Interview with Nicky Peacock

Nicky Peacock

Interview Date: 12/6/2012

Biography

I'm a British author living in the UK and have had short stories published/ being published in five countries: UK, USA, Canada, Ireland and Australia.
I write: horror, paranormal romance and supernatural YA fiction. I've also dabbled in Sci-Fi, Fantasy, Paranormal Noir, Urban Fantasy and Dystopia. Most of my work is available through Amazon.com and Amazon.co.uk.
I run a local writers' group called Creative Minds www.creativemindswriting.co.uk and you can get in touch with me through the website or on my facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=788592597 I'm also on Library Thing: http://www.librarything.com/profile/Nicky-Peacock and Twitter: @nickyp_author


When did you start writing, and was there a significant event that prompted you to do so?

I’ve always written, in some form or another. I seriously started writing two years ago when I started by own creative writing group in Northamptonshire (UK) I’d tried to write a few novels in the past, but had always gotten distracted or rejected – so back in 2010 I thought to myself, let’s take this seriously. I started writing short stories and, as of today, I have over 35 stories published/ accepted for publication with over 17 publishers in 5 countries. I also have my first lone author novel coming out early next year called ‘Bad Blood’ through Noble & Young publishers.


If you could have one superpower, what would it? (Assuming said power would be reasonably powerful.)

Hmmmmm. I’d have to go with teleportation. It would have to look quite dramatic too, something like X-Men’s Nightcrawler. I hate driving and worry all the time about being lost somewhere, so that power would really help me; plus save time and money on gas!

Kev's response: I'd so love teleportation. Even if you couldn't be a hero, imagine the possibilities for work (you could be an instant-travel "trucker" or "shipper" if you could move a lot of material, making thousands within an hour a day). Also for travel enjoyment it opens so many door (stay in your own bed, but visit any city day after day...


Do you have a favorite superhero from novels, comics, or movies?

I’m a Marvel girl for superheros – so I like Hawkeye and Ironman (I proudly wear my Stark Enterprises T shirt) However I must admit that I’m generally more of a fan of the villains, and that I lean more toward DC for them. Joker, Riddler and Penguin – what a great dinner party that would be!

Kev's response: Hawkeye? That's a first, I believe. Tony Stark, sure, I mean, he's a super-genius, inventor, billionaire. But Hawkeye, well, he just shoots arrows (until he's out of arrows).


Where do you get your inspiration for writing? What motivates you?

I read a lot and get a bit frustrated if authors wimp out on characters and endings. I take what I’d like to see and build a story back and around that. I also tend to write to order for a lot of Publishers. If there’s a call-out for a new anthology, I’m there!

Kev's response: Why do I get the visual of you teleporting into some publisher's meeting where they decide, "Hey, let's do an anthology." Pop! You're there...


Do you pre-plan your stories, or are you a by-the-seat-of-the-pants style writer?

I’d like to say seat-of-the-pants style, but in truth I’m quite structured. You have to be to meet publisher deadlines. The presses wait for no man, or woman.

Kev's response: Forcing yourself to sit down and actually do the work is one of the greatest challenges.


Do you write only when inspired, or do you have a set schedule where you sit down to write?

I do tend to write to schedule, knowing that I write better when inspired. I think being a writer you need to do both the inspiration grabs and the hard graft – that way you can keep the dreaded writers’ block at bay.


Do you have a favorite genre to write in? To read?

I read a lot of paranormal romance and horror. I tend to write both for adults and YA. This way, no matter kind of mood I’m in, there’s always a project I can channel it into.

Kev's response: I've debated trying this idea. I'm obsessive by nature, and feel like I have to lock onto a project and work through it until done. I'd love to be able to flip between genres based on the mood I'm in, though.


What do you enjoy the most about writing?

I love it when someone talks about my work. There was one particular Amazon review where the reader said they didn’t trust the narrator in my story. It was amazing for me to hear that I’d written a character that inspired such a dramatic reaction in the reader. Plus, the character really wasn’t to be trusted!

Kev's response: Me too! It's the best when you create someone (for example, scummy or untrustworthy, as yours above is), and readers vent about how they dislike or hate them. :)


You're a superhero, waiting for a crime to happen in your city. What do you do while camping out on rooftops?

I wouldn’t be the hero, I’d be the villain in the penthouse suite she has no intention of paying for, internet shopping and training my scantly-clad muscle bound minions.

Kev's response: Alrighty then! Hard to argue with that one... Enjoy your, er, men.


Can you tell me something odd about yourself?

I can’t stand the material fleece – it’s everywhere in the UK, and although probably very warm, I just can’t touch it. It’s like cotton wool . I refuse to hug friends and family who are wearing it.

Kev's response: Now I'm laughing. No hug for you! Take it off! OFF!


Do you write one story at a time, or do you have several novels in the works at one time?

I have a few manuscripts on the go at once. It helps as I tend to write longer pieces in first person and it can get a bit strange if you channel that one character for too longer a period without a break.


Are you for, or against, evil plots to take over the world? (Not saying I'm doing that, but thought I'd ask, just in case....)

I’m for the evil plot! Someone needs to take over the world – the people running it at the moment are not exactly doing a stellar job!


Where do you see the future as far as paper books versus digital e-books?

I think there will always be paperback books. They said that print was a dying industry 10 years ago, yet here we are with paperbacks still in circulation. I love my kindle, but my house is still piled high with books – I tend to go on price point and whether I want to pass on that book to someone else. Also books that are well designed and beautiful to look at will always have a place. A great example of this is the new Philip Pullman book ‘Grimm Tales’. It’s a stunning looking book.

Kev's response: I'm thinking many paperbacks will become purely e-books, but that hardcovers will remain. Exceptions will always exist, however. One thing to keep in mind here is that e-readers haven't been cost effective until recently, and even now aren't "there" yet. Once they become $10 or $20 commodity items, then we'll start giving them to kids and others without fear that they'll break it or lose it. That's the point where I believe e-books will explode in popularity.


What are your current projects?

I’m in the editing stages of ‘Bad Blood’ which is my vampires VS zombies YA horror – coming out next year through Noble & Young. I’m working on the second book of this series as well as a few short stories for various anthologies.


Do you have any advice for others about self-publishing?

I haven’t self-published, all my work has gone through both print and e-book publishers, however as a writer and a reader I can give this advice: Check your work. I’ve downloaded indie books in the past only to find spelling and grammar errors galore, along with continuity issues and just all round poor writing. If you’re going to put your work out there, make sure it’s your very best work and has been independently checked by someone else. You don’t even have to pay for an editor, you can exchange beta-reading services with other writers in your network. Also take your time, stating on twitter that you’re starting your book on Monday and it’ll be ready for download on Friday – well let’s just say it doesn’t inspire confidence!

Kev's response: I agree about the need to use (external) editors. However, don't make the mistake that print books are immune from these errors. Nearly every print book I've read has had the same sort of issues.


Do you have any online sites where readers can find out more about you (and your books)?

Yes, I have a blog nickypeacockauthor.wordpress.com (there’s even a free story on there) and also a website for my writers’ group http://www.creativemindswriting.co.uk You can follow me on twitter: @nickyp_author and also feel free to friend me on facebook. I update all these with my work + many, many, many weird things I find online.

Kev's response: Nicky, thank you for joining me! Good fortune on the Bad Blood series, and your anthologies!



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