Aspiring Author Thursday: Introducing Nikki Wilson

Is it seriously Thursday already? This week has flown by! Anyhoo, I'd like to introduce you to the fabulous Nikki Wilson! She posts every Thursday on Mormon Mommy Writers. Check it out! :)

When did you first know you wanted to be a writer?

I was in third grade when I first learned about creative writing. I made my own book called "The Day it Rained Jello". I was hooked ever since.

Can I see that book? It sounds awesome!

Do you have a writing schedule, or do you just sit down whenever you get a spare moment?

I usually just sit down whenever I get a chance. Though I do try to make sure to write first thing every morning. I usually write whatever comes into my head. I get my best ideas first thing in the morning. I am working on finding a writing schedule for myself, but right now it hasn't quite happened yet.

I wish I had the brain power to concentrate in the morning. :P

Could you tell us a little about yourself? Random facts? Hidden talents?

I'm what you would call a jack of all trades, but master of none. I have many hobbies like photography, jewelry beading, scrapbooking, drawing, cosmetology, cooking, and whatever catches my fancy at the time. I am a mother of four, three daughters and one son. My oldest child will be starting high school next year (which makes me kind of old). I work at a school as a reading tutor to second and third graders. It's as close as I can get to my dream of doing author school visits at the moment. I really love it. Hmm, what else could you possibly want to know about me?

Holy cow! You do a lot of stuff! And FYI, you are not old! :)

If you were stranded on a desert island, what is one thing you couldn't live without? (Besides your family and a laptop of course.)

That's easy, bacon! Did I mention that diets aren't my thing either? Besides, who doesn't like bacon?

Uh...pretty sure that is the most random answer I've ever gotten out of this question! LOL

What is one book you could read over and over and over?

I love the "Wheel of Time" series by Robert Jordan/Brandon Sanderson. I read it over and over again. And I don't normally like to read books more than once.

I'm still stuck on that last answer! LOL I'm laughing still! And I've never read anything by Brandon Sanderson. I know. I'm going to put my nose in the corner now. :(

What book are you dying to read this year?

Honestly? I'm dying to read the final draft of my on going WIP. If only I didn't have to edit it first!

Good luck with that!

What genre do you write and why?

I write many genres because I can't settle on just one. I am writing an LDS non-fiction book about finding balance between our spirit and our body. I also have been writing a YA fantasy series for the past three years. I have a love/hate relationship with that particular series. It has taken me on such an adventure, I just often feel that my writing skill can't do the story justice. But I'm learning to realize that the story can shine despite my deficiencies. I also have two partial romances, two science fictions, a fantasy and a children's picture book all in the works (I'm a self diagnosed ADD writer).

Good for you! I'm all over the place too, but always YA. I can't bring myself to write anything else. :)

Do you have any writing rituals? Music, silence, eating, etc.

Not really. I do enjoy writing during word challenges with some of my writing friends, or using "write or die" it really keeps me motivated.

You'll have to fill be in on the "write of die" thing. I've never heard of it... *hides*

Where do you come up with your ideas? Dreams, while driving, etc?

I know it's trite, but dreams really do give me my best ideas. Sometimes driving helps too, or going for a nice long walk.

Any advice for aspiring authors?

Yes, just because you can't seem to make yourself sit down to write doesn't mean your not a writer. That was the hardest thing for me to get past. I would block myself from being able to write and then think it meant I wasn't really a writer. I learned that I had to find balance within myself. The balance is bringing peace and a renewed ability to write. I'm still overcoming my fear of editing, but hey, I'm an aspiring author myself!

I still have a hard time when I can't sit down and write. Thanks for the great advice, Nikki. :)

Random Writing Question: If your MC had the choice to go back in time, where would they go and why?

Well, going with my YA fantasy series, I would have to say he would go back to the dark ages and try to prevent the introduction of the power that caused the dark ages to happen. If he couldn't prevent it, he would try to stop the formation of the dream world that put an end to mythical creatures living on earth...or would he?

Cool! I love the dark ages. They are so interesting. Your series sounds fantastic! Thank you SO much, Nikki! :D