Page 73 - Novelist Post – J.D. Barker and more

Photo:Author Shari Nichols, weaving magic and romance one page at a time.
few years later, getting the call that Haunted had become a finalist in two categories in the GL contest was thrilling. I had entered that contest a million times, and never thought I’d win.
Also, doing my first ever Barnes & Noble book signing, and having family and friends come out to support me. I try not to read the reviews, because you can’t believe them, one will say this is the best book I’ve ever read, and the next, will try and tear your work apart. All you can hope for is that the story resonates with someone, and gives them hope to find love. When someone messages me to say they loved the book never gets old.
The first time I got the call felt pretty great, too. Another great moment came when I was asked if I practice witchcraft. I was thrilled that my research paid off.
How do you balance romance, mystery, and paranormal elements within a single novel?
given me the foundation to learn craft. Talking to other writers is such a must for allowing your dreams to percolate, and become a reality. Nobody gets it better than creatives. To this day, I’m still blown away by the warmth and ge- nerosity of other writers. Everyone is always willing to share informa- tion. I formed a critique group that was together for years simply from going to a chapter meeting. I met my publisher at a conference, and have met some wonderful people over the years.
If you could co-write a book with any paranormal romance author, who would it be and why?
I would say hands down Kresley Cole. I met her at an RWA con- ference. She was lovely and so gracious. She’s truly the master at weaving paranormal worlds. A lot of her lore is based on mytho- logy. I love the quirkiness of her characters. She makes them come alive on the page with humor and compelling motivations. Every character has a thread that adds an extra layer of conflict to the story.
What advice would you give to aspiring authors who want to write paranormal romance?
I would say read everything
you can in the genre you want
to write in. But also read craft books and study them. Research the market and talk to people who have experienced real paranormal phenomena. Watch as many TV shows, movies and documentaries as you can, which will resonate ideas that may turn into books. This will also lend authenticity to your voice. Take writing classes, online and in person. Join a writers group. Get your work out there. Use critique groups, beta readers, enter contests. Hire a book coach if you can afford one. Make sure you have accountability to keep going. In other words, learn the craft of
All of the books have some element
of truth in them. – Shari Nichols
Good question. I did a lot of outlining and weaving together
the arcs for each element, while still abiding by the expectations
of the genre. Instead of using a glossary, I introduced the rules of the world through setting, dialogue, and characterization. Balancing
the suspense element works well
if the characters have trauma in their pasts, and is especially true for romance. I think it’s impor-
tant to route for these characters while they’re uncovering the mystery. Keeping the emotional thread going throughout the story
is crucial. That’s where research comes in. I visited a police barracks and spoke with a forensics expert. I was shown pictures of some pretty horrible things that gave me night- mares for a month.
How have your experiences with the Romance Writers of America and other organizations shaped your writing career?’
Going to conferences, taking workshops and online courses have
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