Author Interview – NS Wikarski

Tell us a bit about your family. The less said the better.

What is your favorite quality about yourself? My tenacity. I don’t know the meaning of the word “quit.”

What is your least favorite quality about yourself? My tenacity. This late in life, I ought to know the meaning of the word “quit.”

What are you most proud of accomplishing so far in your life? I would have to say earning my doctorate from one of the toughest graduate schools in the world. There were so many obstacles thrown in my path by the people in my life that it was a miracle that I got into the program at all. Then, I was even more surprised to find out that I had the intellectual talent to graduate with honors. I guess you never know what you can do until you try.

What is your favorite color? That depends on the day, the season, and my mood. I’m partial to fire engine red, electric blue, and fuschia (though not at the same time).

Can we expect any more books from you in the future? If all goes as planned, I’ll be producing a book a year each December until the series is finished. That ought to take me to 2017.

Have you started another book yet? I’ve written the first few chapters of the fourth book in my Arkana series. I should have the first draft wrapped up by summer.

Where do you see yourself in five years? Hopefully, I’ll be on a world cruise visiting all the places I’ve written about but have never seen. Assuming, of course, that the Arkana series is finished.

Are you reading any interesting books at the moment? My reading tastes have gone retro lately – primarily Victorian authors. For about a year, I was reading Wilkie Collins novels. I’ve now moved on to H. Rider Haggard. I love the unhurried way that a Victorian narrative develops. It’s a relief to step away from our contemporary sound byte culture. Victorians used language in a much more elegant way than we do now. It feels quaint and cozy and quite relaxing to read something from that era.

Do you have any specific last thoughts that you want to say to your readers? I am so very grateful to the loyal fans who’ve written to me via my Facebook page to tell me how much they enjoy the Arkana series. Since writing is a solitary occupation, it’s wonderful to know that my words have reached somebody out there – that I was able to entertain, amuse, and even spark new thoughts about some old topics. I appreciate the encouragement to keep going.

What do you do to unwind and relax? I enjoy hiking and gardening. Anything that gets me out of doors and away from the keyboard. There’s also a lot to be said for mindlessly staring at the TV at the end of the day.