Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Hey hey! Nicholas here, or Nick if you aren’t my mother or aunt. I was born and raised in the mitten state. That’s Michigan to the uninitiated. After studying English at Central Michigan University, I made my way south and spent a year living in Central Florida. Fun, but hot. It wasn’t for me, so I headed back to the frozen north. I eventually settled in the Motor City, met and married my lovely wife, and have been here ever since. And all that time, I’ve been writing.
I’ve written a total of six books so far, but as of this date, I’ve only published one. A couple of the unpublished books will remain that way forever. Others will see the world one day. Like most writers, I’ve got a million more ideas, so the writing never stops…
But when the writing stops, or I’m procrastinating it, I can usually be found somewhere comfortable reading, listening to Bob Seger’s Live Bullet on repeat, making pasta for my wife, re-watching Lost, or further exploring the true meaning of suffering via my unending loyalty to the Detroit Lions.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book, which just so happens to be my debut novel, is titled APOTHEOSIS. It was inspired and influenced by a lot of things over the many years since I wrote the initial draft in 2010. But the main inspiration for the story came from a dream. I get a lot of great ideas from dreams. It’s remembering those ideas once I wake that’s the hard part. I don’t even really remember the dream that inspired this book, but I do recall waking up in the middle of the night, grabbing my notebook, and furiously scribbling down 4-5 pages of notes. I still have those pages, just in case the Smithsonian come calling for them some day.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I’m a very sporadic writer. I know, I know, if I’m serious about the craft I should be planting my tuchus down in a chair and forcing myself to write every day. I do that. Honest. But it’s only when I get going on a project. I spend hours and days and months and years thinking about multiple story ideas, writing down character notes, and just figuring things out in my head. One I’ve reached the point where I think I have enough to start putting words down, then and only then, do I begin writing. And oh boy, do I write. It’s hard to pull myself away from the keyboard at that point.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Like most writers, I’m sure, there are a lot of authors and books who have influenced me. Every book I read is some sort of influence, good or bad. But if I had to pick one, I’d say Michael Crichton. His books were the ones I was reading when I really started to get into reading and writing as a young adult, and they’ve stuck with me ever since.
What are you working on now?
Mainly promoting APOTHEOSIS, since it was only just released. But I’ve also got that niggling in the back of my mind about what I want to work on next. I’m trying to decide whether to go back to a previously written manuscript, or start something completely new. Decisions, decisions…
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I haven’t quite figured that out yet, but Social Media Land seems to be my best, free option at the moment. If you know your way around Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook, you can reach a lot of people. I’m still learning, so it’s slow going right now, but I think I’m making headway. I’m realistic though. I don’t expect my book sales to suddenly skyrocket overnight. I’m just trying to build a base of readers, even if that means one at a time.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Don’t overthink your writing, especially the first draft. At least, if you’re writing fiction. Just have fun with what you’re writing. Let it take you to unexpected places. Writer yourself into a corner and figure a way out. Even if it doesn’t all make sense or even seem logical, just keep going. The first draft doesn’t have to be good. That’s what editing is for.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
The best writing advice: Just get it all out on the page. I’m all about the vomit draft–just keep writing until you have a complete novel. Then at least you have something to work with.
What are you reading now?
A book of poetry written by an old friend and Runner by Patrick Lee.
What’s next for you as a writer?
Balancing the ongoing promotion of my current book with the development and writing of the next. It’s writing. It. Never. Ends.
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?
Sphere by Michael Crichton, The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien, To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee, and The Drawing of the Three by Stephen King.
Author Websites and Profiles
Nicholas Crivac Website
Nicholas Crivac Amazon Profile
Nicholas Crivac’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account
Pinterest Account