Author Interview: No Refuge by Annie Nicholas

No Refuge
Known Universe
Book 1
Annie Nicholas

Genre: Space Opera/Science Fiction Romance
Publisher: Lyrical Press/Kensington
Number of pages: 94
Cover Artist: Renee Rocco

Book Description:

Hunted to near extinction by an alien race called the Ko, my people have run from Earth and drifted so far among the stars we can’t remember the way back. We live everywhere, but call nowhere home. The Ko want us erased from existence and memory. They don’t even want our DNA in the space dust. Humans disguise themselves as other alien species and hide in plain sight. It’s the only way we can survive.

I believe in the myth of Earth. I’ve even discovered a bona fide book written in the dead language of my people. My man, Brody, dreams of a secret human colony. He’s searched for years, hunting any rumor we’ve run across, and finally he’s made contact. Usually, he’s the one grounding me to station and keeping my head out of the atmosphere. Time for me to return the favor…that is, if I can ditch the Ko who’ve discovered me, thanks to my incessant artifact-hunting. If we don’t make our rendezvous, and the Ko don’t kill me, Brody just might…

CONTENT WARNING: Aliens, cargo ships, and a fast paced race against all odds.

Paranormal Romance Fans for Life would like to extend a warm welcome to Annie Nicholas, author of No Refuge.  Annie, first, please tell us where you are from and where/who did your love for writing come from?

I’m originally from Montreal, Canada but I’ve been living in Vermont for quite awhile. My love for reading came before my love for writing. It never occurred to me to try and write a story until much later in life. I was home sick for a few months and I’d read everything in my house and library (this was before ebooks LOL). I decided to entertain myself by writing my own book. That’s how my first novel Bait was written. J

Can you say that your journey to publication was difficult? If so, what were the hardest moments to get through?

In comparison to some authors, I’d say mine was somewhat easier. It took me about six months to sign my first contract but there were piles and piles of rejections first. The hardest moments were waiting for the decisions. The silence is long and lonely.

How do you overcome i-suck-it is, that little voice in your head that tells you your writing isn’t good enough?

It’s so hard. LOL  Most of the time, I cry on fellow writers’ shoulders until they smack some sense into me.  I also keep my fan mail, all of them, and read them or I re-read my favorite reviews to remind me that someone liked my books.

What is your dream vacation?

I’d love to rent a car and drive all over Europe with my kids and husband. No reservations, no plans just stay at local bed & breakfasts meet the people, struggle with the language, and have a ton of fun.

Describe your writing style in five words.

Action packed, hot, romantic, suspenseful and emotional.

What movies are you currently excited to see?

I’m almost a little embarrassed to say but I’m looking forward to the new Godzilla movie releasing in May.

What are you currently reading?

I am currently reading RITA contest submissions. LOL  On my TBR pile is The King, Storm’s Heart, and Hounded.

If you weren’t a writer, what other careers would you pursue?

Well, I am already a nurse and still work as one so I’m good. :D

If you could create a holiday of your own, what would it be called?

Swap Meet Day, when every town gathers with stuff they don’t want and exchange. At the end of the day all things remaining get picked up by the city and either donated or dumped.

For people who haven’t read your novel, how would you summarize the plot?

It’s Babylon 5 meets Firefly. Yeah, baby.

What are two of your pet-peeves?

People who chew like cows and spammers.

To you, what makes a good story?

I’m such a picky and tough reader. A good story should have three dimensional character who I care about. They should be interesting and not cookie cutter. It has to have a strong plot and stick to it. The most important thing is it has to be not boring. If I’m thinking about what to make for dinner while reading the book, it’s failed.

What usually turns you off about a story?

Child abuse, rape is a touchy subject for me but I’m open enough to understand if it’s essential to a story but 99% of the time it’s not, and the author’s voice. I usually know by the third page if I’m going to like the person who wrote the book.

If you could collaborate with any author, who would you choose, and why?

That’s such a hard question. I guess it would be with Hailey Edwards because we work closely on all our projects. She know my style and I know hers very well so it would be an easy transition.

What is on your night stand?

My clock, a lamp, and some chap stick. I’m boring.

What is your favorite book?

At the moment The Last Hour of Gann. It’s sci-fi with romantic elements and not for the faint at heart. LOL  Not to mention like 400, 000 words long.

Thank you so much for joining us today, Annie. We really enjoyed the insights. Good luck with No Refuge. 

About the Author:

Annie Nicholas writes paranormal romance with a twist. She has courted vampires, hunted with shifters, and slain a dragon’s ego all with the might of her pen. Riding the wind of her imagination, she travels beyond the restraints of reality and shares them with anyone wanting to read her stories. Mother, daughter, and wife are some of the other hats she wears while hiking through the hills and dales of her adopted state of Vermont.
Annie writes for Samhain Publishing, Carina Press, and Lyrical Press.

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