Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m a middle grade/teen/YA authorcurrently living in Japan. I’m a travel nut–I love exploring other countries, and the mythologies and cultures I experience have gotten incorporated into my stories. Right now, in Japan, I write cultural and travel articles for our local military magazine, in between working on novels.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
I have a new teen/YA adventure fantasy coming out July 1st called MUKADE ISLAND. I’m not sure where this idea came from, it started with a dream, I think. I wrote the first draft last November and it’s developed into a great beginning to a series called The Island Chronicles.
The current book I have out is a middle grade fantasy called FOUR FIENDS. This book incorporates a ton of Chinese, Greek, Polynesian, Japanese, and even some American myths.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Well, I’m nutty in the fact that I get up between 4:30 and 5 in the morning to crank out stories before I head to work.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
C.S. Lewis is probably my greatest influence. I loved the Harry Potter series and I’m a big Lord of the Rings fan. I also enjoy Neil Gaiman and I’m a big fan of Ken Follett.
What are you working on now?
I am attempting my first “adult” novel called Night at the Basking Iguana. It’s about a woman’s worldwide search for a very elusive restaurant. And all the adventures she experiences on her quet to find it.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I think social media is actually the best. Facebook and twitter are my preferred social networks. I also try to post on Goodreads. I’m exploring new ways of marketing every day, which is half the fun of self-publishing (or half the misery, depending on how you look at it. :P)
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Write and read every day.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Actually, the same advice I just passed on. You have to write and read every day. I started up a blog review site at www.nikki-bennett.com so I could really focus on reading other indie author. And I try to write every day, whether it’s promotional stuff, an actual novel, or an article for a magazine.
What are you reading now?
Right this second I’m reading Ugly Stick, a YA indie book by Joy Givens.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I just want to keep learning more about the self-publishing business and get more books out there! FOUR FIENDS and MUKADE ISLAND are both the first book in a series, so I figure I’ve got plenty of writing ahead just to complete both of them!
What is your favorite book of all time?
I’ll have to go back to my childhood and say Where the Red Fern Grows by Wilson Rawls.
Author Websites and Profiles
Nikki Bennett Website
Nikki Bennett Amazon Profile
Nikki Bennett’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
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