Author Spotlight: MJ Nightingale

December 29, 2015 • News

1)      How did you get started as an author and what made you want to pursue that field?
I have always wanted to write and it sprang from my love of reading. I devoured books as a teenager, especially romance novels, and I wrote my first book when I was twenty-three. But life got in the way, and I put those dreams on hold. But I am back at it. These last two years I have begun to write again, and with the ease of self-publishing my dreams are coming true. My eighth book is set to release in just a few weeks. I have these characters that live in my head and I am so glad I get to share their stories with lovers of romance.

2)      What hurdles have your overcome while striving towards your goals?
The biggest hurdle is gaining exposure and a following. But I am getting there. My Bounty Hunter series has really taken off. The technology is also challenging.  But, I am learning as I go.

3)      Which novel has been your favorite to write and why?
My favorite book so far has been Beautiful Chase. It came so easily to me. I love both the characters in that book, and it is my most romantic, I think. But, my new series is a real labor of love. I have many dear friends in the Native American community, and grew up next to a reservation in Canada. It tells the story of five Native American family members and their struggles to gain recognition by the government and getting a casino off the ground while weaving in romance and adventure, and has lots of steam. It’s been fun. I also get to share my passion for history in a contemporary setting. I hope my friends in the Native American community feel I have done their plight justice.

4)      For those looking to become an author, what advice would you give them?
Ask questions. Become friends with other indie authors. There is a lot of love and friendship out there. There are lots of people willing to help you on your journey. Look for other authors just starting their journey and learn the ropes together. It is so much easier to have someone going through it with you.

5)      Favorite motto?
Always dream and shoot higher than you know you can do.
Don’t bother just to be better than your contemporaries or predecessors.
Try to be better than yourself.
– William Faulkner

6)      In one word, how would you describe your writing style?
One word! Wow.That is tough. If I could only pick one it would have to be; story-teller

7)      Which author inspires you the most and why?
Maryann Jordan is my current go to read. She is an indie author that tells a great tale. She is entertaining and I can easily get lost in one of her books.

8)      What is your writing process like?
I need quiet. I usually sit outside on my deck with my ipad and let my fingers fly. I start with a skeleton outline. Then, I develop it to about forty pages, and then I write the book taking each scene I have pictured and weaving in the details and dialogue.

9)      Goals for 2016?
Edit the rest of my Mystic Nights series, and outline my next series; Women at War. Chances is now available!

10)   What new projects are you currently working on?
Women at War is my next series and I am very excited about it. It will be about 12 women and their struggles to overcome some serious issues that plague our world. I don’t want to give too much away, but I don’t want to have the title of the series mislead anyone, so I will say it is a contemporary romance with action and adventure, but the woman are not soldiers.

11)   Any final thoughts you would like to share with the CJC Photography readers?
If you like romance, and action and adventure, and lots of steamy scenes, 18+ scenes, then you might want to give my books a try.

Learn more about MJ Nightingale via Facebook!

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