Blog Tour: Antique Charming by Natalie-Nicole Bates

This Virtual Book Tour is presented by Bewitching Book Tours.

You can see the entire tour schedule by clicking HERE.

You can see my review by clicking HERE.

Welcome to The Wormhole and my day on the tour!

I am pleased to welcome Natalie-Nicole Bates!

? When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?

I was about ten years old. I started writing plays for my school chums and myself to perform for class.

? How many jobs did you have before you became a writer?

Only one—I worked as a trauma technician at a local hospital.

? How long does it take you to write a book?

It depends what I have going on around me. Generally, it takes about six months for me to complete a book. Antique Charming was different. It’s a short story, which I have never written before. I actually sat down and completed the story (before editing) in one day. Once I started, I was driven to complete it.

? What would you say is your most interesting writing quirk?

I don’t know if it’s really a quirk, but I generally do not site down to write until I have the story completely plotted out in my mind.

? Where do you get your ideas or inspiration for your characters?

I’m a big fan of using music as my inspiration. I have a very large collection of music spanning from the 1960’s to today, so I have a lot to draw from. I am also an avid collector of Victorian and Edwardian photographs. The inspiration for Antique Charming is this amazing Victorian-era photograph I have of a wonderful looking man standing outside of his funeral home. I was instantly drawn to this photo and I knew I had to have it when I first saw it for sale. I was looking at the photo and listening to Jefferson Starship’s “Find Your Way Back” and I just started to think, “What if…?”.

? How do you decide what you want to write about?

It’s hard to explain. I don’t really make a conscious decision about what to write. I just sort of have the inspiration for the story and begin to build it from there.

? What books have most influenced your life?

I have several books that have had great influence. One is Stephen King’s Pet Sematary. I also grew up at a time when all of my peers were reading and raving about Judy Blume. I was reading Sidney Sheldon and Harold Robbins. I think that Sheldon’s Master of The Game is amazing—probably one of my fave books. Also, Robbin’s Goodbye Janette is unforgettable.

? What are you reading right now?

My Sweet Audrina by VC Andrews. This book was recommended to me—I just bought it.

? What do you like to do when you are not writing?

Listening to music, relaxing, gardening, cooking and travel.

? What is your favorite comfort food?

Popcicles!

? What do you think makes a good story?

I think well drawn out, life-like characters are the most important element that drive a good story.

? Who would you consider your favorite author and why?

I read a tremendous amount of books each year, so it’s very difficult for me to pin down a favorite author. But I would definitely list Sidney Sheldon, Harold Robbins, and Stephen King at the top of my list.

Fun random questions: 

·        dogs or cats? Unfortunately, I’m highly allergic to both, but I love looking at cats!

·        Coffee or tea? Cherry cinnamon tea.

·        Dark or milk chocolate? Dark chocolate-I confess I have a subscription to a chocolate-of-the-month club.

·        Rocks or flowers? Flowers. I always have fresh flowers at home.

·        Night or day? I’m a night owl.

·        Favorite color? Azure blue.

·        Crayons or markers? Crayons—I’m messy! I usually end up covered in marker.

·        Pens or pencils? Pens.

Visit Natalie online at http://natalienicolebates.blogspot.com/

Thanks for stopping by The Wormhole!

Happy Reading!