Nichol has three goals in life:
Become a published author.
Learn to speak conversational Mandarin.
Learn to play the cello.
Surprisingly, opening herself up to rejection has been the easiest to achieve. Up to now, she has worked on a variety of stories in various forms and was very proud to have let a story go out into the world--and out of her control.
She is currently focusing on writing her very own fractured fairytale; so if you like her writing, or just want to say “Hi,” you can message her on Facebook or follow her on Twitter @DarlingNichol
WOW: Congratulations on placing as runner-up in the WOW! contest with your piece, "Twisted." It's so funny and clever! Where did you get the idea for this piece?
Nichol: It came out of a writing exorcise, the kind you get when you have writers' block. The suggestion was to tell a story that personifies something, and to come up with a story told from that perspective. They suggested things like houseflies, or dogs, etc., but I took it a step further, and thought a story from the perspective of a sports bra would be funny. Then I had to figure out just what kind of story a sports bra would have to tell, and it flowed out really quickly from there.
WOW: I love that! Do you find it hard to write humor? (Your bio is humorous, too!) Do you have a couple tips for people trying to write humor?
Nichol: I like wit and humor in the things I read and watch, and I like to think of myself as a fairly witty and humorous person (probably more so than other people see me, but so be it); so in some ways, writing humor is easy because my mind always looks for the joke or the witty remark.
The hard part about writing humor is making sure it fits into the story you are writing. It's just like in real life. Just because you have the perfect joke, zinger, or comment, it might not be the appropriate time or place to share your moment of brilliance, and you have to let it go and move on. It can be hard because sometimes you are just that funny, but it is inevitably the right way to go.
WOW: One of your goals is to be a published author. This story is now published! What other goals for your writing do you have?
Nichol: Sending out a story was one of the hardest things I've ever done because it meant it was no longer my baby, and it was out of my control. No more polishing, no more tweaking, it had to fly or fall on its own merits. So with that first roadblock managed, I'm going to send out some longer stories that I've been sweating blood and tears over.
WOW: Good luck! We'd love to hear from you on Twitter if you get another published! You are also active on social media (Twitter and Facebook). Do you use these as a writer? (Follow any writers/editors/agents, etc?)
Nichol: Social media has its pros and cons. On the upside, in face to face situations, I find it very hard to initiate conversations. Once I get going I'm fine, but Twitter and Facebook allow one a bit of space, and the ability to stay in your comfort zone. Also you avoid actually seeing someone reject you, and double upside, you do not have to control your own face (crying in public is usually frowned upon).
The downside is that anything that has ANY entertainment value can also become a time-suck; and when you are a hardened procrastinator like myself, the wonders of the Internet, as a whole, are dangerous, unless I have a deadline.
WOW: What are you currently working on in your writing life?
Nichol: I'm submitting some serious work to a few literary magazines, and I'm working on a YA novel about a fairy who wants to be a fairy godmother, but is no good at magic. And I'm always coming up with new ideas. The hard part is just focusing on one story at a time.
WOW: Yes, I think that happens to many writers! Too many stories, not enough time. What's your writing routine like?
Nichol: I don't have a regular writing routine, per say. It's not just a matter of procrastination, although I'll admit to that being a factor; but in reality, I thrive under the pressure of a deadline. So my most productive writing and reviewing is when I have an external deadline.
For example with short stories, I look to where I want to submit and use their submission dates as hard deadlines. This leaves me no wiggle room to charm my way into an extension, and it's do or die, with the responsibility falling on my shoulders. I also take classes, or join specific writing workshops, because then I am accountable to others, AND I get priceless feedback from a variety of sources.
WOW: Those are all great ideas for keeping yourself on track and productive. Thanks for sharing! Best of luck to you.
Margo--Thanks for sharing this interview with us.
ReplyDeleteNichol--Great flash fiction. I'd like to do "something" to those lacy fake ones as well. Give me one of those beige wide-shouldered broads any time...