Saturday, October 1, 2011

Guest Blogger: Nicki J. Markus

Welcome back my good friend and fellow author Nicki J. Markus! Today she's going to bravely answer my infamous Rick Reed questions, as well as tell us a little bit about her newest release, Day-Walker. Nicki and I are stopping today for some tea at a small place located near the Sidney Opera House. Check out this view!

Nicki, while we wait, why don't you go ahead and answer the questions?


 The Questions
1)      You’re marooned on a small island with one person and one item of your choice—who is that person and what item do you have?
Well, I guess I should pick my fiancé, Corey – he’ll never forgive me otherwise!  Only one item… h… I would take my copy of Pushkin’s Eugene Onegin to while away those sandy afternoons.

2)      Which musical would you say best exemplifies your life – and which character in that musical are you?
Ooh, I love so many musicals—how to pick? I think the Austrian musical Elisabeth is one that always sticks with me and I would say that I am quite like Sissi in that show in some ways; although, when I was younger I saw myself very much as Eponine in Les Miserables.

3)      Take these three words and give me a 100 word or less scenario using them:  autobiography,  full,  omit
When the politician decided to write his autobiography, his wife was full of doubt and suggested he omit some of the less salubrious passages.

4)      You’ve just been let loose in the world of fiction, with permission to do anyone you want. Who do you fuck first and why?
(Checks her fiancé isn’t watching) Oh gosh, so many possibilities. Okay – a non-book one would be Castiel from the TV series Supernatural because he is hot and has such a sexy, gravelly voice—and I’d like to help him fall. If it needs to be literary fiction, I would pick Saint Germain from the Saint Germain books by Chelsea Quinn Yarbro. Why? Because he’s a vampire and a gentleman.

5)      What is your idea of how to spend romantic time with your significant other?
A meal at a nice restaurant and then a theatrical performance or a concert. I’m easily pleased really.

6)      When you start a new story, do you begin with a character, or a plot?
I would say it is usually the character that comes to me first. Most of the time I get this idea of a character and then imagine a situation he or she is in and it grows from there.

7)      If they were to make the story of your life into a movie, who should play you?
Kate Winslet. She’s down to earth and yet sassy—and my fiancé has a thing for her, so that should help.

8)      Who’s your favorite horror villain and why?
Oh, definitely Hannibal Lecter. I mean, he’s cultured, sophisticated and could take you for an excellent meal and opera performance before he killed you. If I found a guy who was well-read, spoke several languages, played music etc, I’d be happy to overlook a little cannibalism.

9)      Do you have an historical crush and if so, who is it?
Robespierre—a hugely misunderstood man, maligned by his enemies. His life and times are fascinating. Also, a little more recently, the composer-pianist, Percy Grainger. He wrote fabulous music and is an interesting figure.

10)   Is there a story that you’d like to tell but you think the world isn’t ready to receive it?
Actually, I’m pretty moderate in my views and my writing, so I doubt I’d ever end up writing anything controversial. But, if I had to think up something extreme, just for the purpose of this question, I’d say: a steamy romance between Louis VI and Robespierre.

For those who don't know you yet, tell us something about yourself, please!

Nicki J Markus was born in England in 1982, but she now lives in Adelaide, South Australia with her fiance. She has loved both reading and writing from a young age and is also a keen linguist, having studied several foreign languages. She has completed a BA (hons) English with French from the University of Greenwich, London and a PGDip in Translation from the University of the West of England, Bristol. She is currently working towards a Diploma in Editing and a Higher Diploma in Publishing. Nicki J Markus launched her writing career in 2010 and she has had several ficiton works published by Wicked Nights Publishing and Silver Publishing. In her spare time, Nicki J Markus also enjoys many other creative pursuits including music, theatre, photography, sketching and web-design. She also has a keen interest in history, folklore and mythology, pen-palling and travel.




Wow, you've led quite an interesting life!  What about Day-Walker, what's it about?


Day-Walker by Nicki J Markus  
Darci Madison seems to have found her ideal man. But mysterious stranger, Will, has a dark secret. A secret that could put her life in danger as the sun sets.

When Darci meets a mysterious stranger, she is instantly smitten. Will is the perfect gentleman and seems to be everything she has been waiting for. But Will has a terrifying secret and soon Darci finds herself in grave peril. Will her love for him give her the strength she’ll need to prevail against overwhelming odds?

Will is drawn to Darci from the moment she steps onto the stage. He knows he shouldn’t approach her, knows his secret could put her in danger if he gets too close. But he also realizes that he cannot live without her. When his enemies learn of Darci’s existence and emerge from the shadows, Will must fight to save the woman he loves… even though it may require the ultimate sacrifice.

For creatures are stirring in the darkness; creatures that long to infiltrate the light.



 I can tell you from having read her books, NIcki's a great writer and I loved Day-Walker! Be sure to check it out. Have any comments or questions for Nicki? Ask away! We'd love to hear from you.

Thanks for coming, Nicki, it's been a pleasure, as always!

Until next time, take care!

♥ Julie

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