Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’ve always wanted to be a writer, and have ended up doing just that, though I’m a non-fiction writer rather than a novelist, despite my childhood imaginings. I write every day… but I’m usually writing web content. I’ve written many thousands of words, but only one book so far.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My first book is called Raising Your Coeliac Child: What you need to know, and it is based on our 20 years of experience as the parent of a child with coeliac disease. I found the support from other parents of coeliacs to be invaluable – so I hope this book will be useful to others. It’s not a recipe book! It discusses the key issues facing families as they start to manage the gluten free diet for their child:
• Knowing what can (or can’t) be safely eaten
• Discussing the diagnosis with children and other adults
• The psychological impact of the diagnosis
• Dealing with the daily details, from school trips and birthday parties to travelling and eating out
• Dealing with negative comments—and making mistakes.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
No..Just coffee and a keyboard. I do use an ergonomic mouse and keyboard at a standing desk, though, so that’s probably unusual. I’ve tried using speech recognition software, which I know works for many writers, but it’s not for me.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Far too many to list. There’s something to learn from every book.
If you’re writing web content, then Letting Go of the Words by Ginny Redish is excellent.
What are you working on now?
Right now? Web content for a client.
For myself, though – my next book.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Ask me again in a year, when I’ve had more experience…
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Proofreading and editing matters even more than you think it does. I know you’ve already heard this—but it’s true.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Never stop learning.
What are you reading now?
The Long Way to a Small Angry Planet, by Becky Chambers. I’m reading it for the second time in a few months; I wish I’d written it.
What’s next for you as a writer?
It’s too early to reveal details of my next project. I’ll let you know.
If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
That’s a hard one…
I’ll go for four books: a trilogy by Robin Hobbs (probably the Farseer trilogy, but a new trilogy, one I hadn’t read, would be great!) and a book called something like ‘Surviving on a Desert Island for Beginners’ – I don’t know if it exists, but I’ll need it!
Author Websites and Profiles
Lucy Nixon Website
Lucy Nixon Amazon Profile
Lucy Nixon’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile