Author Spotlight Nichole Chase

Today we are spotlighting Author Nicole Chase. You all know I am a huge fan of paranormal books. She wrote the Dark Betrayal series. I was lucky enough to get an interview with her.

When did you start writing?
My first story that was pen to paper, not just in my head, was written in grade school. I’m not 100% positive, but I believe I was in the third grade. 

What made you get into paranormal?
I grew up reading Science Fiction and Fantasy. I think that Paranormal was just the next logical step. There’s this wonderful mix of magic and modern day that I find addicting.

How do you think up a storyline?
It’s different with each story. Sometimes the idea starts with a character and slowly evolves into a full book idea, while other times it begins with a scene or random question. Most of the time, the idea percolates for a while in the back of mind, before gripping me and not letting go. Once I decide to start writing, I come up with a loose outline (if it’s going to be a multiple book series, then I also have an outline that stretches over the series, with key points that must be highlighted). Then I get down to work and start writing.

Best way to brainstorm?
Music on while driving back roads. Works ever time I’m stuck. Every. Time. 

If you could dabble in another genre which one would it be and why?
Well, I started out in paranormal/ urban fantasy, but recently tried my hand at contemporary romance. I didn’t really think about the fact that I was jumping genres; just that I had a story to tell. It was a fun and enlightening experience. Every genre has its difficulties and rewards.

Do you use an outline or do you just go with the flow of the characters?
It’s a little bit of both. I usually have a rough outline for the story that has key points mapped out. However, I don’t plot each chapter, which leaves room for my characters to take charge. I think that gives them a very organic and relatable feel. 

How long does it usually take you to write a book?
It depends on the book. In the past it’s taken me 6 months, 9 months, 2 weeks, 3 months for novels. My short stories usually take a day to a week to write.

What is your favorite thing to do when you are not writing?
Cliché, but I love spending time with my daughter and husband. The older I get, the more aware I become of how precious my time is with them. Other than that, I paint, craft, and read. 

If you ever get writers block what is the best way you have found to help you get over it?
I’ve found that writers block usually means that something isn’t working in the story and I’m being too stubborn to acknowledge it. Once I do, it almost always clears everything up right away. I’ve also found that switching to long hand instead of typing works, or just driving in my car while listening to music. 

Favorite late night food when writing?
Frozen grapes. If you haven’t frozen grapes before, you must. Delicious! (And a lot healthier than cookies, which I love!)

Who is your favorite author? 
JK Rowling. Or Anne McCaffery. Maybe Patricia Briggs or Rick Riordian. This changes with the wind. Though, Rowling and McCaffery are authors I will always look up to. 

If you could interview any author living or dead who would it be and why?
I would love to sit down with Anne McCaffery. Sadly, she passed away a little over a year ago. She was one of the first female authors to make a splash in the science fiction market. Her books centered on strong heroines that made tough decisions and fought for their loved ones, during a time when most female characters were relegated to being the sexual partner of some beefy man. Her world building was dynamic as well. I can still picture Pern and her characters in my mind. She was a truly gifted author and to have the chance to bask in her wisdom would be amazing. (How’s that for fangirling!? ;) )

Thank you so much for having me on your blog! I enjoyed answering your questions—and fangirling over my favorite authors. 

You are so welcome Nicole! Thank you for doing this interview, we appreciate it :)

****SANDIE'S REVIEW of Mortal Obligation****

I am a huge sucker for paranormal books. I love to read about mythical creatures. Sometimes it can get a bit dull and I have to stop reading the genre for a bit. Nicole Chase has put my faith back in paranormal books! When an author can create a world that mixes both a "normal reality" with one of "mythology" seamlessly and effortlessly you have my full attention. It is because then I don't feel like I am in a dreamland but rather I can visualize this as reality. I know it can't really happen but that is what happens in my head.

I have had Mortal Obligation on my TBR for geesh forever, when I got the chance to do a spotlight blog post for the author I jumped on it. 

Ree is your typical High school student, has great friends and is love with her brothers best friend....see normal right? Well that is where her normal ends. 

There is action, drama, and romance. Nicole did a great job in the building of the characters. I didn't feel like they were missing anything. She is subtle in the way she also builds the story so I was never lost or confused as to how certain things came about. 

I loved that Ree has a great group of friends behind her and I even got me a bad boy ROLAND. I had it all in this book. Hot guys, paranormal, action, drama (I am all about the drama). 
I gave this book

4/5 hearts

I can not wait to finish this trilogy!!! 

Where to buy Mortal Obligation:
Well its free on AMAZON, BARNES AND NOBLE,
KOBO, and SMASHWORDS my suggestion is get this gem and I promise you will want to see how the story ends.

BLURB:
One short week turned Ree McKenna’s life upside down. Not only does she have the weight of the world on her shoulders, but she still has to juggle homework, a job, and a curfew. While Ree tries to find her footing amidst the chaos, the Dark Ones and their champion are busy hunting down any humans that have a touch of the gods running through their veins. Allies have turned into foes, and enemies have become stronger.

The world is growing darker, but the passion between Ree and two irresistible guys blazes hotter. Romantic ties from a past life will threaten to break Ree away from the love of her life and will cloud her judgment. In order to follow her heart, Ree will break rules put in place by the gods, risking her life and the lives of her friends in an act of Mortal Defiance.

WHERE TO BUY MORTAL DEFIANCE:
AMAZON
BARNES AND NOBLE
KOBO
SMASHWORDS

BLURB:
FOR MATURE YA AUDIENCES. This novel contains violence and sexual situations. 

While darklings ransack the city, Ree and her friends will learn the depth of the gods' manipulations. Unsure of who is really on their side, Ree must accept her destiny and assume the role of leader. The stakes are higher than they've ever been. Death is waiting for them in every shadowy corner. People will die, love will be tested, and the fate of the world will be decided--one way or the other. 
No more running.
No more hiding.
The final battle is here.
The conclusion of the Dark Betrayal Trilogy

WHERE TO BUY IMMORTAL GRAVE:
AMAZON
BARNES AND NOBLE
KOBO
SMASHWORDS

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Nichole Chase is a daydreamer. No, really, just ask any of the math teachers that had the misfortune of seeing her name appear on their class schedule. For years she has had story lines and characters begging for attention, but she resolutely pushed them aside to focus on more normal (read, boring) jobs. Well, no longer! She is currently heeding the voices in her head and frantically writing their stories. Nichole resides in South Georgia with her husband, energetic toddler, super hero dog, Sulcata tortoise, and two cats. When not devouring novels by the dozens, you may find her writing, painting, crafting, or chasing her daughter around the house while making monster noises.