Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I reside in Calgary, Alberta, Canada and am just starting out in my author journey. I have always dreamed of writing but followed the all to typical path of finding a more ‘profitable’ profession. I investigate bank fraud during the day and really started to focus on my fiction writing in the last three years. I am currently a one book author, however I have notebooks full of ideas.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
In May 2021, The Perilous Road to Her was published and explores the dark and dangerous world of human trafficking. The idea for Olivia and Claire’s journey came to me in 2013. To be honest, I cannot recall the inciting incident but I knew the world it involved.
I have always been drawn to the stories of trafficking victims, as they are often voices unheard. One of my goals with my writing is to bring awareness to social issues through fictional stories. I hope this book will be one of many that allows me to do so.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I would say one unusual habit I have is to have Celtic music, particularly from Cape Breton, on as I write. The fact it has little to no lyrics keeps me focused. The upbeat music fuels my energy, especially as I write darker stories. I find it helps keep my mental health stable as so many of my characters’ deteriorate.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I have always wondered what it would be like to live the lives of the characters I read. From having Anne with an E’s imagination, determination and strong will as she navigated her way through a new family, friends and life at Green Gables, to time traveling with Simon Morley to watch a letter being mailed in 1882 in Jack Finney’s Time & Again. I learned about the intricacies of relationships all while wishing I could just close my eyes and wake up in another year.
Ami McKay is one author whom I will wait with anticipation for any new writing. Although not a thriller writer, the way she forms her prose is inspirational.
What are you working on now?
Without giving too much away, I am working on the next leg of Olivia’s journey. As a pantser, I am about halfway through figuring out where she will go next. However, that changes with every day so I am excited to see where she will take me.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Currently, it is word of mouth. However, I am in the process of using Instagram and podcasts to help promote my work.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
1) The advice I like to give is, write for you and no one else. The moment you start trying to live in other people’s heads is the moment mountains of self-doubt seeps in.
2) Revisions are wonderful, not scary. This is where you can dig deep in your work and really understand the world and it’s characters.
3) Research is your best friend. Research the market of your genre, writing/marketing tips and join Facebook groups for authors and readers. Build a community around writing, not just your own work.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
“The shoes you dream of filling have already been worn ragged through their soles. You’ve gotta step into your own kicks and just do you.” Alicia Keys
Whatever your dream, make it your own. Trying to be the next **insert famous person** could only lead to disappointment and a niche that has been filled. Make your own lane and just do you!
What are you reading now?
I am reading Bath Haus, by fellow Calgarian resident P.J. Vernon. I have only just started however it is already full of sticky notes to remind me of examples of excellent writing. Very intriguing and I cannot wait until I can take the weekend to read it cover to cover!
What’s next for you as a writer?
Outside of exploring Olivia’s story more, I think I am going to tackle the social issue of PTSD next. I also want to work on incorporating more of the sense of smell in my writing. It was unknowingly used sparingly in The Perilous Road to Her and I would like to learn more about writing with this sense.
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?
The Bible, Time & Again by Jack Finney, Anne of Green Gables by Lucy Maud Montgomery and The Witches of New York by Ami McKay. None of them thrillers, odd I know.
Author Websites and Profiles
N. L. Blandford Website
N. L. Blandford Amazon Profile
N. L. Blandford’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
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