Author Interview: Nikki Arana

Nikki Arana writes Contemporary women’s fiction. She lives with her husband of twenty-nine years in Post Falls, Idaho.

Now Available: Book 1 of the Regalo Grande series – The Winds of Sonoma
Spring of 2006: In the Shade of the Jacaranda
Fall of 2006: Amidst the Scent of Roses

What book or project is coming out or has come out that you’d like to tell us about?

My first book, The Winds of Sonoma, was released by Revell October 5. It is the story of a poor, illiterate Mexican stable hand and a young attorney who is the only daughter of a wealthy heart surgeon . . . and a love ordained by God! The wind in the book is the Holy Sprit. Every time the wind blows, God is acting in the lives of the characters. It was inspired by a true story. My story. It is the first of a three book series, so I was thrilled to learn it has been picked as one of the "Top Twenty Fiction Books" by ChristianBook.com and got 4 Stars from Romantic Times.

How long had you been writing seriously before you got “the call” that you were going to be published? Tell us how you heard and what went through your head.

I started writing in 2001. When I finished writing my book, I queried four agents. All expressed interest. I sent my full manuscript out and a week later got a call from one of the agents, Natasha Kern. She worked with me for 10 months on the book, bringing it to a standard that she thought would sell. She presented it to 7 publishers and when “the call” came I found out I had 2 offers. I was totally intimidated by the prospect of being under contract. The loud voice sounding in my head said, “You can’t do this. You have little experience. You don’t know what you’re doing.” I called Brandilyn Collins in a panic. She said, “Nikki, what better place to be? When you finish the book, there’ll be no doubt it was God who did it.” I took the offer from Revell. A 3 book contract. I just finished the third book of the series. Brandilyn was right. There was no doubt. God did it.

Do you still experience self-doubts regarding your work?

Yes. I’m getting ready to write my fourth book. Looking at the blank computer screen, I feel like I’ve never written a book before in my life. It is only by the grace of God that any thoughts come at all.

What’s the best advice you’ve heard on writing/publication?

“Write your passion.” And “Keep your day job.”

What’s the worst piece of writing advice you’ve ever heard?

“Find out what the publisher’s are looking for and write to that market.” That is advice one might give an experienced author, but not an emerging author.

What’s something you wish you’d known earlier on that might have saved you some time/frustration in the publishing business?

The real work starts when the book is released. If you are writing another book, you have all that work, plus the promotion and marketing of the book being released. Since I work full-time, the additional demands of marketing, on top of writing is something I didn’t think about. I used to say I had 2 full-time jobs, being an author and being a real estate broker. Now I have 3 full-time jobs.

Do you have a scripture or quote that has been speaking to you lately?

James 1:5 “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that givith to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.”

What are a few of your favorite books? (Not written by you.)

There are so many great Inspirational writers, and many are personal friends. But I would have to say regarding fiction, I love anything written by Francine Rivers. Non-fiction, anything written by Watchman Nee.

What piece of writing have you done that you’re particularly proud of and why?

An essay called, Words. It is posted on my website, http://www.nikkiarana.com/ . It expresses how I feel about words . . . Words, both a blessing and a curse to the devoted adherent–those of us who love them—those of us who have fallen under their spell.

Do you have a pet peeve having to do with this biz?

Not yet!

Can you give us a view into a typical day of your writing life?

When I am meeting a deadline, all my days are pretty much the same. I write from 4:30am to 10am. Then I go to work selling real estate. When I return at night I write until 10pm.

If you could choose to have one strength of another writer, what would it be and from whom?

I would love to have Robin Lee Hatcher’s discipline. And, I would love to have Brandilyn Collin’s gift of critiquing other writer’s work in such a positive and uplifting way.

Do you have a dream for the future of your writing, something you would love to accomplish?

All of my books deal with social issues. I hope my books encourage people to think about the views they hold. Life is complex and things often are not what they seem.

Was there ever a time in your writing career you thought of quitting?

It occurs to me now and then at 4am.

What is your favorite and least favorite part of being a writer?

My books have touched on illegal immigration, abortion, children with disabilities, and cultural diversity. My favorite part of being a writer is being able to address social issues.

My least favorite part of being a writer is the necessity to do public speaking.

Parting words?

Sell out. Write your passion. Write His truth. The rest will take care of itself.