Nicole Johnson

Author Bio: I am a new indie author in science fiction romance. In my novel series I blend futuristic settings with non-traditional relationships. My stories are characterized by strong female leads, compassionate male leads, and compelling gender-bending leads. My passion for science fiction began in childhood with books like "Brave New World" and "Acorna the Unicorn Girl." From there my fascination with the intricacies of human relationships inspired me to create stories that are scientifically accurate and emotionally resonant.

When not writing, I can be found exploring the Florida landscape with my husband and cavalier King Charles Spaniel.

Author/Writer Interview:

1.What inspires you most to write?

I'm most inspired by the people I interact with on a day to day basis. We only get the surface of most of their stories and struggles, so imagining those experiences under fantastical circumstances is inspiring.

2. What is your favorite genre?

My favorite genre is science fiction, with all its subgenres. I like science fiction best when it aligns to the most up to date, realistic concepts.

3. Who is one author you admire if any and why?

Anne McCaffrey is by far my favorite author. Her world building and character development are fantastic, and not just the main character. Most of the characters in her books are complex, even if they only appear in one chapter. My favorite series from her is the Acorna the Unicorn Girl books.

4. How do you overcome blank writing spells?

Usually when I get stuck I find a new book to read. While the subjects may not be the same, the passion that comes through a well written story is usually enough to rekindle my own. I also tend to have an inspiring dream within a day or two afterwards.

5. What legal publishing advice can you give?

Since I'm not a lawyer, I can't give legal advice. However, as a published author my professional advice is to vet your contractors. Get reviews and samples from book cover artists and editors before agreeing to anything. Have a beta reader go through your work before publishing and get at least fifty ARC readers to increase your chance of honest reviews. Decide how you plan to market your book before publishing, and make a budget for all of this.

6. How many books have you written, are any a bestseller yet?

I have written one novel, "Despite Destiny," and have the next book in the series as a work in progress submitted for pre-order. While I was running a free promotion my book was ranked in the top 10 for Love Triangle Romance eBooks and Science Fiction Romance (Kindle Store).

7. If you had the opportunity to rewrite one movie script which would it be, why?

Ice Pirates! The premise of the movie was amazing but it was written to not take itself seriously, which absolutely works for the '80s. However, I think this story has the opportunity to make a really impressive Netflix Limited Series.

8. What are some difficulties you've experienced in your writing career; how do you handle book critiques/criticism?

The main difficulty I run into is time. Writing is currently my side gig, and my job and family definitely compete for priority status. I haven't had too many negative reviews yet, but I have had an AI review that was removed by Amazon. I was disappointed that someone who read and, I presume, liked my book, didn't take the time to write a genuine review.

9. What are your best experiences in your writing career?

Finishing a novel really creates a sense of imposter syndrome. I've read some amazing indie novels but I've also read some terrible ones. Getting published didn't feel real to me until I got my first reader review. Hearing firsthand, from someone I'd never met, how much they enjoyed my book was what made it feel real for the first time.

10. Do you prefer to write in silence and or have some sort sound in the background?

I prefer to write in silence.

11. What are some encouraging words you'd give to another author/writer?

It took me 6 years to finish my first book, and half of that took place in the last two months. It doesn't matter how long it takes, not when you finally write that last line!

12. How did you decide the pricing of your material; how did you go about promotion/advertising and distribution of your work?

For now, I'm mostly trying to get as many readers as possible, so I priced my book at the minimum prices for Kindle Direct Publishing with 70% royalties. Since I signed with Kindle Unlimited I'm restricted from selling my book anywhere except Amazon while enrolled in the program. My promotion and advertising have been limited to social media for now.

13. Why should anyone read your book?

My series, "Abducted in the Five Sectors," draws from historical alien lore and realistic technology concepts, so readers get a rich world that's truly believable. "Despite Destiny" intertwines romantic narratives that are complex, with characters that challenge both the imagination and what love looks like when traditional human ideals don't apply.

14. Did you have a book coach?

I did not have a book coach.

15. What was your favorite subject in school?

My favorite subject in school was English. I have always loved reading, especially fiction. I also got my Bachelor degree in Creative Writing and went on to teach middle and high school English so I could read and write every day.

16. Are you self-published or have an established publishing contract elsewhere?

I'm self published through Kindle Direct Publishing.