Did you always wanted to be a writer? If not what did you want to be?
Believe it or not, I actually wanted to go into advertising, and dreamed about writing ad copy, creating jingles or TV commercials. So I guess that was writing in a sense and using the creative side of my brain. I went to college for business and marketing actually.
When did you first consider yourself a “writer”?
Even before I ever wrote my first novel, a contemporary romance that’s in a drawer somewhere, I used to write crazy top ten lists, short stories, and crazy little notes and antidotes that I would share with friends and family.
How long did it take to get your first book published?
Twelve years. What can I say, I’m an overnight success. Lol
Do you do another job except for writing and can you tell us more about it?
Yes. I work part time for my husband’s law firm doing the billing. I can work from home, which is great while raising two teenagers. It’s definitely not as exciting as writing though.
What is the name of your latest book, and if you had to summarize it in less than 20 words what would you say?
Witch Hunter.
In a desperate attempt to catch a killer, a special agent hires a notorious felon to come work for the agency. In the midst of the investigation, they succumb to the dark edges of desire, placing both their lives in danger. That might be more than twenty words. Sorry.
Who is your publisher? Or do you self-publish?
Ellora’s Cave Publishing
How long does it usually take you to write a book, from the original idea to finishing writing it?
Witch Hunter took a while because I didn’t have a contract so I could write it at my leisure. Now the deadlines are much tighter. I would still say a year. But I’m a slow writer. I wish I was faster.
What can we expect from you in the future? ie More books of the same genre? Books of a different genre?
My next book is another erotic paranormal. It’s the second book in the Ravens Hollow series about a medium forced to banish a vengeful spirit from a haunted inn and ends up falling in love with the sexy innkeeper. I also have some contemporaries in the works. I love this whole billionaire trend. I have a story idea based on Marc Cuban’s persona from Shark Tank. I have a huge crush on him. Stay tuned.
What genre would you place your books into?
That’s a tough one, paranormal romance, erotic thriller, and erotic paranormal, take your pick.
What made you decide to write that genre of book?
I’ve always loved the paranormal genre. It’s fun to create a unique setting and a magickal world. It’s also convenient to have your character use magick to get out of a sticky situation. I was inspired by the Harry Potter series and loved reading the HP fan fiction. I thought maybe I could create a story like HP, but for adults. The fact that I grew up in a small town in Connecticut, known for hauntings also might have had something to do with it. I spent a lot of time hanging out at a neighbor’s house who introduced me to the Ouija board. I have fond memories of riding my bike to my best friend’s grandmother’s house where she used to serve us orange juice and chocolate chip cookies and talk about the ghost that lived with her. The paranormal has always been something embedded in my psyche, something I have been brought up with and fascinated by, in every way. I’m not only interested in ghosts and witches, but Nessie, UFO’s, Big Foot, and even mermaids, you name it, the stranger the better!
Do you have a favorite character from your books? And why are they your favorite?
My favorite character is my heroine, Willow McCray. She’s had an incredibly difficult life and yet has managed to change, grow and evolve by the end of the book. She’s tough on the outside, but vulnerable and very flawed on the inside. I think readers will be able to relate to her on many levels. I also love the fact that she’s psychic and can read people’s minds like most people read the newspaper. I always wanted to have that gift. I admire her too. She’s brave and places herself in danger time and time again. ,
How long have you been writing? and who or what inspired you to write?
I have been writing for about twelve years. I read so many books on how to write, took workshops, classes. I pored over fan fiction, watched and studied films and read every piece of fiction I could get my hands on. Finally, I decided to actually sit down and write my own novel. I think I’ve always loved writing, even as a teenager. I used to send very long notes that turned into mini novels to my friends.
Do you have a certain routine you have for writing? ie You listen to music, sit in a certain chair?
I do have playlists that I create for my novels that bring me into the heart of story. I do most of my writing in my office. Although I will write anywhere, coffee shops, airports, hotel rooms, sometimes on scraps of paper if I don’t have my computer with me.
Do you read all the reviews of your book/books?
I’ll let you know. Lol I haven’t gotten one yet. You guys want to be the first?
Do you choose a title first, or write the book then choose the title?
I think I wrote the book first then came up with some ideas for a title and consulted my critique partners then changed the story a bit and came up with a new name that reflected the story better.
How do you come up with characters names and place names in your books?
I look up character names on different name baby sites. I’m more interested in the meaning behind the name then the name itself. The origins of the names also give me ideas for the characters personality traits as well.
Are character names and place names decided after their creation? Or do you pick a character/place name and then invent them?
I create the names first then the image of the character comes to me.
Do you decide on character traits (ie shy, quiet, tomboy girl) before writing the whole book or as you go along?
I definitely have detailed character sketches, and horoscope charts that I fill out before I write the story. Eventually, the personality emerges from there and becomes more three dimensional then the glimpses I see in my head.
Are there any hidden messages or morals contained in your books? (Morals as in like Aesops Fables type of "The moral of this story is..")
I think redemption is at the heart of this story. Both the hero and the heroine have made mistakes in their lives and both hold onto a lot of guilt, and shame as a result. Together I think they learn how to overcome these negative emotions through the strength of love and learning to release the past.
Which format of book do you prefer, eBook, hardback, or paperback?
As a reader, I like both ebook and paperback. I love to read on my Nook. I absolutely adore the convenience of downloading a book instantaneously. I have a ritual too. Every Saturday morning, when the NY Times Book Review comes out; I load the books that sound interesting onto my Nook. I still also get books from the library from time to time. I love to buy armfuls at conferences from my chapter mates.
What is your favorite book and Why? Have you read it more than once?
I’ve read every book in the Harry Potter series like four times. I’ve also read all of Kresley Cole’s Immortals After Dark Series multiple times. I’ve also reread all of the books in the Crossfire series by Sylvia Day. I also love the Wallbanger series by Alice Clayton .The Beautiful series by Christina Lawrence is also one of my new faves. I don’t have just one. I also love The Diana Bishop Books. They are so good!
Do you think books transfer to movies well? Which is you favorite/worst book to movie transfer?
I’ve seen some good ones and bad ones. I’m really interested to see how Fifty Shades will turn out. I’ve had Gone Girl on my Nook for months and haven’t had the time to read it yet. I won’t see the move until I read the book, but I’ve heard the film is an excellent adaptation.
Your favorite food is?
Sushi, salmon, chicken, and anything chocolate!
Your favorite Author is?
I have so many. Sylvia Day, Alice Clayton, Kresley Cole, JK Rowling, Emma Chase
Shari Nichols grew up in a small town in Connecticut where haunted houses, ghosts and Ouija boards were common place, spurring her fascination with all things paranormal. Ever since she read her first Barbara Cartland novel, her life-long dream has been to write sexy, romantic stories. Shari has been married to her own alpha hero for twenty-two years. When she’s not writing, she’s reading, going to the gym, or hanging out with family and friends. She lives in New Jersey with her husband, two teenagers, and her adoring golden retriever. Shari graduated from Rider University with a degree in Business Administration. After spending several years in the grind of Corporate America, she quit to stay at home with her kids. Now she’s thrilled to spend her days in sweats, eating chocolate while pounding on her keyboard to create her next novel. Her first book, Witch Hunter has been contracted with Ellora’s Cave Publishing. Her next book, another steamy, romance, will venture into the world of ghosts and haunted inns. Shari is a member of Romance Writers of America, New Jersey Romance Writers, Liberty States Fiction Writers and Fantasy, Futuristic, and Paranormal Romance Writers. 
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Thank you so much for having me.
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