writing routine?
Morning and afternoon hours are my peak writing periods.  On good days, I can write pages; on others, a few paragraphs will have to do.  It's hard to ignore the urge to edit and push forward with the writing, but I try to keep up the momentum.  I'll take several breaks during the day to work on social media and promotional activities - or do the laundry!

If you could write another style of genre, what would it be and why?
I can't imagine writing anything else but mysteries.  It's what I know best.  However... the future might open up possibilities in other areas, so one never knows.

If you could give one piece of advice to an aspiring author, what would it be?
Write the best book you can.  If possible, use professional editing services.  A quality product generates positive feedback that can spread from one reader to the next.

Are you able to give us a hint about what your next novel is about? And when is it likely to be published?
I'm currently working on Fatal Whispers, the second book in the mystery series.  The theme revolves around the shocking deaths of a millionaire's beautiful young wife, a homeless woman, and a priest in Portland, Maine.  The publishing date hasn't been set yet.

Do you have much spare time to read books?  If so, what was the last book you read or what are you currently reading?
I read in the evenings.  I'm currently reading several mystery novels by self-published writers.

If you were going to be stuck on a desert island and could only take 3 books with you, which ones would you choose?
I'd take along two of the longest novels ever written, Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy and Les Miserables by Victor Hugo.  Also a thick dictionary because I've never read one from front to back!

Can you describe False Impressions in 20 words or less?
An intriguing tale of jealousy, betrayal, and revenge with a hint of romance.

False Impressions is out now and is available as an ebook at Amazon US, Amazon UK and at Smashwords.  It will also be available in paperback soon.

Sandra has kindly offered up an ebook copy of False Impressions as a giveaway prize, entries will close at 6PM on 31st August when the winner will then be selected via Random.org.  To enter, simply fill in your details on the Google form below.

3 comments:

  1. Thank you for a really insightful interview and a brilliant book giveaway! I shall look out for more of Sandra Nicolai's work in the future. x

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  2. Thank you, dear readers, for your lovely comments. A special thank you to Sharon for hosting me on her blog! Congratulations to the winner of my eBook, False Impressions!

    Sandra Nikolai

    ReplyDelete