As a lifelong writer with a fascination for fantasy and magic, I've gone from creating my own fan fiction screenplay ("Bewitched" Meets "I Dream of Jeannie") to self-publishing my first fantasy novel (The Rainbow in the Room) to my latest lighthearted, supernatural romantic comedy (Love Happens). In my unfortunately infrequent spare time, I enjoy reading classic authors, such as Thorne Smith and Ian Fleming, and learning from the masters in their genres. Every day presents new opportunities, challenges and surprises—and I look forward to every one of them.
In an interview to TALKTOBLOGGER.COM, Vince Nolan gets
talking about his books, readers, roaring success, and of course her
thoughts on life! Catch the interesting conversation here!
What motivates you to write?
What was the feeling when your first book got published? How did you handle that moment of glory and self-pride, were people supportive or something else?
What motivates you to write?
Having a really strong idea pop into my head has always been my impetus to sit and get the words down. Every story I've crafted came to me as if a muse wrapped me in the head to make sure I got the message. Once the spark was ignited, an inferno of details — plots, characters, settings, motivations, climaxes, endings — blazed bright, making me rush to get it all on paper.
It was a heady experience, seeing my name in print and knowing that all the words behind it belonged to me. Also, a bit nerve-wracking...I mean, once it's out there, it's out there! No take-backs, no do-overs. I know this sounds corny, but it's kind of like baring my soul for the whole world to see...for better or worse.
How do you take writing novels, as a career or hobby or between both?
I would say that writing is more of my vocation. If I ever earned enough at it to only do that, then it would be a career. With a Stephen King bank account or not, though, writing is something I would always do. It just comes naturally...and brings me so much pleasure, satisfaction (even therapeutic qualities), that I couldn't imagine ever not writing.
For your books you must be doing a lot of research topics and themes. How did you go about it?
Google is a godsend. So are eye-witness accounts if you're lucky enough to get them. But basically it's research, research, research. I wouldn't advise writing about subjects you don't know much about, but if you do need to address new ones, make sure your writing is accurate. Case in point: The Rainbow in the Room is set during and after 9/11. I was a witness to it from the Jersey side of the river and knew how it went down from the get-go. Also, I have a friend who was in the Towers and, blessedly, got out alive. She was able to read what I got down on paper and guide me in terms of being as accurate to the experience as I could. It made the scene so much more powerful and vivid...although I'm still not sure in that tragedy's case that's such a good thing. I wish I could've written a happy ending for real.
What is the best aspect about your writing that you love most?
The control I would say. I'm an Aries and we love having things our own way, in case you didn't know, but as a writer there's isn't a single detail in there that you didn't create yourself. I think of it like this: In film, you have different people who are actors, directors, lighting technicians, soundmen, special effects artists, costumers, hair stylists, etc...as a writer, I get to be all those things...and I don't have to sit through meeting after meeting with different departments to get my job done. There's a great satisfaction in being able to call all the shots...especially in something so personal to an author as his own words.
Is getting published traditionally really tough? Share your views.
Yes. After self-publishing my first book, I found an online publisher for my second one, but it's still an uphill climb in terms of sales, popularity, grabbing a mass audience and holding their attention. But I never allow myself to be too discouraged...at least not for too long. The important thing is to keep trying, because once you give up, then nothing happens. Every morning I wake up and wonder, "Is this the day the agents call for my work?" And if I had given up, I couldn't even have that thought to put a smile on my face.
Tell us about your recently published book or the upcoming book?
My latest novel is Love Happens, a romantic fantasy comedy about the prince of the genies, who's ordered by his king to find a master. The genie does, on Earth in present-day Philadelphia, and subsequently falls in love and marries his new master. He tells her on their honeymoon, but she's got a surprise for him as well...she's a witch! Unfortunately, witches and genies don't mix so both fathers vow to break up the couple before their first anniversary. Think of it as a magical Romeo and Juliet, with a lot of laughs and some fun, charming characters.
There are many new writers out there who are aspiring to get their work published. What would you say to them? Never give up! If you believe in your work and in your ability, then keep trying. We all get hundreds of rejections, but we wait for the one acceptance which makes the struggle and effort all worth it in the long run.
Check out more about Vince Nolan:
Please visit his website http://www.synergebooks.com/ebook_lovehappens.htm for more details of his writing. You can also check out his social media pages:
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lovehappensthebook/
- Wix: https://vincenolanvn.wixsite.com/website
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/Vince1164
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vince-nolan-ab272b47/detail/recent-activity/shares/
- Website: http://www.synergebooks.com/ebook_lovehappens.htm
Great attitude Vince! I hear you about the rejections, but it's just part of the business. I certainly enjoyed Love Happens and wish you the best of luck with your future projects.
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