Author Spotlight: Maya Nicole
March 13, 2022 • News
CJC: How did you get started as an author and what made you want to pursue that field?
MN: I’ve always loved reading and writing but had never finished writing a book I started. In December 2018 I discovered the Indie Author world for the first time and was devouring books, so I decided to write one of my own. It originally started as just a fun project I had an idea for with the hopes of earning some extra money, but my first book really took off and I decided to leave my teaching job at the end of the 2019-2020 school year to write full-time.
CJC: What do you find to be the most rewarding and challenging part of being an author and what hurdles have you overcome while striving towards your goals?
MN: The most rewarding part of being an author is knowing that I’m providing readers a means of escape from their lives. It’s still crazy to me when people say they’ve read all my books.
Probably the most challenging part is the self-doubt and imposter syndrome. Sometimes it’s hard to wrap my brain around the fact that I’m a published author with fans and that people love my books. I can be my biggest critic and sometimes that makes it hard to focus on writing.
CJC: Which novel has been your favorite to write and why?
MN: Oh, man… this is a difficult question. Probably my first novel, Ascend. There was no pressure because I had no readers and expectations other than just writing it for myself. Things change when you hit publish and when you are a full-timer.
CJC: For first time readers of your work, which book would you recommend?
MN: Celestial Academy (Ascend is book 1), which is about Lucifer’s daughter.
CJC: If one of your books were made into a movie, which would you select and who would you like to star in it?
MN: Ascend would be an amazing movie or show. I always picture Camila Mendes as the main character. As for her four men… that’s a tough call.
CJC: For those looking to become an author, what advice would you give them?
MN: Write for you so you don’t get burnt out.
CJC: If you could co-write a book with any author, who would it be and why?
MN: I’d co-write another book with Britt Andrews because we just jive well and have complementary writing styles and ideas. I haven’t given a lot of thought to co-writing with anyone else.
CJC: Favorite motto?
MN: I don’t have one…never have.
CJC: What do you do to overcome writer’s block?
MN: Writing sprints (write 20 minutes then take a break) with rewards at the end of each sprint. I also am very motivated by close deadlines so if I procrastinate long enough, the pressure of having to write to send to my editor is enough to kick me into gear.
CJC: In one word, how would you describe your writing style?
MN: Relatable.
CJC: Which do you find harder to do… writing the blurb for your story or selecting the cover?
MN: Writing the blurb! The cover part is easy.
CJC: Which author inspires you the most and why?
MN: I wouldn’t say any one author does, but as a whole, the indie author community shows me it’s possible to have a career writing books.
CJC: What is your writing process like?
MN: I’m a pantser (I don’t plot) so I only usually have a general idea of a series before I just go for it. I write a very clean first draft, which might be why it takes me longer to write it. I have alpha readers that read chapter by chapter to give me any feedback and cheer me on, and when I’m done I send to my line editor then my proofreader.
CJC: What new projects are you currently working on and what are your goals for the remainder of the year?
MN: I’m currently working on book 2 in my newest series, Her Creatures. I plan on writing 3 more books in the series after this one but also writing Omegaverse and possibly contemporary this year.
CJC: Thank you Maya Nicole! “Wolves of Crescent Valley” featuring Jackie is now available!
Stay up to date with all of Maya’s latest releases here.
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