Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
My name’s Niki, and I’m 24-years-old. I’m a gamer and an anime-lover, and I know a little bit of Japanese. I’ve enjoyed writing and creating characters since I was a young girl, though I only have one book published so far. I have many more ideas, and I hope to share them all with the world one day.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is titled Nebula Andra: Synchronicity Abyss (NA:SA). It was inspired by Vocaloids–voice synthesizing programs. Producers use these Vocaloids to sing to music they put together, and the songs range from love songs to horror songs to epic tales of adventure. One such tale of adventure really inspired me–the Synchronicity series by Hitoshizuku-P. That combined with my general love for Japanese RPGs brought a new idea to life, and I continue to honor my inspiration by giving what shout-outs to Vocaloids and Vocaloid songs I can.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Well, for one, I don’t do an outline. I have a bunch of notes written about the characters, the world, the magic, and the general story idea, but I keep everything about where the story will go in my head, and I often replay it several times. However, I’ve found that the scenes I imagine turn out quite different when I actually write them–the characters decide to take it in a slightly different way, or I’ve developed more so it has to play out differently… I suppose you could say that I don’t like doing outlines because writing is an adventure for me–I get to find out where the characters lead my imagination as well, and that in turn keeps stories fresh and new for me.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I would say for English authors, Tamora Pierce. I’ve always loved the strong women in her books. For others, Hiromu Arakawa and Jun Mochizuki have also been huge influences for me. Hiromu Arakawa has strong characters everywhere as well, and she masterfully blends science with magic. Jun Mochizuki knows how to pull at the heartstrings, as I’ll be mad at character of hers one moment before cheering for them the next. She also delivers a complex story that bends the mind–not to mention all of her Alice in Wonderland references throughout.
What are you working on now?
I’m working on the direct sequel to NA:SA now, titled Nebula Andra: Synchronicity Radiance. It’ll follow up right where NA:SA left off and take the reader for more twists and turns only hinted at in the first book.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I use Facebook a lot for promoting my book. I’ve also hung up flyers around a local college here, which has generated some interest. I’m still looking for the best method, though I’ll have a video for it on youtube soon.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Always keep learning and improving. Criticism is a great thing, since it’ll tell you what you’re doing wrong and (hopefully) how to improve it. I never stop learning about things I can do to make my writing more engaging.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
It’s hard for everyone when they start out. It’s hard to get people to read your work, but you can’t let it get to you and you can’t give up–you just have to get back up and keep trying.
What are you reading now?
I’m reading two mangas–Pandora Hearts and Kagerou Days, both of which are wonderful series that make me think. I’m also looking forward to starting George R.R. Martin’s books soon.
What’s next for you as a writer?
As mentioned before, I’m working on my next book. I have some stylistic things I need to improve on that a few readers have noted–though they still really enjoyed my book. I aim to bring the same quality to the next one, but to always keep improving.
What is your favorite book of all time?
I have to go with a classic here–Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland. It really inspires the mind, and I love Alice’s character. I also love Through the Looking Glass, and it was tough to decide which one. Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland really stood out in my mind, though.
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