My friend and fellow author Niki Trento is the creator of the ‘Seasons of the Wolf’ paranormal romance series. The latest book in the series, ‘Spring of the Omega’, was released recently.
The blurb and links to buy are available after the interview. Take it AWAY, Niki!
(All opinions and statements contained in this interview are solely those of the author providing them, and may not necessarily reflect my own. – Virginia)
When did you start writing? What made you first decide to try your hand at it?
I initially began writing (bad poetry) when I was in my early teens. It had been a dream of mine to be the next Stephen King. However, I never had the patience to write more than a couple of pages. When I was in my late 30’s I decided to write a shifter romance novel. Two years later, I was talked into releasing it.
What was your first published work? What do you think of it now?
My first book baby was Summer of the Alpha. I released him on my 40th birthday. Although I still love the story, it is a bit on the soft side compared to the ones that followed.
How do you balance writing with your personal life?
I’m a stay-at-home mom with teenagers. When they aren’t at school, they do their own thing and I do mine. I write when I can, when the inspiration strikes, or when I’m bored.
Do people you actually know make appearances in your stories?
Oh, yes!! In the Seasons of the Wolf series, there are aspects of some of the characters that bleed over from my real-life people. I also have characters sprinkled around who’s names are versions of my support team.
Do family members or friends help with your writing? Your marketing?
To a degree, my brother will retweet some things. I have friends in the writing community that are sounding boards and help when I’m stuck. They are often referred to as my Trifecta, the Devil on my shoulder, and the Demon under my bed in my dedications.
Do you have stories you want to write that you haven’t yet?
Loads of stories dance around in my head. I have some that are in the works right now, and some that are planned.
Is there a story you’re afraid to write for some reason? Why?
My autobiography! Haha! Seriously though, I have plans for a reverse harem that I am a little hesitant to write as all of mine so far are not rh. However, I am getting over that by making the first in my next series RH. The reason reverse harem is a bit daunting for me to write is because there are so many incredible authors out there. The way they write the…steamy scenes…are pretty believable. I’m not sure I can measure up, but I am going to try anyway.
Do you ever target differing age groups or demographics with your writing?
Definitely 18+.
Have you ever written non-fiction? If so, what?
Only for school projects.
Are you a ‘normal’ person who likes to write, or do you consider yourself more of the tormented/driven ‘artist’ type?
Honestly, it depends. There are certain scenes or storylines that I write that require me to dig deep down into my darkness. Overall, aside from being a bit weird, I am a ‘normal’ person. (Virginia’s note: Everyone answers ‘normal’. They’re often fibbing. Just sayin’…)
Do you drink? Why or why not?
Nope. I had my fun in my early 20s, but except for an occasional wine cooler, I don’t have the desire.
Are you married? How does being a writer affect that? Has your marriage affected the way you write love stories?
I have been with my mister for nearly 20 years. He is fully supportive of my writing. I would say that all of my relationships affect the way I write love stories. Of course, my mister is the epitome of ‘fated mate’ in my life.
If you could see one of your stories made into a movie, which one would you pick and why?
Oh! I would LOVE to see Seasons of the Wolf made into a movie! Shifters, drama, love, magic? Yes, please!
How does your life experience influence your writing?
I didn’t have a glitter and rainbows life. I’ve seen darkness, death, hatred. However, I’ve also seen love, light, and happiness. All of those things are in my writing, without a doubt.
Do you try to keep your stories within their pre-determined genres, or do you just tell the story your way regardless of genre expectations?
I don’t really think too much about it, honestly.
Do you listen to music when you write? If so, what kinds? Does music influence your stories?
Sometimes. I really have found that listening to Celtic music gets my blood pumping while writing. I like to sing (even if it’s done badly) when listening to music, so having something with lyrics going messes with my writing. I’ve caught myself typing lyrics instead of what I intended a couple of times. I wouldn’t say that it influences the story. I know a lot of authors who legit have playlists that go with their books, but I am just not that talented. Haha
Have you ever written a story based on a personal experience you had? If so, what was it about?
Like I’ve said before, my real life tends to bleed into my stories to some degree. For example: the relationship between some of my shifters and their fathers. Mine passed when I was almost eleven years old, so I tend to have a soft spot for that relationship.
Do you let real-life events influence your work, or is there a ‘disconnect’ between your stories and world/national/local events?
I have mentioned some things from the real world in my stories. References to Harry Potter movies, Punky Brewster, and even books from fellow indie authors!
Is your writing time planned out or structured? Do you go on writing ‘benders’?
What is this planning and structure you speak of?? (Virginia’s note: Fuck if I know…)
What to you is the most rewarding aspect of being a writer?
People enjoying my imagination. Hands down. When someone says to me, “I love your books!” or “I need more Axel!” then I know my job is done. Or rather, just beginning!
Who is your favorite author, and why?
That isn’t fair! As I mentioned, I’ve always been a fan of Stephen King. As I got older, though, my library has broadened. I adore Angela Roquet, Kory Shrum, Patricia Briggs, Kevin Hearne, and all my amazing indie author friends.
If you could pick anyone to narrate one of your books, who would it be?
Sam Elliott. I don’t care, that voice is just everything!
Which character of yours is your favorite? Why? Whom would you pick to play him/her/it in a movie?
Promise not to tell the others? Barin and Axel are my top favorites. Barin was inspired by Brock O’Hurn, so he would have to play my alpha. Axel…I would have to look into that. In my mind, he is an Italian with blue eyes…
Do you write when you take a vacation, or do you prefer to simply relax?
Vacation? Another of those words that is not in my vocabulary. Writing is relaxing to me, so I probably would write on vacation.
Do you prefer to read fiction that’s similar to what you write, or do you pick different types of stories?
I try not to read wolf shifter books often while I am writing so as not to be influenced. I love just about anything paranormal, so that’s the stuff I tend to read.
What’s one quirky thing about you that your readers might not know?
I am a packrat. I’ve gotten better, but I will never throw away the three inch gummy bear that I bought the year my son was born.
What’s your favorite movie? Why?
Another tough question! Gosh…okay, I love the Harry Potter movies, Disney movies, National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation, and The Blind Side. Back to the Future, Frequency, League of Their Own…the list really is long. I love movies that make me cry. I told you I was weird
Do you set up events to meet your readers, or is your interaction with them strictly online?
I’m an online personality. Lol Maybe some day it would be cool to meet up with readers though.
Have you ever had to exhaustively research something (say, history) for any of your books?
I’ve done research on wolves and other animals and how they compare to humans. For example: gestation periods, running speed, etc.
What’s a question I haven’t asked that you’d like to answer?
Yes, I would like the winning lottery numbers! (Virginia’s note: BEST answer I’ve gotten to that question thus far!!!)
THANK you for gracing virginiawallace.com with your presence, Niki! I’m honored to host you. Here, my dear readers, is the blurb for Niki’s latest literary masterpiece:
They say when you’re at the bottom, you can only go up. But when you are the omega, is that really true?
Cash is an omega, and his Mother never let him—or anyone—forget it. He had one job under her rule, to gather intel from other packs. Until one day when he left and never returned after finding his way into the heart of the Silver Lake Pack, always looking over his shoulder and counting the seconds until he had to run again.
Pandora lived on the streets after she discovered her foster parents hunted her kind. Shifters. Thankfully, they didn’t know what she was. Her life changed for the better when she found her place with the family that is Silver Lake Pack.
When both Cash’s and Pandora’s pasts collide, will they both go on the run again? Or will they make a home for themselves with the Silver Lake Pack?
Niki’s latest book can be purchased here:
https://books2read.com/u/mZekrR
And y’all can stalk Niki here:
THANKS again, Niki, for appearing today!
