HL Nighbor Interview Published on: 27, Jul 2018
Where do you live? How do you like the city?
I live in Gig Harbor, WA in a development in the middle of the woods. It's quite rural and takes us about twenty minutes to get to any major shopping area. I love it.
If you had to describe the feeling of being a mother to two sons in one sentence, what would it be?Being the mom of two sons is an adventure every day.
What do you enjoy the most about a peaceful neighborhood?I love being able to look out my window and see trees in every direction or being able to sit in my yard without the noises of the city or cars driving by. The quiet is amazing for creativity.
You believe you are a ‘through and through Aquarius’. Do you believe in astrology?I do believe that people tend to favor the characteristics of their astrological sign but I'm not a strong believer of horoscopes and other similar things, but they are fun to read though.
You really like hoodies and graphic tees. Do you have a collection? Which is your favorite from it?I don't have a collection as much as I have an overabundance of graphic tees and hoodies. Currently, my favorite graphic tee is a purple Little Miss Sunshine one from the Mr. Men and Little Miss characters and my favorite hoodie is Miami, FL one with a lace-up neckline.
You’re also really fond of makeup. Which is your favorite brand/store to shop make up from?I'm obsessed with make-up. My favorite place to shop is at Ulta and I don't have a favorite brand since I have favorite items from brands all across the board.
You have a few tattoos too. Tell us about them. Which one is the most significant to you?The tattoo with the most significance to me is the one on the inside of my wrist that reads "The struggle is part of the story." It reminds me that life is a ride and the ups wouldn't be as sweet if it wasn't for the downs.
What are the other jobs you have worked/work apart from being a writer? How have they inspired or helped you to write better?I am a substitute teacher for my local elementary school and have a degree in accounting. Neither really inspired me or helped me write better, but they have definitely given me a drive to find a creative outlet since neither job allows for much creativity,
What is your ideal way to overcome a writer’s block?I like to read, watch a movie, or listen to music to help overcome writer's block. Some times I find talking about my story to a friend will also help overcome any writing challenges I may be facing.
What inspired you to begin the Still Water Pub series? How many books are planned in the series?The Still Water Pub Series was born as a bucket list item. I wanted to try my hand at writing, so I did and Sweet, Sweet Savannah was born. There are currently four full-length books planned for the series.
Sweet, Sweet Savannah was very well received by the audience when it was released in December last year. Have the reviews made you more confident about writing the story ahead? How do you deal with the few negative reviews that may come your way?As an author, positive reviews always make you feel great and negative reviews come with them since you can't please everybody. I have been told by authors who have been writing for years and years not to read the reviews. I try to stick with that and write what I love. Some will love it and some will hate it, but that's okay.
What is the sweetest fan mail/ compliment you have ever received for your writing?I received a message from a reader the other day who told me that she was going through a rough time personally and was having a hard time finding any enjoyment in life but reading Sweet, Sweet Surprise provided her with a reprieve from her reality and she was able to laugh and enjoy something for the first time in a while.
What are the characteristics that you have particularly paid attention to for the character of Savannah?Savannah was a fun character to write. It was great to be able to write such a strong, independent female character.
Which is the next book that you are writing? When is it due for release?I am currently working Breaking Brittany which is book two of the Still Water Pub Series. It will be released this summer but an exact date is yet to be determined.
