Spring Fling: Author Interview with Natalie-Nicole Bates

Today I am thrilled to have Natalie-Nicole Bates joining me for Spring Fling week. Natalie-Nicole is an amazing talent and I am proud to be a member of her street team and help promote her books. 

      B&BR: Hi Natalie-Nicole. Thank you so much for joining me today at Bottles & Books Reviews. Can you tell readers a little about yourself?

N-NB: I was born in Russia, but currently live in the United Kingdom. I write contemporary and paranormal romance, and have been published for over two years.

      B&BR: What books have you written up to date?

N-NB: Contemporaries ~ Back to You, Change of Address, Come Full Circle

Paranormal ~ Sara-Kate’s Spirit, See Me, Remember the Stars (short novella), Antique Charming (short story)

Romantic Suspense ~ The Heart of the Hunter

              

      B&BR: Where do you find inspiration for your books?

N-NB: I find inspiration just about everywhere- everyday life, dreams, the news, nature, inspiration is everywhere!

      B&BR: Out of the books you have written, what is your favorite?

N-NB: I think I would have to say that See Me, my paranormal romance novella, is my favorite. I really connected to the characters and still think of them often. Come Full Circle is probably second, that story was so effortless to write.

      B&BR: Do you collect anything? If so, what do you collect and how did you get started?

I collect Victorian era photography. I’ve been collecting for several years now. I just feel there is a beauty in black and white. I also collect post mortem Victorian, which makes a lot of people uncomfortable. But again, there is a certain kind of beauty that was appreciated decades ago that is more or less shunned now. I also collect sea glass and sea pottery.

6    B&BR: What are four things you can’t leave the house without?

N-NB: Keys, cell phone, money, lipstick

      B&BR: Growing up as a child, what did you want to be?

N-NB: I was always interested and enjoyed writing, but for a while I wanted to be a doctor, then a funeral director. The story behind the funeral director is that I actually graduate next month with a degree in mortuary science. I can’t practice anything hands on, so to speak, I’m allergic to just about every chemical used. Just bad luck.

     B&BR: If you could have dinner with any author, dead or alive, who would it be? What would you ask them?

N-NB: I’m absolutely enthralled with the late Jacqueline Susann. A few years ago, someone gave me a copy of Valley of the Dolls, and said, you gotta read it! It was amazing! An absolute life changing piece of fiction. To me, even though the book takes place between the end of World War 2 and the 1960’s, it is still relevant today. Jacqueline Susann led a very decadent life, and the characters in the book are rumored to be based on actual celebs of that era. I would love to hear all about the inspirations for the book. Oh, and don’t be swayed by any of the television or movie versions of Valley of the Dolls that have been released over the years—they do not accurately portray the book.

      B&BR: Do you have plans for a new book?

N-NB: I just finished the next book in my RISE series. I’m currently working on book #3 in my Unity series, Amii’s Angel.

      B&BR:  What are you currently reading?

N-NB:  Actually, I’m a bit ashamed to admit it, but nothing!

      B&BR: What advice would you give aspiring authors?

N-NB: My advice is always the same—seek out a comprehensive course in novel writing. Preferably, one with a published author mentor. I can’t tell you how many new writers I have seen fall because they don’t understand the entire process of novel writing, especially point of view.

      B&BR: If you could tell the you of 10 years ago anything, what would it be?

N-NB: Before you trust anyone, make sure they are worth that trust. Only trust when they have proved they are trust-worthy.

      B&BR:  Where can readers find out more about you and your books?

N-NB: Twitter: @BatesNatalie

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Natalie-Nicole-Bates/352610728138768

Blog: www.natalienicolebates.com

You Tube: http://www.youtube.com/natalienicolebates

Street Team Sign Up: https://www.facebook.com/groups/441841792565396/

FAVORITES –

Favorite flower? Roses

Favorite movie? Crimes and Misdemeanors

Favorite motivational phrase? Keep it real

Favorite TV show? Mike & Molly

Favorite vacation spot? Spain

Favorite drink? Blackberry tea

Favorite ice-cream? Pistachio

Favorite singer or band? Depends on the day and the mood—currently, I’m loving Pop Evil.

Favorite hobby? Collecting Victorian era photography.

B&BR: Thank you for joining me today and taking part in Spring Fling week! It was a delight  to interview you. 

GIVEAWAY

Natalie-Nicole can't live the house without her keys, cell phone, money or lipstick. To enter to win a $10 Amazon gift card, leave Natalie-Nicole a big thank you and let us know what 4 things you can't leave the house without along with your email address. Winner will be chosen by Random on Monday, April 28th.