Nako isn't just an author, sis is an entire entity. If you follow her on social media, you know she just about dabbles in everything. Writing, providing author services, merchandise, all the way down to blogging and cooking. She has a wonderful spirit and is one the humblest authors out there. With everything that she has going she still found time to give us this exclusive interview. Keep scrolling to see what she had to say.
1. When did you realize you wanted to be a writer?
I've always loved to write but it wasn't until my junior year in college did I compile my thoughts and actually wrote my first book.
2. Do you remember the first story you wrote?
I do! It was called "Fairytales Unriddlded" in the 8th grade, with a little editing, it later became my first published book which is The Connect's Wife. I still have the box in my closet, it's full of composition books.
3. How do you think you’ve evolved creatively?
From the beginning to now, I do see my growth as a writer and an author. I think that with age comes wisdom and most importantly, experience. Along with traveling the world, it helps my writing as well. I still have a lot of room to grow and expand though and I'm excited to see where I will be in another five years or so.
4. What are the upsides and downsides of being an author?
My weakness is promoting. It's not my forte. I have to get out of my head with feeling as if I'm being super annoying with constant promotion. The upsides are being in creative control of everything I want to create. It's all up to me and that's my favorite part. I'm the boss lol. I don't like having to make sure the work is received well. It's hard writing from a pure place or where you are and it not being liked by readers. That's the part that I'm still learning to accept. Everyone won't like your work!
5. Do you put yourself in your books/characters at all?
Oh yeah, my life is super interesting lol. I'm in my twenties, I'm living. It's easier for me to write this way. My books are my favorite form of therapy. I get lost in my own words. To go back and read my thoughts sometimes leave me speechless.
6. What would you say is your most interesting writing quirk?
I won't/can't write without music. a bomb playlist and coffee. I don't care what time of the day it is I'm drinking coffee when I'm writing. i can't write in the light either, please turn the lights off!
7. How do you deal with an emotionally draining scene, how do you get in the mood?
I'm naturally an emotionally person lol still deciding if this is a good or bad thing. I can put on a sad song and write the hell out of an emotionally draining scene the kicker is I'm not re-reading it. My test readers/ editor will handle that for me. I have to normally get it all out and I don't pick it back up.
8. When writing a series how do you keep things fresh, for both your readers and also for yourself?
My ear is to the streets ( streets is these reading groups lol) I'm constantly asking my readers what are they reading, how are they feeling, how is their life going. It's my goal to change the world one book at a time. I want to inspire through my words. I feel like that's my purpose while I am here on earth.
9. How many plot ideas do you have that’s waiting to be written? Can you tell us about one?
A million and one. I come up with storylines and character names every single day, all day. I have a few things up my sleeve for the Fall that's all I can say.
10. Where can readers find out more about you and your work? I am on IG/Twitter as nakoexpo. But it's best to text NAKOEXPO to 22828 to stay in the loop of the happenings of Nako and also by joining nako's reading group on facebook and IG. All my books are on Amazon, audiobook included. Signed paperbacks can be purchased on shopnakoexpo.com
Check out her entire catalog on Amazon: https://amzn.to/31xnPqu