Interview

Hi Nicole and welcome. I am so glad you could join us here at RomanceJunkies. To start, will you please tell us a little bit about your current projects?

 

Thanks so much for allowing me to be here! I have two erotic romance novellas out from Red Sage, just released this year. The first is a paranormal, DEVIL IN A KILT in Secrets Volume 27 Untamed Pleasures. A trip to the Highland Games turns into a trip to the past when modern day psychology professor Shauna MacRae touches Gavin MacTavish’s four-hundred-year-old claymore. What she finds is a DEVIL IN A KILT she’s had erotic fantasies about for months. Can Shauna break the curse imprisoning this shape shifting laird and his clan before an evil witch sends Shauna back to her time?

 

Chrissy Dionne of Romance Junkies says this about Devil in a Kilt: "Scottish highlanders are a favorite of many romance readers and Nicole North’s adds an exciting paranormal element that truly captures the imagination."

The other novella I have out now is Kilted Lover, a contemporary erotic romance: When kilted caber-tosser Scott MacPherson tosses Leslie Livingston over his shoulder to rescue her from two armed thieves trying to steal her priceless amulet, they are thrust into a deadly but sexy adventure. Though Leslie already has a lukewarm, uninterested boyfriend, her attraction to Scott is white-hot and undeniable. She wants to lick this tall, muscular alpha male all over and explore the depths of eroticism with him. But will he want anything more than one night once the danger is behind them?

 

BookWenches says this about Kilted Lover: "The love scenes between Leslie and Scott are passionate and playful. Leslie has always been a “good girl,” and Scott brings out the assertive temptress in her."

Please visit http://www.nicolenorth.comto learn more about both stories, watch book videos, and read excerpts. I will also have a story called BEAST IN A KILT in Secrets Volume 29, which is scheduled to be released July 2010.

 

When did you know that you were going to be an author?

 

I've enjoyed creating stories since I was a kid. I think I wrote down the first one when I was around eleven. I've been playing around with stories since then. Once I started reading romance, I realized this would be the perfect genre for me because I need a happy ending.

 

Do you edit as your write, or write first and then edit?  Do you enjoy the editing process, or is it just part of “the job” that has to get done?

 

A little of both, writing and editing, especially at the beginning of a story. But I'm training myself to push through and finish the whole rough draft of a story first, before I go back and edit. That helps me finish faster. I enjoy the editing process more than the first draft process because by then I can see where I'm going and I know I won't get off track.

 

What is the best way an author can promote herself?

 

Always be professional. A large part of that is just being nice, friendly and helping others when you can. Get your name out there in fun, entertaining ways. I've done this by being a part of two group blogs http://FierceRomance.blogspot.com/and http://seducedbyhistory.blogspot.com/ where I blog a certain number of times per month. Also guest blogging at other blogs which have different readers than those who frequent your normal blog. Get involved with social networks such as Facebook, Twitter, Myspace, etc. Join writers groups or chapters and participate.

 

Every beginning writer wants advice on how to succeed. What is the tidbit that helped you the most on your journey?

 

Never stop learning, whether it's learning to write better or learning the business side of writing. There's always room for improvement and growth, so keep at it. I teach online writing workshops, one of which is Take Your Writing to the Next Level. I decided to create and teach this class because I wanted to help other writers view their work more objectively and truly see how to improve. Also to identify their strengths and weaknesses, and decide what to do about both in order to further their careers.

 

Do you have any special hobbies or collections?  What project will you take up when you find a few extra hours…some day…?

 

One of my favorite hobbies is amateur photography. I'm a visual person and I minored in studio art in college. Photography was a part of that. I love taking pictures of beautiful landscapes. So that special project would be to buy a fantastic, top of the line camera and travel around and take pictures of amazing landscapes, preferably in Scotland.

 

What is your favorite feature on your computer?  Was there a bell and whistle that you had to have when you bought it, but now never use it?

 

My favorite feature is pretty basic, email. I also love Word so I can write. Listening to music on my computer is fun too. It doesn't really have any fancy bells and whistles beyond the norm.

 

Guess what?  It is unbelievable, but it must be true!  You’ve just been handed an envelope with $5000 inside!  How are you going to spend it? Oh, did I mention?  You must spend it all today!  And not on bills!

 

That's easy! A trip for two to Scotland. Because of my influence and the photos I took, my husband is now in love with Scotland and wants to visit. Thank you for that money-stuffed envelope! I'll put it to good use. ;)

 

How did you and your husband meet?  What was the special thing he did that made you know he was the guy for you?

 

We grew up in the same community but since he's almost four years older than I am, we didn't actually talk much or date until after high school. In my late teens I sold cosmetics and things door to door and as part of that visited his home to sell things to his mom. So basically, that was when we got to know each other, then he asked me out. One special thing about him, aside from his dreamy blue eyes, is that he's incredibly generous. He's also kind and supportive. He wants me to have whatever I truly want.

 

What is the best way to spend a quiet evening at home?

 

With my husband of course. :) We might take a hike in the woods, then I'd want him to cook for me. He's great at making chili or grilling steak.

 

How do you describe Nicole North?  How does Nicole North’s husband describe her?

 

I would describe Nicole North as a creative person who wants to express herself. She is a true romantic and a dreamer who loves to bring to life those "people" who live in her head. She loves to explore new places. Her husband would say he is very fortunate to be married to an erotic romance author. ;)

 

MORE FUN…

 

Great news!  You have just looked out the window and in your driveway is your dream car!  What does it look like?

 

I think it looks like a BMW SUV.

What is one appliance you bought and really wish you had just left on the store shelf?

 

A mini food-processer. I donated it to charity.

 

What is the one item in your closet that should have been tossed out long ago, but will never, ever lose its hanger?

 

A pair of small, skinny Guess jeans which I wore during college. Oh, maybe I did throw those out. Can't remember. LOL

 

And lastly, no interview of a writer would be complete without this question:  what is your favorite comfort food?

 

Semi-sweet chocolate. Cheesecake. Baked potato with lots of butter and cheese. My mom's oatmeal cookies. I love them all but must restrain myself except for special occasions. When I can't have real candy, I go for eye candy like that on my website: http://www.nicolenorth.com  :) Thanks again for allowing me to be here! I had a blast!

 

The pleasure was ours, Nicole.  Much success with your writing career in the future!

By Brooke Wills

Romance Junkies Publishing Editor

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