Author Spotlight: Maya Nicole | CJC Photography

Author Spotlight: Maya Nicole

CJC Photography, book cover photographer, romance book cover photographer, romance book cover photography, romance book cover model, book cover photography, romance book cover imagery, romance novel photography, male models for romance novels, book cover models search, licensing art for book covers, selling photographs for book covers, custom romance novel covers, book cover models search, Wolves of Crescent Valley by Maya Nicole, Maya Nicole author, Jackie Coleman model

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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