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| Nicky Shearsby. Photo courtesy of Nicky's Amazon page. |
It has been a long time, but I'm glad to announce that the Literature Lounge is bringing in 2024 with an interview. She has a passion for non-fiction--I can relate--who uses her writing to probe into the human mind. All the way from England, I welcome writer/novelist, Nicky Shearsby.
LL: First, welcome to the Literature Lounge.
NS: Thank you for inviting me. It’s very nice to be here.
LL: What started you on your writing journey?
NS: Like most writers, I was writing stories from a young age. Life then got in the way for a few years until I was able to retire early in order to pursue my goal of writing fiction.
LL: Who would you say are your biggest influences? Who inspired you?
NS: Stephen King has inspired me with the sheer success he has experienced during his career. Like mine, his stories are dark and twisted.
LL: I understand that you wrote non-fiction, did graphic design, a magazine publication, as well as an organic skin care manufacturing for quite some time. How did this lead to you becoming a novelist?
NS: My background was graphic design, so when I set up a design agency a few years ago, I was able to write copy for customers. When we branched into magazine publication, I wrote the articles.
Eventually, I needed a change and got into skincare production by accident after I read the link between chemical ingredients and cancer. From this business, I wrote several non-fiction books on skincare and diet. Everything I did was ultimately leading me to writing full-time.
LL: Could you explain your fascination with the human mind that motivates your writing?
NS: I am qualified in counselling, life coaching and psychology. My fascination has developed from the things people do that make little sense, the choices they make and the ultimate decisions affecting their lives.
LL: Do you have any upcoming projects?
NS: Yes. I am currently working on my 3rd Flanigan Files novel. It is called Through Broken Glass, telling the tale of a young man whose trauma pushes him to see society differently.
LL: What advice would you give to aspiring writers?
NS: Keep writing. Yes, life will get in the way, but the key is to always find a way to pursue your passion. It doesn’t matter how long it takes. The more you write, the better you become.
LL: Finally, tell us about your most recent release, Beyond the Veil, and why it's a must-read.
NS: Beyond The Veil begins my brand new ongoing thriller series, called, The Flanigan Files. It tips what you think a crime thriller is, on its head, following the direct path of the killer, getting inside the mind of the antagonist whilst along for a roller coaster ride of twists and turns.
The series asks WHY people do the things they do. From page one, you know WHO the killer is, but the reader gets to understand WHY they kill, understanding the darkness that lives inside.
The series is called The Flanigan Files because the main character, Newton Flanigan, dissects each case file at the end of every novel, showing his thoughts on each person he deals with.
Beyond The Veil is dark, not for the faint-hearted. But if a reader loves horror thrillers and reading about the damaged mind, this is the book for them.
Epilogue:
I mentioned earlier how I can relate to Nicky's passion for writing, and I definitely can relate to life getting in the way, but continuing to pursue my goals.
I'd to like to thank Nicky for stopping by. For more info on Nicky and her books, visit http://nickyshearsby.com/
