Bitten by Books
Please join me in welcoming author Nichole Severn for her vlog interview. She will be here all day to chat in the comments with you about her new book release Her Fallen Protector, book one in the Afterlife series.Direct link to the video so you can watch the interview on your cell phone or tablet from work:
Buy a Kindle copy of Her Fallen Protector from amazon by clicking here. – ONLY $2.99!
About Nichole Severn
Author Bio:
Originally from Las Vegas, Nevada where she spent most days at her grandmother’s house watching X-Men, Married with Children and The Simpsons, Nichole Severn migrated to the Salt Lake City valley to live life as scandalous romance author.
She graduated with a degree in psychology from Utah Valley University and resides with her very supportive and patient husband, as well as her terrorist of a toddler, in Sandy, Utah. When she’s not writing, she’s constantly injuring herself running, rock climbing, practicing yoga, and snowboarding.
11 Quick Things About Nichole
Favorite Food? Chocolate
Favorite Color? Red
Favorite Movie or TV Show of all Time? Friends
Favorite Drink? Diet Coke
Favorite Current Book? Countermeasures by Janie Crouch
Favorite Season? Fall
Favorite Online Hangout? (think FB, Twitter, Goodreads) Pinterest. That counts!
Favorite Animal? My 23-pound Siamese
Favorite Band or Musician? A Day to Remember
Mode of Travel? (Trains, Planes or Automobiles) Airplane
Favorite Vacation Destination? Someplace tropical
Connect with Nichole
| Website | Blog | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads | Google + | Tumblr | Books by Nichole Severn
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CONTEST INFO: Open to readers worldwide.
Prize: A $25.00 Amazon Gift Card
Hello, everyone! Thanks so much for stopping by! I’m here to chat and answer any and all questions.
Hi!
Yep, this is the question that I thought of first - what’s your preferred type of chocolate? 
Lois
and your questions -
1 - of course.
2 - angel. Yeah, I know, demons would probably be more fun, but still. LOL
3 - oh boy… probably not the ultimate, but the first to come to mind is Captain Kirk.
Lois
I LOVE Lindt Lindor truffles. See? If I’m going to get fat, I’m going with the best
Definitely nice!
Hey Nichole!
Welcome to Bitten by Books, it is fantastic to have you here today with us.
I would say demons just because I have a demonically inclined toycup Chihuahua (who is celebrating her 3rd birthday today) who is very bad, but she has a sweet side.
What are some of your guilty pleasures besides chocolate and movies at the theater.
Lol! Happy birthday to your Chihuahua! I know exactly what you mean with “demonically inclined.” Guilty pleasures? I binge on Netflix when nobody is looking. In fact, I may tell my husband I’m going to go take a nap and watch Netflix instead!
Others would have to include: reading at the park when I’m supposed to be watching my kid and getting up in the middle of the night to get a head start on the next day. Probably not good for me.
1. I don’t think so.
2. Demon, I agree with you they don’t all have to be bad.
3. Speaking of Demons - Wraith Seminus from Larissa Ione’s Demonica/Lords books.
I think I’d like your work. My question is how did you know the books you wrote were bad? Did you figure it out or did some one tell you? Are you going to revise them or re-write them entirely?
Thank you :). Don’t scratch chicken pox!!!! I only have one scar but it’s right between my eyes ;).
Viki, that is not a good place to scratch chicken pox!
In answer to your question: a little bit of both. At the time I wrote the books “that will never see the light of day” I thought they were awesome. The first book I ever wrote, I queried for two years. Looking back at it now, after I’ve learned so much since, I pretty much know exactly why nobody wanted to contract that book. The second was really an exercise. I wrote the 90,000-word book during NaNoWriMo. Never plotted a thing. Just wrote.
I’ve tried revising that first book several times, but I’ve read it so much, I just can’t stand the sight of it anymore.
As for the 90,000-word NaNoWriMo project, it’s actually going to end up in the Afterlife series (way down the line), most likely as a novella. I’ll end up cutting over half the book by the time I’m done with it!
What do you hope readers will take away from reading this book?
Hi Lisa! Great question! And a hard one. I had to think about this for a little while.
I honestly wish for readers take away a sense of hope. For me, writing this book and reading romance in general really helps me recognize the weak spots in my own marriage and how I might be able to strengthen them. Everyone deserves true love in their life, but it’s hard work. Every relationship has its ups and downs and, as long as both parties are working together, nothing can stop them from being happy.
I want readers to see there is hope in their lives, no matter what they go up against.
Congratulations on the publication of Her Fallen Protector! It sounds like a fascinating book. Who are some of your favorite authors and how have they influenced your writing?
Thank you, Bonnie! I have so many favorite authors, but here are the main three that have influenced my career:
1. Patrick Lee: His Breach Trilogy is my favorite series of all time. He keeps me on the edge of my seat with suspense and the way he writes just gets my heart racing.
2. Carolyn Jewel: Her Witches and Demons series prompted me to write Her Fallen Protector. Her love scenes are so sensual, yet emotional, and her characters so realistic. I love the way she writes and her willingness to teach new writers. I even read her historical novels to try to learn deeper point of view and character construction.
3. Tess Gerritsen: I connect with strong, independent heroines and Tess Gerritsen gives a perfect example with her character, Jane Rizzoli. Her Rizzoli and Isles books have taught me it’s possible to have a strong heroine who can stand up for herself that readers can relate to (which I want for all my heroines), yet show a softer and more vulnerable side to humble them.
I have a lot more, more specifically to books rather than authors, but I constantly find myself opening up books by these authors to help me through difficult spots in my own work.
Author questions
I have not sacrificed for love.
Even though I enjoy reading about both angels and demons, I find demons to be more interesting.
There are so many great Alpha males in fiction, but Acheron from Sherrilyn Kenyon’s Dark Hunter series is the ultimate Alpha male.
I love Archeron! I’ve just started reading Sherrilyn’s Dark Hunter books, but I’ve already connected with him the most
If you could only give ONE piece of advice to newbie authors and writers, what advice do you think is the most important one to give?
The hardest lesson for me to learn in this industry was to KEEP LEARNING. For a while there, I thought I knew everything I needed to in order to make it in this industry. But I was proven wrong in many cases with my older books.
The second I started researching my genre and practicing what other authors taught, I was able to take the next step in my career.
So learn as much as you can and KEEP LEARNING.
Have you ever had to sacrifice for love?
- Yes, it is called motherhood. LOL, I give up and sacrifice a lot for my sons’ sakes, to make sure they get what they need and receive…
Pick a side: angel or demon.
- Question… are they Larissa Ione’s angels or demons? Then it would be so darn hard to choose between the two. She has some nummy angels AND demons.
But, I think I would go with demons.
Which character do you consider the ultimate Alpha male in TV or fiction?
- Hrm, Elfman from Fairy Tail (Sorry have anime on the brain, and I had gotten myself caught up on Fairy Tail. Elfman wishes he was Alpha. His sister and guild member Ezra are more Alpha than him)
Vegita from Dragonball Z comes to mind. He’s alpha. Zelgadis would be considered Alpha (from the anime Slayers). Oooh! Gajeel, the steel dragon slayer on Fairy Tail. He’s all kinds of alpha…
Sorry for all the anime reverences.
You are so right about motherhood! It seems a little more each day I give more of myself to the little one I call my Tiny Terrorist. Lol!
My terrors are not so small anymore. The oldest (sixteen) likes to pick on my shortness all because he towers over me like his daddy. Yeah, he likes to call me: hobbit, oompla loompa, dwarf, and leprechaun.
The middle (will be soon 14) is almost there with me in height. Then my baby turned ten… But yes, despite their age, they always come first. That’s how I wanted it.
Is there anything you don’t think you’d write about in your books?
Hi Lindsey! I don’t entirely understand your question, but let me know if I answer it wrong.
When I first wrote Her Fallen Protector, I had a scene where another female character was being tortured. My editor told me to take it out. No ifs, ands, or buts. There are certain instances where scenes like that act as triggers for readers, so in the end, we decided to cut the scene and that lightened this book considerably. So I will forever more try to steer clear of scenes like that.
If you’re asking just in general, there are certain things I just don’t have an interest in writing about in my books. For instance, I have kids, but I don’t write characters with kids. No pregnancies either. I like to focus on the romance and while, there are readers out there who love those kinds of books, I can’t give justice to a story like that.
Hope I interpreted your question right
To answer your giveaway questions:
1. No.
2. Angel
3. I liked Charles from Patricia Briggs’ Alpha & Omega series.
I love Friends too. Who is your favorite character? Mine is Chandler.
Hi Susan! Funny you should say that right now, ’cause that’s what I’m watching while I type this. My favorite…that’s a tough one! Out of the six main characters, I’d pick Monica. I relate to her far more than any of the other characters. I have OCD, but not nearly as intense as hers. Nice to see there are worse cases out there
As for secondary characters, I LOVE Monica and Ross’s parents, Jack Gellar especially. He’s so open and hilarious. I laugh every time he’s on screen.
Hi Nichole! Who is you favorite of the X-Men?
Hi Shawna! Storm is my favorite. I loved the way her eyes turned white when she used her powers and I like the idea of being able to control the weather. Maybe that’s my inner destructive nature
I, however, do not approve of the Storm from the movies. She shouldn’t have cut her hair!
Awesome! She, Professor X, Jean, and Deadpool are all kind of tied for me. Or rather, one is usually my favorite, but they’re positions fluctuate.
To answer your questions: 1. Yes, but the people I love have also had to sacrifice for loving me, so fair is fair. Also, I suppose we didn’t technically “have” to sacrifice for love — we could have just walked away, but we chose to.
2. Ummm, both? Neither? Faeries, instead? I guess, it depends on the situation.
3. Aragorn from Lord of the Rings and Geordie and Joe Crazy Dog from Charles de Lint’s books. But I have a different definition of Alpha Male than most people do. So, I guess for a more typical Alpha male, Lestat from Anne Rice’s books.
Love Lestat. Not sure what it is about him that just draws me in.
Yeah, I like Lestat too. I’m not sure why, because he’s pretty obnoxious, but I do.
1. Yes. For my parents.
2. Angels
3. Tough question. I think I’ll go more classic and maybe not as conventional, by going with Faramir from the Lord of the Rings.
Oh, Faramir was one of my favorites too!
How many packs of post-its do you have? At least they don’t take up too much space. Do you like them with designs and from other companies too?
So, Jess1, I’m very particular about my Post-Its. They have to be Post-It for one, and second, I don’t want any designs. Just any color is fine with me. I try not to get two packs of the same color, but I do get the jumbo packs with about 5 different colors in them. Lol.
Right now, I have about thirty packages. None have been unwrapped and none of them are yellow. I really hate the yellow ones!
I don’t own cats, but 23 pounds for your Siamese cat sound quite large to me. How old is he or she?
Yes! He’s enormous and no, that’s not a healthy weight. He eats his feelings, especially if I leave for long periods of times. We’ve tried many different diets and foods, but he’s getting so old, there’s really not much we can do for him on that front. He’s now 19 years old.
So many good questions for you to answer. I have to ask if you ever find enough time to just read for pleasure? I find that a real problem for myself…too many books, not enough time! I would have said no for the sacrifice for love until I read above someone mentioned children…well, that I have done! A mother will do a lot to keep her children happy. I would usually side with demons but some demons aren’t always portrayed as bad or completely bad like in Buffy the Vampire Slayer, or Charmed. As far as an Alpha male the first that pops into my mind is Roarke from JD Robb’s In Death series.
I mostly read for research and helping out fellow authors, so it’s hard for me to find the time to read for pleasure between that and working on my own stuff. Right now, however, I’m reading Forced Disappearance by Dana Marton for pleasure and loving it
How type of books do you write ?
Hi Alexandru! I write both paranormal romance and romantic suspense. This book that just came out is paranormal romance.
Author question~ do you have a certain snack or drink that you like to have close by while you are writing?
Peanut Butter M&Ms. All the way. As for drink, I have to have water to lower my blood-sugar level when I overdose on the M&Ms. Lol.
What actors would you pick for your main characters if you cold cast the movie?
Good question Laura! I based my characters’ looks off of Famke Janssen for Vdarra and Kevin Durand for Jacob. You can see my entire Pinterest board of them here: https://www.pinterest.com/nicholesevern/her-fallen-protector-afterlife-1-by-nichole-severn/
Have you joined any writing groups for advice and suggestions for writing and the business?
Hi Ash! Yes! I’ve been a member of Mystery Writers of America, International Thriller Writers, and Romance Writers of America. Currently, I’m just a member of RWA since that is where I receive the most education and support in the romance genre.
Is there a plan to make this book a movie? also where was your favorite place to write this book?
Hi Chad! Of course every author would like their book to be turned into a movie, but there are a lot of steps that need to happen before that will ever happen. Maybe in the future!
Nobody has ever said anything to me about it, but really, most people in Vegas are looking at all the other crazy people.
I love writing at Starbucks. I can pig out on pastries and hot drinks and focus without my family yelling for me.
Have you been caught looking at people and has anything been said to you?
Most people are too busy staring at all the other crazies in Vegas to notice I’m staring at them, but since I’ve moved to Utah, I’ve noticed I definitely stand out when my attention hasn’t moved onto another person! Luckily, I have not been confronted about it.
If you could have three folks to dinner living, dead, real, or imaginary who would they be and why?
Oooh! Great question!
1. Patrick Lee, author of the Breach series. I want to pick his brain. He’s by far my favorite thriller author and I just need to know where he got the inspiration for his Breach series.
2. Daniel Craig. I’ve had a crush on him for years.
3. [Warning, gushy moment]. I want to have dinner with my Nana one last time. She was the woman who raised me when my parents were off doing their own things and my biggest fan. She got to see every book I wrote before it was published and would tell me if it was crap or not. I also want her to make the dinner because I can’t figure out her handwriting on my recipe cards. Lol.
Hi Nichole,
I wondered how long you have been writing and if you have always wanted to write?
Answers to Nichole’s questions:
1. I haven’t made any great sacrifices~just the usual of doing without something so that your child could have something she really wanted, not really a sacrifice.
2. Angel
3. Jonny Lee Miller~Elementary
Hi Betty! I started writing about 10 years ago, but I wasn’t published until 3 years ago. As for always being a writer? Yes and no. I loved English, excelled in everything my teachers ever threw at me in high school and college. I loved reading, but I didn’t get the writing bug until Twilight came out and Stephanie Meyer made it look easy. I said to myself, “I can do that.” And here I am today. If I don’t write, I get really moody and frustrated. Writing has become a kind of addiction and stress-relief.
Thank you, Nichole. I really admire authors and it is just amazing to me that they are able to create characters, worlds, events, etc. Happy writing~just keep plenty of chocolate and Diet Coke on hand as will I while I read!
My fridge is stocked…as is my nightstand with chocolate.
Also, I’m absolutely obsessed with Jonny Lee Miller’s Sherlock character right now. Good choice!
Answers:
1. yep for my kiddos
2. both
3. Curran, Charles, and Ban
where did you get the idea cover from
Hi Jodi! I really had no say in the cover. My publisher came up with this amazing design.
Since you go to the theater to watch movies, did you go see Fifty Shades yet and what was your opinion?
I seen it and I thought they did a good job. Also, what book of yours would you want to see made into a movie?
Hi Kathy! I haven’t even read the books. I heard so many horrible things about them when they came out, that I just didn’t get into the wave of fans who ate them up. As for seeing the movie, I only watch action thrillers. I know. That sounds lame, but since I mainly go with my husband, it’s something we both enjoy.
And since I like action thrillers, I would love to see my book, Let Me Out, in movie form. It’s straight suspense and packed with lots of deceit, gun fights, and action scenes.
What was the most surprising bit of info you have ever come across when doing any research?
So the book I’m working on now hosts a heroine with PTSD and I had no idea how hard something like that could be on a person. I’ve done a few interviews with veterans who suffer with PTSD and I’m just amazed they are still here fighting.
I am a big fan of Friends, but I always wanted one of Ross’s Dino fossils to fall on him and take him out. He just never fit my idea of hero material. Which Friend could you see making a lead in one of your books?
Now to answer your questions - 1) I don’t think it can be true love without some kind of sacrifice, whether it’s just a measure of freedom or something much more demanding. 2) I am an absolute sucker for a demon with a heart. Redemption gets me every time! 3) Ooooh, hardest question to date! It’s a toss up between Wrath from the BDB and Acheron from the DH.
Wendy! You are a girl after my own heart! Ross is my least favorite and now I want to put that scene of a fossil taking him out in one of my books
I’ve really never thought about using one of them in a plot, but I can definitely see Chandler as a main character. Matthew Perry isn’t too bad looking!
If you could have any artist, living or dead, design a cover for one of your books, who would you choose?
Wow! I’ve never gotten a question like this before. I absolutely love Van Gogh’s work. I even have a few replicas as centerpieces around my home, but I’m not sure how his style would work for a cover. I bet he could up with something
What fairy tale doesn’t get enough love these days and deserves a modern revamping?
Good question, Fox! My favorites are Rapunzel and Sleeping Beauty. I know Maleficent came out a little while ago, but I’d like to see something more with Rapunzel other than a Disney movie. Live action would be great!
Are there other genres you would be interested in writing?
Hi Michelle! I currently write in paranormal romance and romantic suspense and between those two, the next several years are booked with ideas. I’m not discarding the idea something outside of those genres will come along, but these are the two I enjoy reading and writing in the most.
I just want to say thank you to Bitten by Books and Rachel specifically for having me on today. It was great chatting with you all. And thank you for all the amazing questions. You really stumped me on a few!
I wish I could keep chatting, but I must get my child ready for bed and say goodnight. Again, thank you for being here with me today. The winner of the $25.00 Amazon gift card will be be announced shortly. I wish you the best of luck!
xoxo, Nichole
I think I’d have to pick Demon. An Angel is something to strive to be but all a Demon is is a fallen Angel. So at least t ::) Rees goodness mixed in with the bad. My favorite Alpha male is Eric Northman from True Blood. Menacing, handsome, powerful, and immortal doesn’t get any better than that. My sacrifice for love was moving out of state, with a weeks notice, quitting a job I loved, and leaving my family behind so my husband could start a new job. My question for you is do you believe there is only one true love for everybody or can the heart be swayed and find happiness?
Did you watch the Oscars on Sunday? Were you happy with the winners?
how old were you when you wrote your first story?
hi Nicole,
do you watch Friends reruns, my 16yr old grandson does
Answer Authors Questions
1. yes Have had to take care of my mom most all my like because she is got lot’s of problems.
2. Angels out of those 2 because I like being on the good side.
3. Acheron by Sherrilyn Kenyon.
Question(s): What is the best thing you have ever read? What is the very best thing you have ever written?(published or unpublished)
1. Yes moved out of mu city to stay with my other halve.
2. Demon
3. Acheron
What made you want to be a writer?
Howdy Hoe from South Dakota. I learned from my mom that family is always first, so since I am a mom, my family comes before my wants& needs. I love a great BAD BOY, I am a demon kind of girl. Thanks for the GIVEAWAY!
Is there a genre you would never write? Why?
1) no, never
2) angel
3) Eric Northman from the Sookie Stackhouse series by Charlaine Harris
My question is “What tv show are you obsessed with, if any”?
Who is your favourite paranormal being from tv, movies or books?
Who is your favorite Muppet and why?
I guess I have…I had to step in at my dad’s office when he fell ill when I had no knowledge of the job and disliked his business partner, so that was hard.
Angels all the way…must be from Catholic school!
I like Lucky from Eden Winters’ DIVERSION series, especially because he’s kind of an unexpected alpha!
Is there one book of yours that holds a special place in you heart???? and why??
Answer to your questions:
1. No, I have never had to sacrifice for love.
2. Angel-always
3. Adam in the Mercy Thompson series is definitely my favorite.
Have you ever had to sacrifice for love?
no thank goodness, I leave that for the books I read
Pick a side: angel or demon.
definitely the demon, they are already flawed
Which character do you consider the ultimate Alpha male in TV or fiction?
JD Robb’s character Roarke