Blue Hearts of Mars TOUR: Interview with Nicole Grotepas
Welcome to my stop for the Blue Hearts of Mars blog tour. Today I have been given the chance to interview Nicole Grotepas. Are you ready to meet this wonderful writer lady? Away we go!
Nicole wrote her first fantasy novel in 7th grade on her mother's old Brother typewriter. It was never finished but it strongly resembled a Dragonlance plot and she's forever wondered what happened to the manuscript and Tonathan--the handsome elven protagonist. After living in Nashville where she worked as an editor, she returned to the Utah desert where she was raised. Nicole now lives near the Wasatch mountains with her husband. She writes and raises her son and three cats full time.
How are you doing today?
Good! My father passed away this morning, but he's been sick for a while and so it was a tender mercy. I dedicated Blue Hearts of Mars to him and he got to see it before he died. I'm happy about that.
My condolences. I am so happy your father got to see your work!
Tell my readers a little about yourself:
I'm a huge fan of Dr. Pepper and Celebrity Apprentice. I've lived in several cities, including Nashville, but I'm happiest in the desert. My son is almost two and so far he is the work I'm most proud of. My husband's name is Stoker and he still makes me laugh my head off, even though we've been together for eight years. Usually people become less funny, not more funny, right?
What is your writing process? Plotter… or pantser?
I plot, but sometimes I don't know the ending till I'm halfway through. So, typically I plot as I go unless the story comes to me in one big rush.
What sparked the idea for Blue Hearts of Mars?
It was really a series of what-if questions after having the initial idea about a man being more machine than man. I'd been entertaining the question of what a soul is and if there's a point when very developed technology could harbor a soul or spirit.
Do you see yourself at all in Retta? What trait do you wish you could steal from her?
I see a little bit of myself in her but mostly she's a product of her environment and the life she's lived. If there's anything of me in her, it's her sense of humor. Her attitude is more optimistic than mine and that's something I'd like to take from her. She's determined and sure of herself in a way I never was at eighteen.
What has been one of the most rewarding experiences from being published?
Having people read and enjoy the stories. I write them because I love doing it, but finding out that total strangers halfway around the world enjoy the stories is killer.
What do you have in store for us in the future? Any new stories on the horizon?
I'm considering a short story in the Blue Hearts world, and possibly a sequel. I never intended to write one, but I've been getting such positive feedback from readers that I feel like it would be fun to do it. The universe of Blue Hearts is pretty big and the possibilities are tantalizing. But, right now I'm working on a romance that's for an older audience. It's going to be epic and I'm insanely excited about it.
Enough with the serious talk. Let’s do a fun question: Skittles or M&Ms?
M&Ms! Peanut butter, peanut, or coconut flavor.
If you were a superhero, what power would you have?
Flying.
What takes over your life when not writing?
My husband and son, who are so worth it. I write for them. I used to play video games A LOT, but there's no time for that these days.
In one sentence, tell my readers why they should read Blue Hearts of Mars:
When love is forbidden, there's only one thing to do: fall in love.
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Thank you, Nicole! It was so great to "meet" you, and I cannot wait to see what you have in store for your readers next! (Coconut M&Ms are my favorite. Just saying!)
Make sure to check out the other blogs part of this tour.
And, of course, don't forget to check out Blue Hearts of Mars as well!
_______________
Thank you, Nicole! It was so great to "meet" you, and I cannot wait to see what you have in store for your readers next! (Coconut M&Ms are my favorite. Just saying!)
Make sure to check out the other blogs part of this tour.
And, of course, don't forget to check out Blue Hearts of Mars as well!
Retta Heikkinen knows the unspoken rule of society: love between androids and humans is forbidden. A simple enough edict until Hemingway Koskinen spends an evening charming her with his intense gaze, bewitching smile, and sparkling conversation that hints at so much more than the usual obsessions of high school boys. Rules were meant to be cast aside, especially when love beckons.
If only it were as simple as being in love.
Trouble is brewing, not just for Hemingway--for all androids. Secrets have been kept, lies propagated, and Retta soon discovers that a frightening future awaits thousands of androids if she doesn’t do something to stop it. Worse yet, she will lose the one love she’s ever endangered herself for: Hemingway.
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