The Interview - Nick Lloyd
What inspired you to become a writer?
I’ve always had a passion for storytelling. As a child, I would create imaginary worlds and write short stories. The idea of being able to transport readers to another world, or make them feel something profound through words, inspired me to pursue writing seriously.
Do you have any strategies for overcoming writer’s block?
When I hit writer’s block, I try not to force the process. I take a step back and do something unrelated to writing—whether it’s going for a walk or reading a different book. Often, the break allows my subconscious to work through the block. Sometimes, just changing my environment or writing in a different place helps too.
How do you ensure your characters feel authentic and relatable?
I spend a lot of time getting to know my characters before I start writing. I think about their backstories, motivations, and flaws. I also try to put myself in their shoes—how would I react in their situation? The key is giving them depth, vulnerabilities, and real-world emotions that readers can connect with.
What do you think makes a good plot twist?
A good plot twist is one that feels surprising yet inevitable in hindsight. It should be something the reader doesn’t see coming, but when it happens, they realize the clues were there all along. It’s about balancing shock value with logical storytelling.
How do you balance writing and promoting your work?
It’s definitely a challenge! I try to dedicate specific times for writing and separate times for promotion. Writing always comes first, but I understand the importance of connecting with readers and sharing my work. Planning out my promotional activities in advance helps me stay organized.
Do you write with a specific audience in mind?
Not always. I focus on telling the best story I can, and I trust that it will resonate with the right audience. That said, once the editing phase begins, I do consider the preferences of my intended readers—whether it’s the pacing, tone, or themes.
Have you ever been surprised by the direction a story has taken while writing?
Yes, many times! There are moments when a character’s actions or a plot development takes me in a completely different direction than I initially planned. I’ve learned to trust the process and let the story unfold naturally. Sometimes the best parts of a book are the ones I didn’t expect.
What kind of research do you do before starting a new project?
It depends on the subject matter. For historical fiction or settings I’m not familiar with, I do extensive research on time periods, locations, and cultural details. Even for contemporary stories, I might research a profession or an event to ensure accuracy. I always want to be as authentic as possible in the details.
Do you ever feel pressure to conform to trends in the publishing industry?
While it’s tempting to follow trends, I try not to let them dictate my writing. Trends come and go, but writing from the heart and staying true to my voice is more important. Readers can sense authenticity, and that’s what I aim to deliver.
How do you handle writing emotionally intense scenes?
Writing emotionally intense scenes can be draining, but I try to channel my own emotions and experiences into the writing. Sometimes I need to take breaks to avoid getting too overwhelmed. After writing a heavy scene, I like to step away for a bit to decompress before moving on.