A Writer's Rush: Interview with Escape Author Nicole Flockton

Monday, February 25, 2013

Interview with Escape Author Nicole Flockton

Happy Monday everyone! Mondays can be happy when you're hanging out with great people :). Gather around and help me give Nicole Flockton a warm welcome. Nicole is a fellow Harlequin forum follower (say that fast ;) who loves writing contemporary romances set in hospitals and boardrooms. Definitely places where you'll come face-to-face with alpha heroes...like her latest hero, Luc Morelli.

1. Hi Nicole! Congratulations on this month's release of your second book, Bound by Her Ring, published through Harlequin's digital arm in Australia, Escape Publishing. Your first book, Masquerade, came out last October through Crimson Publishing and will be followed this summer with Rescuing Dawn. Tell us what being an 'escape artist' is like, and how you manage to juggle a husband and kids, along with the demands and deadlines of two different publishers (especially with today's e-pub speed).

Hi Rula! Thanks for having me here. I love being an “Escape Artist”. It’s such a cool term. And I’m also a “Crimsonista” with Crimson Romance. I like being with two publishers, it’s a great way to diversify and there are so many opportunities for authors nowadays. I can’t say I juggle everything very well. I often don’t realize the kids are calling “Mum” “Mum” until they’re kind of yelling at me! I will say that my release date with Escape crept up on me because I was busy finishing “Rescuing Dawn” to get it to my editor. But it has been a great ride so far.

2. Call stories can be surreal, euphoric and...scary. We'd love to hear your Call story! How long after the Call did panic (if any) set in, and if so, what scared you the most?

I remember opening the email from Escape saying that they wanted my story and looking at my husband and saying “I’m going to be multi-published. Escape wants my story!”. I then quickly phoned my parents in Australia to pass on the news. It was Thursday 25^th October and Masquerade had been released on Monday 22^nd October. I was experiencing a first release high and then I had second sale excitement added in. I don’t think panic set in per se...more like Oh wow it’s real now. I have two publishers who like my work. Of course what scared me then and still does, is the responses by people. I do know that not everyone will love what I write, but if I can generate emotions in readers then I know I’ve done a good job.

3. In Bound by Her Ring, Luc Morelli takes Jasmine Anderson to several gorgeous Australian locales, such as the pristine, private coves and incredible beaches the country is known for. Definitely romantic! If your real life hero were to whisk you away to your dream spot in Australia, where would it be?

Oh you know I’m not sure! I’d love to go to some of the beautiful Whitsunday Islands off the north coast of Queensland. But the north west of Western Australia (my home state) has some most amazing gorges and rock formations that I would love to see them too.

4. There's a line in Bound by Her Ring that captures your hero Luc's alphaness. You wrote: He didn't do 'possibilities' he did 'guarantees'. If Luc decided to write about his romance with Jasmine, how would that attitude help and/or hinder him in the publishing industry? Being as business savvy as he is, what advice or lesson would he give to those seeking publication?

I think his Alphaness would probably hinder him if he wrote a book, but then again he will be writing about his true love so maybe he romantic side would really shine through. His advice would be never to give up, always chase your dreams because you only need to get it in front of the right person and then you’ll be on your way.

5. You have said that your first teacher report stated that 'Nicole likes to tell her own stories'. What's the most memorable or entertaining story that you made up as a child?

It was a story I did when I was in Grade 4 and it was called “My Trip Down the Plughole”. I have no idea what the character was, whether it was a bug or was a mini me, but it was very a very adventurous trip. I remember that when medicines or tablets were past their use by date, my mum would wash them down the sink. Hence my little character saw all of the tablets that had been flushed down. LOL.

6. That would be an interesting perspective! Your heroine Jasmine has enjoyed her fair share of fine dining. What's your favorite food? What about a favorite deadline crunch-time snack or quirky writing rituals?

I’m a very plain eater. When I go out I look for things I can recognize, so I’ll usually choose a steak dish. As for favourite snack food, well that is undoubtedly chocolate. I’m always delving into the fridge for some of it! Right now I’m munching on Cadbury Mini Choc Eggs with the crisp coating – I just love them so I get excited when they arrive on the shop shelves for Easter :).

7. Chocolate is a universal fave, isn't it? Other than not quitting, what's the greatest lesson or advice you can share with those striving to get published? What would you have done differently?

I think I’ll echo what Luciano said, “Never give up” because one day you will find your home. It’s scary taking that leap and putting your work out there. It took me a long time to do it and when I did, it all fell into place. As to whether I would do things differently, you know I don’t know. I’m a firm believer that everything happens when it’s supposed to. So I was supposed to send that email to Crimson in June of last year – that was my time to join the author train. Tomorrow it will be someone else’s time :).

It has been a pleasure having you here, Nicole. Best wishes!

GIVEAWAY: Nicole is giving away a $10 Amazon gift card to one lucky winner! Just leave a comment and you'll be entered in the drawing. The winner will be announced here this Thursday, Feb 28th.

BLURB: Bound by her Ring

Luciano Morelli has perfected a plan to get revenge on his runaway wife; confronting her at the opening gala for her father’s hotel. What he didn’t plan on was the flaring of emotions the moment he sees her again. Jasmine Anderson has no memories of her husband. Her only link to him are the wedding rings she wears. Luciano storms back into her life announcing he is her husband, demanding she join him on a business trip or see her father’s livelihood crumble. Passion reignites as they rediscover what first drew them together. But more than just memories are lost. Can their bond be rebuilt or will secrets infect their already shattered trust?

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FIND NICOLE HERE:

www.nicoleflockton.com