Author Interview With Nicky Peacock

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Interview With Nicky Peacock:
So, what exactly do you write?
I write both adult and YA horror and paranormal romance. Short Stories for anthologies, novellas, and novels.
 
How would you describe yourself in a short third person bio?
Nicky is funny – in both the in the HaHa and the weird way. She always writes from the heart and is more satisfied after writing a good story than eating a giant chocolate bar – although sometimes it’s a close call!
 
What made you initially want to write? Has your motivation changed since then?
I just always had a need to write. Creative writing was my favourite lesson at school and I found that, the more I used it, the stronger and more vivid my imagination became. My motivation has changed a little since becoming published, I like sending out submissions now, whereas before it was a really scary thing to do.
 
What do you think is the most important part of writing?
I think, that to write a good story, there are two incredibly important parts: one is the good idea – if you don’t have this, you don’t have anything. The other is the writing skills to convey that idea, if you don’t know the technical aspects of writing, then you really need to brush up your English language skills.
 
What is your favourite part of writing?
I really enjoy all aspects, from creation, to first draft, to editing – it just depends on my mood at the time.
 
Tell us an interesting fact about you.
I once managed to slip on a banana skin (it really does happen in real life) I was getting out of my car in a hospital car park and didn’t see it. I slipped over and banged my head on my car door. My mum, who I was there to pick up, laughed so much she broke her stitches!
 
Do you have a day-job, (other than writing)?
I do. I work in advertising – so I’m no stranger to the dark side of life!
 
Do you prefer a physical book or an ebook? Why?
I actually think both have their place. I love my kindle but I also love physical books. The downside to an ebook, is you can’t lend it to a friend for discussion. The downside to physical books, is there’s only so much room on your shelf!
 
Are you an indie author, or did you get your work published the ‘traditional’ way?
I went the traditional way; all my work is through publishers. As much as I admire indie authors, I felt that a publisher would be able to help me with editing and promotion – two things I really needed.
 
Tell us about your latest writing.
My last project was my novel Bad Blood, due out early next year through Noble & Young. It’s a vampires VS zombie urban fantasy set in England. I’m currently working on a number of short stories for various anthologies and the second Bad Blood book. The newest anthology to hit the internet is Untreed Reads’ Year End: 14 tales of holiday horror which includes my sinister story ‘Jack’s Month’. 
 
How long did it take for your first story to complete the publication process?
Each publisher works differently. One took a year – another only 3 months.
 
So, how long does it take you, on average, to complete a first draft?
For a short story about a month. For my novel, it was about 6 months.
 
How do you come up with the titles for your stories? And do you have the final title before completing your book, or after?
Sometimes I have the title before the story – sometimes I have a working title that will change at the end. I write very organically so things change through the first draft and onwards. I tend to have at least the working title on the document, as I find it hard to like something I haven’t really named.
 
How has writing changed your life?
I’ve gained a lot more friends through writing, and ironically my social life had exploded. It’s hard to fit everything in: job, social life, friends and family, writing, eating and sleeping – but where there’s an imagination, there’s a way!
 
Where do you get inspiration for writing from? Do you listen to music whilst writing or have a ‘writing cave’?
I do listen to music for certain scenes, I find fight and love scenes are easier when listening to certain songs. I also try to write whilst out as a well. There’s a lovely stately home about a 5 minute drive from me and it can be great to just sit in a massive ornate great hall by the fireplace and tap away on my keyboard – not so great for the other people in the room though!
 
Is there a particular form, style or genre that you’d like to have a go at writing? Why?
I’d like to give SteamPunk a proper go – I have a story in mind – I just need to find the time to give it the attention it deserves.
 
Favourite book and/or author(s)?
I like Charlaine Harris, Poppy Z Brite, Laurell K Hamilton and Karen Marie Moning. My favourite book will change, depending on what I’ve just read. I really enjoyed Isaac Marion’s ‘Warm Bodies’ and I’d also recommend Stephanie Meyer’s ‘The Host’ – before the films of each come out.
 
Do you think it’s necessary to have a degree (of any sort) in order to be a successful author?
Well, I don’t have a degree – I think some form of study will help you, but if it’s in your blood and soul to write – it shouldn’t be necessary.
 
What would you say to those who want to become a writer? Any advice?
Join a writers’ group – if you don’t have one near you – start one, it’s not as hard as it looks. Keep writing, don’t take rejection personally and learn how to use social media to your advantage. Oh and read, read lots, in fact read so much you feel like you’re living in the authors’ heads – then you’ll have the right mind-set to write your own – write something you would want to read.


Thanks for the interview!
Nicky Peacock