Frequently Asked Questions
Why do you write?
I write because I love being able to create a world full of interesting, dynamic characters that are suddenly faced with a conflict that they may or may not overcome. I always strive to make each of my characters unique to keep the audience engaged. And in doing so, it also makes the reader care about them throughout the story. During my writing process, I often tune everything out and get lost in my own story as it comes to life on paper or on my laptop, and I really enjoy that feeling.
How do you write?
It’s quite often I’m hit with this question by supporters or aspiring writers. And each time I try to come up with a profound answer, but all I ever end up saying is, “I just do it.” I’ve been writing since the age of 13 and during that time, I’ve learned many aspects about this creative craft through academics, research, and my own personal experience. It’s not really something I think much about anymore. When my mind is drowning with endless inspiration, you'll find me writing.
Which writers inspire you?
Growing up, I liked to read books by Christopher Paul Curtis, Stephen King, R.L. Stine, Mildred Taylor, Donald Goines, and James Baldwin just to name a few. Some newer authors that I have been reading or will read in the future include John Darryl Winston, Victor LaValle, B.A. Paris, Darcy Coates, and Adrian McKinty.
When you write, do you have an outline of the plot or do you just see where an idea takes you?
I consider myself half plotter and half pantser. When I start writing a new story, I do plot out a few general ideas I would like to incorporate into the narrative. But I don't always stick to it. I mainly just see where an idea takes me and as I write, more ideas that weren't even close to what I was initially thinking about come to me. I almost never know where my stories will end up at, or what my characters will say or do next. I'm even surprised sometimes!
How do you deal with writer’s block?
One way I deal with writer's block is simply reading works by other authors. Reading has always helped me come up with my own ideas. However, when I'm describing a scene I can often picture it in my mind, but have trouble putting it into words. So I get my notebook and start brainstorming on the different descriptive ways to phrase the scene so the reader knows what's happening. Another method that works for me is acting out the scene myself for inspiration. One last thing I do is go for a walk to observe everything around me. Looking at the scenery really helps get my creativity flowing. Because I'm not just looking at what's obvious. In my mind, I'm seeing a story in everything. The grass, the bushes, the hills, the trees, the shadows, the clouds.... it all has a story behind it.
Where do your ideas come from?
I have so many ideas in my mind just waiting to be written down. I honestly believe the creativity of writing all stems from memory, things I’ve gone through in my life, and imagination.
How did you come up with the idea for you latest book?
Nick’s latest thriller, Night Ghost first came to him during his senior year in high school. But he didn’t start officially writing it until years later while he attended college at Purdue University. The inspiration behind his latest book stems from reading the Goosebumps and Fear Street series growing up, and his desire to write a story that was unlike any he had read before. Writing a ghost story that centered around an old cemetery believed the be cursed seemed too easy for the young author. But a story that centers around a group of kids trying to disprove an urban legend in their town, only to become the targets of a notorious serial killer seemed more worthy of exploring. That, along with his desire to create a unique group of flesh and blood characters that are relatable and push back against stereotypes is how his latest book was born.
What’s your advice for aspiring writers?
For anyone and everyone who wants to be a writer I would say start WRITING NOW!! It's never too late or too early to start writing. Whatever's been on your mind that you feel you want to make into a story, get started on it if you feel compelled to do so. Do you have to write everyday? Certainly not, I know I don't. But don't ignore that awesome story idea that's been living in your mind for some time now. If you have to step away from your writing to regroup and figure out where exactly you want to take it, then please do so. It can be an exciting process bringing a story to life, but the quality work does take time. So be patient, try not to get too frustrated, take breaks in between if needed, read, and continue polishing your amazing story at your own pace. The world will be here when it's ready!