Nikki Arana Interview

Q: Let me start with asking you to tell us a little bit about yourself.
A. I live in northern Idaho with my husband of thirty-six years, Antonio. We have two grown sons and I was just blessed with my first grandchild. We are beyond thrilled about it. I was a Real Estate Broker for over thirty years. I recently committed to putting my writing first. Though a lot of my time is devoted to helping care for my parents who are in their 90s!

Q: When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?
A. My story is different than most. I never dreamed about being a writer! It wasn’t until after my youngest son graduated from high school that I thought about trying to write. But always it was for fun in my spare time. As time has passed, writing has taken on a completely different meaning for me. I no longer see my writing journey as having much to do with writing. It is about learning to listen to the Lord each day. To write the books He gives me with no expectation of the outcome. That is His responsibility. This is a very hard lesson. It took me three years of continually wanting and trying to take control of my writing life to finally learn that I could not discern what He wanted if I was focused on what I wanted.

Q: Could you give us the highlights of your professional writing career including how you got your first writing break?
A. It was May of 2001 when I first felt the tug of the Spirit, then a whisper, then a strong impression that got me to thinking about writing. I enrolled in an Internet course called Writeriffic. It was on-line so I did it at my desk at work when I had a break. That teacher, Eva Shaw, really encouraged me. She said I should send out my writing for publication. I didn’t know how to do that, so I bought some books and followed the directions and send out my homework. I sold everything I sent out.

I thought it was fun and easy and I’d always liked to write poetry. So I bought some books and found out what kind of poetry publishers wanted. Free verse. I didn’t know how to write free verse … so I took an online class from the University of Washington. I sent out my homework and sold it. Here and in Canada.

When I started selling things I was asked for a bio. I didn’t have one because I’d never written anything before. So I decided I should join some clubs. I went online and found the Idaho Writers League had a local chapter in my town. I joined and went to my first meeting in June of 2001. At that first meeting I found out that part of the time was used to read your work. I read a story I’d written about two brothers going to a wrestling tournament. Write what you know, they’d told me. One of the ladies there said, “You know I think that’s good enough for the state contest.” So I entered. I won second place.
I wrote some more magazine articles and poetry.

In March of 2002, I began to feel the Lord was calling me to write a book. So I bought about 10 books on how to write a novel and then sat down at my computer and started. In May I became aware of a writers conference in Seattle that only cost $99 and I could drive there. I read in the brochure that the Acquisitions Editor for Tyndale, Publishers of the Left Behind series, would be there, and if you wanted, you could be part of a group interview. You’d have 3 minutes to pitch your book. I only had 3 chapters written but I knew where my story was going. But how do you pitch a book? My dad had given me “Publishing for Dummies” when I started writing so I went to it and found a page on how to write a synopsis … so I did. I went to the Seattle conference, pitched my book in 3 minutes and was asked by the Acquisitions Editor to submit the first 4 chapters to Tyndale. So I went home, wrote the fourth chapter and did. She wrote back and asked for my full ms.

When I finished writing the book, I decided to try and get an agent. I picked 4 and queried them. I ended up choosing Natasha Kern. She sent me directly to a professional editor who worked with me for six weeks. When the book was finished Natasha shopped it around and got me multiple offers. I accepted the one from Revell for a 3 book deal. Natasha is still my agent today.

I know that my story sounds too easy. And most people reading this have had a far different experience on their writing journey. I believe it was just a case of being in God’s timing. It was my time. If it hasn’t happened for you yet, be patient and remember, the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable. Persevere, He is with you.

Q: Would you tell us about your current book release, The Next Target?
A. It’s the story of an ordinary woman who comes to the realization that the only way to stop jihad, to stop the killing, is to change the heart of man. And she knows there is only One who can do that. She begins teaching an English as a Second Language class to Muslim women in her city. She uses her time with them to show them Christ’s love and draw them to Him. She knows this is a capital offense in the eyes of Islam, and she’s been careful not to get caught. But Islamic extremists find out and target her underground ministry. To protect the women she’s led to Christ, she must untangle a web of deceit before her jihadist executioners find her and kill them all.

The Next Target was inspired by my ministry, A Voice for the Persecuted. I help persecuted Christians who are under the threat of death.

Q: What is the main thing you hope readers remember from this story?
A: The tagline is: Would you share your faith if it would cost you your life? I hope when the reader finishes the last page, they have a deeper understanding of what that question is asking. And realize that it may well be a question they will have to face in their lifetime. I did.

Q: What is your favorite scene/chapter from the book?
A: Talking about my favorite scene would give away something the reader doesn’t know at the time it takes place so I don’t dare do that. It was extremely difficult to write. It is set in a conference room after the male lead is hired by the heroine. As the reader realizes what is happening I think they will move to the edge of their seat. So I’ll move on to my second favorite scene, the prologue. It is written in prose that is nothing like the rest of the book. It takes place in the expanse between space and time. It is written with a lot of symbolism and sets up the heart of the story. The supernatural is very much a part of this story. When you evangelize Muslims you are engaged in spiritual warfare.

Q: What inspires you to write?
A. Subjects that I feel deeply about. I write Transformational Fiction. Transformational fiction is fiction that deals with tough issues. It seeks to show how God’s Truth transforms characters on their journey. And it invites the reader to journey with them.

My books deal with social, political and spiritual issues. My readers often write me saying that the book changed them in some way. Usually in how they look at something. I try to take them on a journey that lets them experience difficult situations through the eyes of someone facing a personal crisis. I use deep characterization and there is something about knowing the characters intimately that causes the reader to participate in the story at a deeper level. When you are invested emotionally in characters and you see their struggle, you can’t help but think about them and what they’re facing, especially if it relates to your life or the life of someone you know. There is called Transformational Fiction. There is a Fan page on FB for those who like to read these kinds of thought provoking stories.

Q: How has being a published novelist differed from your expectations of the profession?
A: It is a lot more work than I expected. When you are fully engaged with the profession you are busy from morning til night with promoting your backlist, editing your next release and writing the book that’s due in a month. Throw in traveling and appearances and the rest of your life and it can get pretty hectic.

Q: What advice or tips do you have for writers who are just getting started?
A: Invest in learning the craft. It is extremely difficult to break into print and just as hard to stay there. You’re only as good as your last sales numbers. Especially in this economy. The chances of writing a book that is salable without studying on your own and getting some professional guidance is almost zero. There are many great classes and books available. Also, established authors who are willing to help. Go to conferences and join writing groups. Surround yourself with positive, knowledgeable people. Build a network. All of these things will serve you well.

Q: Would you share with us what you are working on now?
A. The working title of my next book is Pray the Lord of the Harvest. It is about a former Muslim and the woman who helps him escape from Iraq. God is calling him to evangelize Muslims here in America. Satan is just as set on stopping him. It was inspired by a true story.

Q: What is something your readers might be surprised to learn about you?
A. After all that’s been said here, I doubt there’s anything! (smiles)

Q: When you’re not writing what do you like to do?
A. I love spending time with my husband, Antonio. In my eyes he is the perfect husband. He was the inspiration for my first novel, The Winds of Sonoma. When you read that book you know him and why I love him. Of all the gifts God has given me, other than salvation, Antonio is the one I appreciate and cherish the most.

Q: Anything else you’d like to tell or share with us?
A. If you’d like to sample my writing, the opening pages of The Next Target that just released is available at www.thenexttarget.com . If you would like to continue to follow me on my journey, visit my blog on my website www.nikkiarana.com. And there is even the chance to win a FREE Kindle until June 4 if you go to my Author page on Facebook. www.facebook.com/nikkiaranaauthor , just click the Win button on the right side at the top.

Thank you so much for this chance to visit.