NITA WICK
Nita Wick lives in southern Tennessee with her husband of 21 years and two children. She works full time at a small credit union and runs a one-woman show at a branch office where she is the teller, vault custodian, new accounts secretary, and loan officer. She is also editor of the credit union’s newsletter and a member of the marketing committee.
With a job and family, she doesn't have much free time, but when she's not busy working as cook, maid, chauffeur, or financial advisor, you will find her either reading or writing.
How long have you been writing, and have you always wanted to be a writer?
I’ve been writing for seven or eight years now, and no, I didn’t always want to be a writer. Unlike most writers who will tell you they’ve been spinning yarns since they were old enough to talk, I didn’t come with a built-in muse. My muse arrived much later. When she showed up, I thought I was losing my grip on reality. I had characters talking to each other in my head, and I caught myself daydreaming far too often. I finally decided that I would have to either write it down or get therapy. Therapy was too expensive.
When did you first think about writing and what prompted you to submit your first ms?
I started reading historical romances about 15 years ago. Until then, I hadn’t been much of a reader at all, but the genre just drew me in and wouldn’t let go. I read for several years and came across the worst, most boring novel I’ve ever read. I thought to myself, “How did she get this published? Even I could do better than that.” So I set out to prove I could. After all, those characters were in my head driving me crazy anyway. How hard could it be?
It turned out to be a heck of a lot more difficult than I expected. I had good grammar skills, but I knew nothing about point of view or showing versus telling. I quickly developed a whole new respect and admiration for writers.
When I finished my first manuscript, I was at a loss as to what to do next. So I joined RWA. My first sale was actually my second manuscript, and believe it or not, I sold it with chapter one and an outline. I entered a contest, and though I didn’t win, I was still offered a contract. Since then I’ve sold a short story for an anthology and another novel. Like so many writers before me, my first novel remains unpublished.
Why did you decide to write romance novels?
Because I love the happy endings. The good guys, determination, and love always triumph in the end. Why would you want to write anything else?
What type of books do you write?
I started off with nothing but historical romance and historically based fantasy romance. Then my muse decided she wanted a change of pace. (At least I guess that’s what her reasoning was. I can never be sure with her.) I’ve since branched out into contemporary romance and even a sweet romance. Before the sweet romance story, all of my work had been very sensual—not quite erotica, but steamy.
What is your ultimate professional goal as a writer?
I want to make the NY Times Bestseller list. Of course, I guess that’s every writer’s answer, so in the mean time I’ll settle for this: I want to write stories that make readers laugh, cry, and sigh in contentment. I absolutely love it when a reader tells me they couldn’t put my book down. Until I see my name on the NYT list, I’ll be happy just writing interesting stories.
Do you have any news you'd like to share with us? Any contests finals or wins?
Not yet, but maybe soon. I’ve entered my latest release, THE WAGON MASTER, in two contests. All the reviews have been spectacular, so I have hopes for the contests. The finalists will be announced soon in one contest. The other, which is judged by booksellers, will announce the winners in November. If my book does well in either of them, you can be sure you’ll hear about it on the CHRW loop. I’ll be shouting the news to the whole world!
How do we find out about you and your books? Do you have a web site or Blog?
Visit my web site at www.nitawick.com. There you’ll find excerpts, reviews, purchase links, and my latest newsletter. There’s also a link to my blog. I’m terrible about posting on my blog, but if I have news, you’ll definitely find it there.
What can we expect from you in the future?
Hopefully you’ll hear news that I’ve finished my three WIPs and that I have contracts for them. Then we’ll just have to see what my muse has in store for me. I’ve been toying with the idea of a Scottish set historical, but I need to do a bunch of research before I get started on that.
What do you do to relax and recharge your batteries?
Besides the usual reading or weekend stuff with the family, I try to go to a conference at least once a year. In fact, I’m going to the Moonlight & Magnolias conference in Atlanta this weekend. I’m so excited about it. Nothing kick-starts my muse like being around 300 other romance writers. Everyone is always so energized and upbeat. The workshops are always helpful, too. And no one looks at you strangely if you inadvertently mention the voices in your head.
Do you have a writing partner to bounce ideas off of?
Yes! I have a wonderful critique partner. My stories are almost completely character-driven. My strengths lie in characterization and the emotional connection for the reader. Seeley, on the other hand, doesn’t write a word until she has detailed plot outline. Her strength is definitely her plotting skills. We complement each other perfectly. She points out all my plot holes or weak links, and I help her with character development. I couldn’t possibly submit a manuscript until she’s looked over it.
How do you define the type of writer you are? Do you outline or go with the flow? A little of both. Since my stories are character-driven, I usually go with the flow for the first two or three chapters. Once I’ve got a good idea of the characters and what makes them tick, I take a break and sketch a plot outline that includes the climax and the HEA ending. Inevitably, the characters will deviate from that sketch several times before the work is complete, but the outline helps to keep me from veering too far off course.
What do you think of critique groups in general?
I think they work great for some people. Generally, I have trouble participating in groups because I don’t have time to critique several manuscripts. With a full time job and a family, there is hardly time to write, much less time to critique for several people.
How important is the happily-ever-after ending?
For me, there absolutely, positively MUST be a happily-ever-after. That’s why I read and write romance. Other fiction genres have their merits, but they don’t always give me that sigh of contentment at the end. I need that. I feel cheated without it.
What is your goal within the next year or so for your writing career?
If you’d asked me that a few months ago, my answer might have been different, but today, my goal is just to get my muse to start working again. She’s been AWOL for quite a while now. The words haven’t been flowing. My goal is to regain the momentum I had. I want to finish those WIPs and get started on some new projects. I want to get back in the game with some manuscript submissions. I’m hoping the conference will help. And I’m sure a final or win for THE WAGONMASTER wouldn’t hurt. Keep your fingers crossed for me!
Thanks Nita, and best wishes for the future!