Author Spotlight and Interview: Lee Nichols, author of DECEPTION: A HAUNTING EMMA Novel

I'm pleased to introduce you today to Lee Nichols, author of DECEPTION, the first book in her Haunting Emma series. Lee has written several adult books, but DECEPTION is her first foray into the YA world. I've read DECEPTION and I'm glad she took the plunge. Two winners will be offered the opportunity to find out why when I offer the book as a giveaway in a few days, so stay tuned! In the meantime, enjoy the interview and get to know Ms. Nichols a little better.

1) How did you get started in your writing career? Is being a published author something you've always wanted to do?

I started by co-writing non-fiction books with my husband. Then my first novel was published in 2004, and I wrote four more adult novels, before coming up with the idea for the Haunting Emma series. Deception is my first YA novel. Never in a million years did I think I'd grow up to be a writer. I thought I was going to be a psychologist.

2) Are you writing full time or do you also have a "day" job?

 I write full-time.

3) Who is your agent and how did you find him or her?

 My agents are Nancy Coffey and Joanna Stampfel-Volpe. Nancy pulled me out of the slush pile seven years ago and then Joanna came on and handles most of their YA books.

4) You have written a book a year since 2004. They were light hearted chick lit fare. Why did you start writing young adult novels? Is this going to be your new writing focus now? Why or why not? 

 I originally conceived of Deception as an adult novel and the more I worked with it, the more I realized it was better suited for a teen novel. YA is definitely my focus at the moment, but I'd like to continue writing in both realms.

 5) DECEPTION is part of the Haunting Emma novel series. Did you concieve of this story as a series from the beggining?

I sold it as a three-book series, so I planned one long story arc, with satisfying conclusions at the end of each novel.

6) Can you tell us what projects you have planned or are considering beyond this?

 I've always got ideas, but I won't be sure which direction to go in until I finish writing Possession, the third Haunting Emma novel.

Thanks Lee for taking the time to answer these questions and letting readers get to know you better!

Great questions! Thanks for having me.

You can learn more about Lee and her books by visiting her website here . 

Toodles!