Nola Robertson Interview Published on: 10, Jan 2018
What was the best part of growing up in the Midwest? What is the name of your hometown?
The best part or growing up in the Midwest was the beautiful scenery and friendly people. My hometown was Rapid City, South Dakota.
Where did you go to school? Who was your favorite teacher?I went to Stevens High School quite a few years ago and had several favorite teachers. The names escape me but biology and math were my favorite classes.
When did you move to New Mexico and why? What do you love most about your new home?I moved to New Mexico in the early 1980s. It is hard to select one thing that I love about my new home. I would have to say the winter weather is at the top of the list…no shoveling snow to get to the mailbox.
What was the moving force that made you sit down and start to write the Wicks Hollow Witches series? What does the character 'Alex' mean to you?At the time I wrote this book, I enjoyed reading about romances involving witches. I thought it would be fun to write about a witch who was determined to become a private investigator no matter how much trouble her inability to control her magic caused her. Alex is my ideal sassy and spirited heroine.
Where exactly in space does most of the action in the first book of the Tarron Hunters series, "Hunter Bound" take place? Did you have to read up on a lot of astronomy to write this series?I took a college astronomy course years ago. Most of the action for the books in this series take place on Tarron, a fictitious planet. Actually, all the characters and planets in the series are fictitious. It is fun having an active imagination and being able to create your own world.
Who does the character Larn Sarek from "Hunter Unchained" most resemble among popular celebrities, according to you? If he and Erak Dakros (Hunter Enslaved) were to enter a male modeling contest, who would win and why?Since Larn and Erak are aliens it is difficult for me to compare them with popular celebrities. As far as a male modeling contest, Larn would win hands down. Erak is handsome, but he is a bit of a brooder. Besides being utterly gorgeous, Larn has a dark, dangerous, and intriguing appeal.
Where did get the ideas for the unique names in the Tarron Hunter series?I discovered there are a lot of unique sites online to assist with finding the perfect name for characters.
How important do you think a name is to a character or to the flow of the story?A name is very important when building a character and making them believable. It is hard to engage a reader if the male hero is portrayed as a strong alpha but doesn’t have a name that suits his personality and role in the story.
Where do you find the inspiration for most of your alpha male characters? Have you ever met a person in real life that could easily pass off as one of your male characters if he tried?Most of the inspiration for my alpha characters comes from watching intriguing movies and paying attention to the actors.
If you could restructure Maslow's hierarchy of needs, where would you place "writing" on the pyramid?For me personally, I would place “writing” between self-actualization and esteem. I have always believed if you want something bad enough and are willing to work hard for it, there is no reason not to be successful in obtaining the goal. Being a writer isn’t easy, but it is worth the effort.
What is your favorite holiday?I would have to say Easter. It is the only time of year I can find those cartons full of chocolate covered marshmallow eggs.
If you were stuck on a deserted island with anyone of your characters, who would you want to be with and why?It would have to Phelan Rand from Stolen Surrender or Kyllan from Hunter Forbidden. I have a thing for bad boy shifters.
What are the most fun and challenging parts of being a writer?As a writer, I find it fun and challenging to take a scene in my head and transform it into words.
