Indy Book Fairy: N.J. Walters Interview

N.J. Walters

Describe your books in 3 words?

Heat with heart.

If you could be any character from one of your books who would it be?

That’s a tough question. I don’t think I can choose any one in particular. I wouldn't mind being any one of the heroines in my books.

What is your greatest fear about being an author/publishing your book(s)?

I’m not sure I have a greatest fear about being an author. I love what I do. It can be a tough profession, at times, and it has its ups and downs, but I wouldn't change it for anything. If I did have a fear it would be not being able to do it anymore.

Would the 10 year-old version of yourself kick your butt or praise you for what you've accomplished in life?

I think the 10 year-old version of myself would be shocked by what I've accomplished. I always thought I’d be a teacher or a librarian. In reality, I worked in a bookstore most of my adult life until I became a published author. I couldn't even have dreamed such a thing was possible at 10.

What do you do when you finish your book and turn it in to the editor?

I immediately start a new book. Okay, maybe I’ll give myself a day or two in-between, but that’s about it.

What is your favorite Genre and why?

Romance. No surprise there. I love that the romance genre embraces so many other sub-genres such as suspense, mystery, historical and paranormal. It’s exciting to both write and read romance novels.

What is one thing that would surprise us to know about you?

I hate to drive and will only do it if absolutely necessary. I’d rather walk or take a bus than drive.

Was there an Author who inspired you to write?

I've always been an avid reader. I didn't stumble onto the romance genre until I was in my mid-twenties. Then I came across a historical romance by Amanda Quick and absolutely loved it! I discovered she also wrote as Jayne Ann Krentz, Stephanie James and Jayne Castle. I was hooked. From there I discovered Silhouette and Harlequin series romances and never looked back. I guess her books were responsible for getting me into the world of romance, and I’ll forever be grateful for that.

How did you come up with the characters in your books?

I have no idea. Honestly. Characters pop into my head and tell me who they are. From there, I discover what their story is.

Do you prefer to write alone or do you like to collaborate with other authors?

I prefer to write alone. Although I did collaborate on the Hearts of Fire series with Nicole Austin, TJ Michaels and Ciana Stone. That was an amazing experience, and I’m so glad I did it. I learned so much. Working with those talented ladies was incredible.

Everyone uses computers, tablets, phones and no one uses handwritten form or typewriters, what do you prefer to use?

I write on my desktop computer. I don’t like writing on a laptop. I do handwrite all the notes and character sketches for my books, but I type the stories because I can type much faster than I can write longhand.

Is there a ritual you do before you begin your book?

I have to have my character sketches done—I do them on file cards—and I have to know what my first scene is. Once I have those things in place I begin and let the story unfold as I write.

Fast Fairy Questions

Apple or Windows? Windows

Dog or Cat? Dog

Pepsi or Coke? Coke (But really neither.)

Facebook or Twitter? Facebook

Summer or Winter? Summer

Fairies or Angels? Angels

Dark or Light Fae? Dark

Vampires or Werewolves? Werewolves

Amazon or Barnes and Noble? Amazon

Funny or Serious? Serious

Print or E-book? Both!