Welcome readers. This month’s blog I’m going to interview a writer, who is about to become the debut author of her first book. She writes fantasy and mystery stories. I have read some fantasy with mystery elements and it is fun to read. It has its own spin and twist. Now it is time to interview our guest. Let’s welcome her. Tell us about yourself
Nicole: “My name is Nicole. I write under these pen names, N.D.T. Casale and N.D. Testa. I live on the East Coast of the United States. I am Italian-American. I am trilingual with aspirations to learn more languages. (I speak English, Italian, and Spanish) I love to eat, cook, and experience good food. I am an animal lover. I love to travel and go on adventures. Fitness is a big part of my life. In my free time I lift weights, snowboard, and ride horses. I am a fashionista. I love clothes, shoes, makeup, and skincare.”
Sounds nice. Three languages, wow. I like food too. It's fun to cook and do something new once in a while. What inspired you to write?
Nicole: “I have been writing stories since I was a child. During summer break from school, when I was little, my mom used to give me a notebook to practice my writing. She would give me random topics and challenge me to write stories. My dad and I used to read books together when I was going up and it drew me into the world of fantasy. When my sister was little, I told my sisters’ stories I created before she went to bed. As I have grown, my writing has blossomed into multiple books that I am hoping to publish in the future.”
Aw, sounds like you had a supportive family. I used to write stories in notebooks before I started typing on the laptop. You got off to a good start and have a little sibling to share stories that helps you to write them. I hope you continue sharing your stories with the world. What genre do you enjoy writing and the least genre?
Nicole: “I write fantasy and mystery books. In the coming year, I plan to publish a few children’s books I have written. I always like to challenge myself and try to write different genres when the inspiration arises.”
I’m the same way. I like to dabble in different genres too. I have written some children’s stories. Though I didn’t grow up reading a lot of fantasy books, I watched animation films that had magical and whimsical elements like Disney fairies and Barbie movies. As I got older, I started reading some fantasy books. Writing children’s stories is fun. You will like it. Now, I understand you have written many stories. Is this book the first one you published?
Nicole: “Yes. I am publishing my first book this year. My novel Hickory Dickory Death will be available on October 13, 2022. It is a gaslamp fantasy / mystery novel with twists and turns, heart-stopping action, and bewitching exchanges.”
Oo, interested. I’m sure the project was challenging to write. Which part of the writing is hardest for you?
Nicole: “I would say the editing process. I speak multiple languages and sometimes grammar can be difficult for me. I am grateful to my editor for helping me become a better writer.”
You are not alone. I’ve always struggled with grammar, too. English was not my first language. I didn’t learn to speak English till age four and a half because of my hearing loss. While I love drafting and revisions, I don’t enjoy editing. I would rather have someone help me with that. Now, because we shared similar struggles in grammar, what is your favorite process in publishing?
Nicole: “My favorite process in publishing is when it all comes together and you see your words on paper and a book with your name as the author.”
Amen to that. It is a huge accomplishment to see the story in the final product. We can read to our family and friends and share it with the world. Before we end the interview, do you have upcoming projects to share with us?
Nicole: “I have my novel Hickory Dickory Death coming out October 13, 2022. I am currently working on another fantasy novel titled Sapphora: Shards of Secrecy. It combines Egyptian mythology and sorcery. I am a coauthor of many anthologies. I am a part of the Enchanted Anthology Series. It is a charity collection where the proceeds go to help take care of our Earth. There are three stories in the collection: Enchanted Waters, Enchanted Forests, and Enchanted Flames. I am also part of another charity collection called What’s in a Name? The books are Once Upon A Name and Twice Upon A Name. The proceeds go to help fund literacy around the world.
Wonderful. I hope you do well in your debut publication. I am glad you could join me and share your journey with us.
Nicole: “Thank you for letting me be a part of this interview.”
If you like to read her short stories, you can check her published works in these anthologies, What's in a Name? series and Enchanted Anthologies series. You can preorder Hickory Dickory Death on Amazon. You can follow her on Instagram: @ndtcasale, Tik Tok: @ndtcasale, Facebook Page: NDT Casale / ND Testa, Bookbub: N.D.T. Casale, and Goodreads: N.D.T. Casale for more updates on her upcoming books, writings and much more.
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