The Interview - Nicole Apelian
What advice would you give to aspiring authors?
Start writing and don’t stop. Perfection isn’t the goal in the first draft—getting your story down is. Also, read widely, not just in your genre. Lastly, don’t be afraid of rejection; every ‘no’ brings you closer to a ‘yes.
What do you enjoy most about being an author?
The best part is hearing from readers. Knowing that something I wrote resonated with someone, made them laugh, cry, or feel understood, is the most fulfilling reward I could ask for.
If you could have dinner with any author, living or dead, who would it be?
I would love to have dinner with Agatha Christie. Her ability to weave intricate plots with such brilliant twists fascinates me. I’d ask her about her inspiration for Poirot and Miss Marple, and how she managed to keep her readers guessing until the end.
What are you currently working on?
I’m currently working on a historical fiction novel set during World War II. It’s about an unlikely friendship between two women from opposite sides of the conflict. It’s a story about resilience, humanity, and finding hope in the darkest times.
Do you have any quirky writing habits?
I can’t write without listening to instrumental music. Movie soundtracks are my go-to. Also, I always keep a jar of jellybeans on my desk—it’s my little reward system for completing scenes!
What’s your favorite genre to write, and why?
Fantasy is my favorite genre because it allows me to create entire worlds from scratch. There’s something magical about taking readers on a journey to places where anything is possible.
How do you balance writing with the other aspects of your life?
It’s all about setting boundaries and maintaining a schedule. I dedicate specific hours of the day to writing and make sure to spend quality time with my family and friends. It’s not always easy, but staying organized helps.
What’s the best compliment you’ve ever received about your work?
A reader once told me that my book helped them get through a really tough time in their life. Knowing that my words had such a positive impact on someone made all the struggles of writing worth it.