Author Spotlight: Exclusive Interview with Nicole O'Dell!

Nicole was kind and generous with her time--authors are BUSY people! She emailed with me to do an online interview, and I am so thrilled to introduce you to the author of the new, fun teen/tween lit series, "Scenarios", Nicole O'Dell!


1) Tell us a bit about you and your family.


I'm married to Wil who is a portrait artist and owns a floor-care business. He's a general contractor around out house these days--we bought an old Victorian home a few years ago and are always knee-deep in one project or another. I have six children--three of whom are about to turn one. Yep, you read that right--triplets! My oldest is 17, with two others in the middle. It sure makes for an interesting household.




2) When did the writing bug strike you?


I won a contest in fourth grade and my book got put into the school libraries in my district. It was such a rush!


3) Christian fiction is growing in popularity these days. Why write for teens/YA? What drew you to that audience?


I've just been really focused on helping my kids avoid some of the pitfalls I faced when I was a teen. In the midst of that mindset grew a passion to reach teens and pre-teens before they get faced with situations they aren't prepared for. Books meant a lot to me when I was that age, and the message in many of them still sticks with me even today. I pray that the Scenarios for Girls series will have a similar effect on young girls as they approach some potentially difficult years.


4) Your new series, "Scenarios", is unique. Share with my readers about the twist in your novels, and why you chose to include that element, please?


When the reader arrives at a very important, potentially life-altering situation the main character is facing, she (the reader) must make the big decision for the character. That decision determines the ending--there are two alternate endings. I chose to write them this way because i wanted the reader to be able to really put herself in the situation by taking ownership and responsibility for the choice. Through the unfolding circumstances that follow her choice, she'll read about consequences, forgiveness, restoration and God's grace.


5) How many more books can we anticipate (I'm already hooked, by the way!)?


After Truth or Dare and All that Glitters, Magna and Making Waves will release in April. Following that, I'm hoping for at least four more. We'll see. I'd definitely appreciate your prayers as we (me and the powers-that-be at Barbour Publishing) decide which direction(s) to go with the series now.


6 When it comes to writing snacks for inspiration, where do you turn? For beverages? Locations?


COFFEE! Anywhere, anytime. I really love to sit down with a fresh cup of coffee and get started. Panera bread is one of my favorite out-of-the-house spots where I like to hang out, people watch and gather inspiration while I work.


7) Besides your "Scenarios" series, do you have any other projects you're working on?


I have another series for the same age group that I'm just in the beginning stage of putting together. I also have an adult full-length novel that I'm always puttering with.


Thanks so much for your kind hospitality here on your wonderful blog, Deena. Blessings to you and all of your readers.


Happy Reading!

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