Interview // Author Nikki Stern
Click here to purchase from your local Indie bookstore!
When was the moment that you knew writing would become part of your life?
I think I’ve always known. I wrote a poem when I was seven and began writing song lyrics when I was twelve. Once I semi-retired, creating books seemed a natural progression.
You have written both nonfiction and fiction books. Do you find that you enjoy writing one genre over the other?
I prefer writing fiction. Maybe if I could write a funny memoir, I might enjoy nonfiction and I’ve certainly thought about going back. But the world as it is turns out to be a tough place and I prefer to imagine other scenarios, even if they mirror real life.
What was your most satisfying moment while writing The Wedding Crasher?
When I decided on a nemesis for Sam, one who is apart from the plot of this book but who will “follow” her throughout the series.
Do you have a favorite character from your books? Why this specific character?
Besides Sam, I’m fond of the vintage wedding shop owner. She allowed me to have some fun.
If you only had one sentence to capture a new reader for your books, what would it be?
I’m going to borrow from a review by Midwest Book Review: “The Wedding Crasher is an exceptionally well-done story that lingers on the palate like a fine wine.”
What author has inspired you the most in your writing?
Several thriller writers I think have a real command of the genre and the language: Jonathan Kellerman, Michael Connelly, Karin Slaughter.
If you could only recommend one of your books to readers, which one would it be and why?
This one: THE WEDDING CRASHER. I think it’ll bring readers back to book two (due out in 2020)
What is your favorite genre to read when you’re not writing a mystery?
Thrillers, some sci-fi, some historical fiction.
Can you tell us your favorite book and why?
Very tough question, but I am still influenced by several books I read by Kurt Vonnegut as a kid.
What one book do you recommend that every mystery genre lover read (not including your books)?
Narrowing it to one is impossible. Three I’ve reread include Agatha Christie’s And Then There Were None, Scott Turow’s Presumed Innocent and Raymond Chandler’s The Big Sleep.
Of course, we have to know what is in-store next – books, events, etc.?
I’ve been writing short stories for eight years. I have a handful of strong ones I’m going to combine into an ebook I’ll release late this fall. I hope to have the second book in the Sam Tate series finished and ready to publish mid-2020. It’s called Bird In Hand and involves, among other things, pirate treasure!
Other works by Author Nikki Stern. Grab up your copy today!
Nikki Stern is the author of the inspirational HOPE IN SMALL DOSES, a 2015 Eric Hoffer Montaigne Medal finalist, and the thriller THE FORMER ASSASSIN, a 2018 Kindle Book Review category finalist. Her essays are included in three anthologies and she co-authored the interactive Café Noir murder mystery series, published by Samuel French. Eight of her short stories have been published in various online journals and she was a Mark Twain Royal Nonesuch finalist for her short story “Long Away and Far Ago.”
Nikki is a member of Sisters in Crime and Mystery Writers of America.
Website | Goodreads | BookBub | Twitter | Facebook
Thank you, Nikki, for chatting with us for our latest author interview and congratulations on your latest release!
Thanks for posting.