Nickii Fowler Interview Published on: 30, Jan 2016

Short bio or SYNOPSIS here on writing as your passion.

I have loved writing all of my life, and spent many a day in grade school writing a story while listening to the teacher. I was always good at multi-tasking even before we had a name for it. At school there was a following of students who avidly awaited the next installment of my latest scribbling. This continued all my years of school and overflowed into my working years. Until one day in my early twenties after completing three manuscripts that were accidentally tossed out, and I began my long waltz with writers' block. Thirty-five blinkin' years. I could write a report for work, write essay in college, write a letter, re-write a play for church, but not one word for a story of my own. For those who haven't experienced something like this, it's extremely painful. For me it's not that I want to write, but that I have to write. Words, plots, and thoughts begin rolling around my head from the moment I wake up. They were there but wouldn't form a line to travel down my arm and onto the page, until two years ago. That's when The de Clare Chronicles were born.

How long have you been writing and what inspired you to do it seriously?

I actually began writing in elementary school, around age 9. By the time I was 10, I had a following of kids who were reading my work. My "semi-serious" writing began back in the days when I only had paper and ink to work with. Yes, back in the days before the personal computers. It was difficult to write with the ground shaking from the dinosaurs running round. After obtaining my electric typewriter I developed another following at my work place, chapters being passed around under cover of the common manila folder. Three hand typed manuscripts were completed when writers block struck. It overstayed its welcome by over 30 years. In February of 2013 the block crumbled one morning and the de Clare Chronicles was born. I've been writing for about 10 hours every day since then. What inspired me? History. I love history,world and personal. It was my major in college, and have been doing genealogy for 25 years.

When choosing a name for your characters, what do you consider about them that determines what you finally call them?

In the de Clare Chronicles some of my characters were my actual ancestors, highlighting their participation in the establishment of the Magna Carta. Fictional characters have names that I feel fits the character as I'm working. Names might change as the character grows but that's rare.

Did you have a collection in mind when you were writing them?

Only with the de Clare Chronicles, currently I am working on three books that will be part of the series. The fifth book An Unprepared Life, the story of Duke Ethan and Lynette begins in 1215, with "appearances" of Tristan and Alinor. Book six takes place twenty years later and features Hugh, their first born son. Book seven jumps to the 1811 with Tristan and Alinor's descendant, Jonathan Trenton DeClare and Angelique "Angie". My other books are stand alone, although I have been asked to write a sequel to Glorious Surrender. I'm thinking that over.

How did you choose which stories to include and in what order?

My novels are entwined with actual historical events; the time frame evolves from there.

Do you have a "reader" in mind when you write stories?

Yes, me. I write books that I would enjoy reading. My reviews often say that the readers do not normally read historical romance, but they love my books. That inspires me to write.

What do you do to get book reviews? what is the best review you ever got?

I beg! Only kidding. I ask for reviews at the end of my books. This is my favorite review: ‘The settings for your novels are tremendous but the plots, Nickii are inspirational. Care to share how these come to be?' For Love's Tie That Binds: "What a great story, you instantly fall in love with the main characters and the story that unfolds. The book brings you into Mid Evil times and what life must have been like for the people of that time so easily by reminding you that a love story can take place anywhere, any time. I look forward to reading the trilogy so I can see what happens next!" Love's Sweet Home: "Such a sweet continuation of the De Clare Chronicles! A beautiful love story, intertwined with how people were treated back in the 1200's. Once I get started reading, it is very hard to put down!" Love's Valiant Struggle: "I just found this author not too long ago. I love her stories. They are wonderfully entertaining, deeply emotional, imaginative characters, with clever schemes. A masterfully woven story that has absolutely delightful characters." Glorious Surrender: "I have read a couple of this new authors books, and I absolutely love them! I want to read everything she writes. I love when i read a book that I just can't put down. She grabs you from the first chapter! Would be interested in knowing what the editing problems described by the comment above me are that would make them want to not finish the book. I think her books are awesome and can't wait for more. Her descriptions make me feel like I'm there, and can picture what things look like. I love this new author!"

What does the word "story" mean to you?

To me it means painting a picture with words and emotions. Creating a written world for the reader to escape to, and experience another portion of the human condition. A journey, not only for the one who receives the story, but for me as the writer.

What are you working on now?

Oh lord. I work on several manuscripts at a time a true serial writer. At the moment I'm finishing book five of the de Clare Chronicles called "An Unprepared Life". I have two books in editing that I hope to publish in a few months, and nine others in various stages of completion. There are always storylines popping into my head, anything can trigger them.

Do you have a special time to write or how is your day structured?

Retired, I am able to devote my time to writing. I write best at night and find that very early morning (2:00 – 6:00 AM) find me at my most productive. Fortunately, I require very little sleep, functioning best with five hours or less sleep. But I do require a lot of rest, and for me, writing is very restful.

How do you promote your work? How Quotesrain help you in your book promotions and sales, would you like to refer this platform to your author friends?

Sadly, I'm terrible at marketing and need all the help I can get. I'm on a very limited income and must find the most effective way at the least cost. Most of my time and energy has been used for writing, I have so much to work on and that has occupied most of my time. I've never been good at self-promotion, and am just starting to work on that. Quotesrain has helped me begin to channel my thoughts, and begin to use social media. I'm very new to Facebook and Twitter, I'm still in the learning stages.

Would you like to share something with your readers and fan?

Starting in 1998 I began taking care of my ailing parents. Mother had ovarian cancer and when approaching the end of her life my father suffered a massive hemorrhagic stroke, which left him unable to use his right side, or speak. I was Daddy's full time caregiver for seven years, his sole caregiver. I did everything for him, dressed him, got him into his wheel-chair, and taught him how to feed himself. It was the hardest and the most wonderful seven years of my life. A blessing in a form I never expected. Had our positions been reversed they would have done the same for me. An act of true love. After his death, my body woke up one day and said ‘I don't have to be strong now.' and I began losing the use of my right leg, and had the worst pain I had suffered in my life. I had no money, having used most of my savings on property taxes, my medical bills (no insurance), and paying my bills. After three years, I finally received help, and was able to have a double bypass on the veins in both of my legs. It was after my recovery that the writers' block ended. I only wish that Mom and Dad were here to see my books published. They would be so proud.

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