An Interview with Nalini Singh

 

The Reading Cafe is thrilled to have the fantastic Nalini Singh as our guest today. Nalini is one of our favorite authors, and we have given you a glimpse into her books all week. Yesterday was the release of her 11th book in Nalini’s Psy/Changeling series.

Let’s begin our interview with Nalini

 

 

Hi Nalini, Thank you for taking the time to answer some questions today. We are always looking forward to reading about the author behind the book.

Nalini: Thank you for the invitation to be here.

TRC: Will you please tell us about yourself?

Nalini: I’m passionate about writing, adore traveling, and am seriously addicted to chocolate!

I was born on the small Pacific island of Fiji, grew up in New Zealand, and spent three years living and working in a lovely rural town in Japan famous for its tea fields.

TRC: When and how did you become interested in writing?  Have you always liked to write?

Nalini: The latter. I’ve always been a daydreamer, and somewhere along the way, I started writing down my stories.

TRC: Many writers discuss book ideas and information with a family member, a friend or another writer.  Who inspires you?  Do you have a muse?

Nalini: I actually prefer to work alone the majority of the time. As for inspiration – it’s everywhere. Something I see, hear, smell, touch or taste, the feel of a place, an article in the newspaper… anything could kick off an idea.

TRC: Would you tell us your steps to writing a novel?

Nalini: I usually have a story idea that excites me, and then I sit down and just go for it, do a first fast draft. That becomes the foundation for the final book. I do multiple complete drafts.

I like to say I write my way into the book.

TRC: When you started the Psy-Changeling Series, with Slave to Sensation, did you know at that point how far you wanted to go in this series?  Is there an end in sight?  Hopefully not. 🙂

Nalini: I’ve always had an end point in mind for the original story arc, because a strong story must have a satisfying conclusion. However, after we reach that point, there will still be plenty to explore in the world and its characters!

TRC: Tangle of Need was released yesterday, May 29th. Can you tell us a little about the book?

Nalini: Tangle of Need is an emotionally intense book about two people who aren’t looking for a relationship, least of all with one another. Their coming together is raw, sometimes painful, and deeply passionate.

The book also advances the overall storyline of the series on a number of fronts, including the Arrows and the Human Alliance.

TRC: How many books do you plan in the Guild Hunter series?

Nalini: The series is currently contracted up to book 8, so at least that many!

TRC: In September, your next Guild Hunter book, Archangel’s Storm will release.  What can you tell us about this book?

Nalini: This is the story of the enigmatic spymaster, Jason. He’s a man used to keeping secrets and one who doesn’t trust easily. In this book, you find out about the forces that shaped him, and along with his heroine, learn to see beyond the mask of the spymaster.

The first chapter is available here: www.nalinisingh.com/storm.php

TRC: I love that your female heroines are as equally strong as the men.  Is there anything that made you want to create the women in your stories so strong?

Nalini: For me, strong heroes need strong heroines. They play off one another, provide balance for each other, are able to be partners in the deepest sense.

However, strength is a multi-faceted thing. 

Indigo and Mercy from the Psy/Changeling series are physically strong, senior members of their packs, as lethally trained as any of the men, while Sascha is an empath, could never hurt anyone, yet her emotional courage in absorbing the agony of another so that person can find peace, is enormous.

And Honor in Archangel’s Blade, is broken at the beginning of the book, yet in spite of the horror she’s been through, she hasn’t lost her humanity, hasn’t become cold and cruel and without compassion. That displays an incredible strength of will – one that to her hero, makes her stronger than him.

All of these women are equally strong – they simply display their strength in different ways.

TRC: Who is your favorite male character in your books? / Who is your favorite female character in your books?

Nalini: Impossible to choose! I love them all!

TRC: We love your Friday Book Club on your blog.  I noticed you love the In-Death series, which is one of my all time favorite series…love Eve and Roarke. Please tell us about some of your other favorite books.

Nalini: I have so many favorites. As well as being a huge JD Robb fan, I also follow the Liaden books by Sharon Lee & Steve Miller, the Iron Seas series by Meljean Brook, and both of Patricia Briggs’ series.

Other favorites include books by Julie James, Maya Banks, Ilona Andrews, Jayne AnnKrentz…I could go on and on!

TRC: What are you currently working on? Any thoughts of a new series?

Nalini: I’m currently writing a Psy/Changeling novella featuring SnowDancer lieutenant, Cooper – it’s sexy and a lot of fun.

As for a new series – I have ideas that I work on in my spare time, but my focus is on the Guild Hunter and Psy/Changeling series at the moment. 

TRC: Would you like to add anything else?

Nalini: If your readers would like to find me online, here’s where they can spot me:

Website:     www.nalinisingh.com

Facebook:   www.facebook.com/authornalinisingh

Twitter:       www.twitter.com/nalinisingh

 

LIGHTNING ROUND

Favorite Food: Chocolate

Favorite Author: I can’t pick just one!

Favorite Movie: Jodhaa-Akbar

Favorite TV Show: Bones

Last book that you read: Sarah Mayberry’s “Her Best Worst Mistake”. Right now, I’m midway through “The Night Circus” by Erin Morgenstern.

Favorite character (male & female) not written by you: This changes with my mood. Currently, I’m going to say Captain Wentworth and Anne Elliot from Jane Austen’s Persuasion. I recently reread the book and fell in love with it all over again.

TRC: Thank you, Nalini for answering our questions. We look forward to continuing to read your books, and to work with you in the future.

Nalini:  Thanks for the great interview.

 

************GIVEAWAY*********

Nalini has graciously offered a giveaway to an eligible member of The Reading Cafe. One eligible winner will receive a copy of one of her fantastic Psy/Changelilng’s books.

To qualify:
1. You must be a registered member at The Reading Cafe. If not, please register using one of the social log-ins or LOG-IN to complete registration.
2. Contest is open to continental USA and Canada only
3. Contest will run May 30th-June 3rd, 2012.