Nicki Pau Preto is a fantasy author living just outside Toronto—though her dislike of hockey, snow, and geese makes her the worst Canadian in the country. She studied art and art history in university and worked as a graphic designer before becoming a writer full-time. She is the author of the Crown of Feathers trilogy and Bonesmith, and you can find her online at NickiPauPreto.com.
Want to keep up on all things Nicki then check out her website or follow her on Instagram.
What does your writing space look like?
My writing space is messy and chaotic, which I like to joke is because of my creative genius but in truth, it's because I have a one-track mind and once I zone in on a writing project, everything else (like tidying!) falls by the wayside. Then, once I hit my deadline, I have the accumulated disaster of weeks to clean up! Besides the mess, I always have my phone nearby to track word sprints, a mug warmer to keep my tea hot, and a candle burning to set the mood. Then it's just me and my computer.
If you could spend a day with another popular author (living or dead), who would you choose and why?
I might choose George R. R. Martin so I could harass him about the next A Song of Ice and Fire book? Or at least complain about the end of the Game of Thrones show together.
How do you celebrate when you finish your book?
I am terrible at celebrating important milestones! This job is hard because there's always the "next thing" to worry about, and I often find myself struggling to stop and smell the roses. That being said, after hitting a big deadline, I generally celebrate by sleeping in and binge-watching whatever TV and movies I've been putting off because of my deadline, and maybe reading a new book. I try to avoid my office for a few days, get outside, and make plans with all the friends I've been neglecting for weeks.
Is there something you do/have while writing that helps your process? (Music, snacks, etc.)
I usually write with music (epic fantasy scores like Lord of the Rings or Game of Thrones) and a drink, tea during the day and sometimes a glass of wine at night (I call this my working cocktail), but one of the most important things for me is a dark room! I bought blackout drapes and they changed my life. It really helps me to focus and not get distracted (by the aforementioned messy office, for instance).
What book are you currently reading?
I am reading an Advance Reader Copy of What the River Knows by Isabel Ibañez (which comes out October 31). I am obsessed with Egypt and the movie The Mummy, so it's been one of my most anticipated reads this year!
