Author Interview + Giveaway with Lee Nichols!

Earlier today I reviewed the highly original ghost mystery novel Deception, the first in what promises to be a very interesting and entertaining series. Today, the author, Lee Nichols, has stopped by and answered some of my questions, and a wonderful publicist at Bloomsbury/Walker has allowed me to host a giveaway! Read on to find out more about Lee!

1. The Stern museum-mansion, Thatcher... both are unusually exquisite locations full of mystery, beauty, and sophistication. Were there any real-life models/inspirations for these settings, or where did the inspiration for these settings come from?

The museum was inspired by the Pierce-Nichols House which is part of the PeabodyEssex Museum in Salem, Mass. I'm descended from the Nichols part of the family and have always wanted to write about this house. There is a school called Thacher (spelled differently), close to where I grew up in California, and I was influenced a little bit by my experience visiting the school with a friend when I was a teen.

2. What was the easiest scene in DECEPTION to write? What was the hardest?

The answer is probably the first scene for both. When I start a book, it usually comes out pretty easily, but then there's a lot of rewriting and rethinking to get it just right. Because I want to hook the reader from the very beginning.

3. Are you a plotter or pantser when it comes to outlining your books?

From the very first book I wrote, I've always been a serious, scene-by-scene outliner. It just allows me to see whether I've got a whole book or not and whether it all makes sense.

4. What are some of your favorite paranormal/ghost stories?

I like werewolves, so Shiver was a favorite and so was the Mortal Instruments series. And Carrie Jones's Pixie series.

5. A huge lightning storm strikes and you somehow develop supernatural abilities. What would your ability be?

I really love animals, so I'd love to be a were-something. Maybe a werehousecat. Hmm, I'm getting an idea for a new series ...

6. What 3 songs would be on a DECEPTION playlist?

I'm obsessed right now with Elbow, so two songs from them: "Mirrorball" and "Bones of You", and "Acapella" from Kelis.

7. If you could only read one book for the rest of your life, which would it be?

Impossible to think I wouldn't get tired of a novel. Perhaps something I actually find impossible to read, like a book about physics or Chaos theory. Maybe then, I'd finally understand.

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Thanks for answering my questions, Lee! If you haven't thought of reading Deception yet, you definitely should put it on your radar.

Giveaway Info

Thanks to Kate at Bloomsbury/Walker, I am hosting a giveaway for TWO (2) ARCs of Deception! To enter, please fill out the form below. This giveaway is open to US only and ends Friday, August 6, 2010. Good luck and happy reading!