nickie anderson | Whimsically Yours

Book Blurb

It’s bad enough that Sadira Pascal’s father doesn’t make it home to celebrate her fifteenth birthday. He might be a busy hovership engineer pulling overtime on a new design, but he’s always been home for the important things. It’s worse when she discovers her father decided to ride on the maiden voyage of his newest ship, the CAS Bright Star, without even telling her. But things really fall apart during Sadira’s field trip with her class to observe the hovership launch. Instead of a successful flight, she watches the Bright Star fall out of the sky.

The Central government confirms her father’s death, leaving Sadira to pick up the pieces of her former life. While she struggles with her loss, Private Baruj Haddad tries to convince her that her father and the rest of the Bright Star crew are still alive. At first, Sadira doesn’t believe there’s any hope. But then she stumbles across a message that makes her think maybe, just maybe, her father is still alive. As she digs deeper into the Bright Star’s crash, Sadira uncovers secrets about her father’s work, secrets that put her and everyone she loves in danger.

My Review

Owl rating

I LOVE dystopia’s so when I was given this book by the author, Nickie Anderson, to read and review, I was very excited. To be honest this book is more like a 3.5-3.75 but I don’t give half owls (animal cruelty) so I rounded up for the owl rating.

Although I thought the world of the book could have used a bit more depth, (books set in futuristic worlds need to give the reader a strong sense in what the world is about) I loved all the technology and such that existed in the world. And honestly had this book been fleshed out a bit more, it could have been a solid 5 because the plot is great and Baruj and Sadira (who I loved for her fierceness) are great main characters. In addition to Sadira’s fierceness, I thought she had a lot of love for her father and her emotions and drive, throughout the story, were believable.

So if you want a short read that’s also a fast-paced dystopian, I highly suggest you get yourself a copy today!

**This is a 100% honest review, I received the book from the author to read & review.**

Whimsically Yours,

PnC

Hi Readers –Good Afternoon!!!

Today I have with me, Nickie Anderson fellow YALitChat(er) and author of the YA Novel Bright Star (review to come Tomorrow!).

Hi, I’m Nickie!

I was raised a military brat, so we moved around a lot. The big constants in my life were my family and books. I read voraciously, everything from fantasy to the encyclopedia (yes, I was that kid!)

My book, ‘Bright Star’, draws on my love of science fiction and strong female characters. Sadira, the story’s main character, is not a gun-totin’ butt-kickin’ leather-clad tough girl. Instead, she’s mentally strong. I wanted to create a smart heroine who relies on her brains instead of violence.

What is your favorite place to write?

Within arm’s reach of my coffee maker.

What is the first story you remember writing?

I used to make silly comics when I was a kid, poking fun at school, my siblings, and life in general. When I got into high school, I had a fantastic English teacher who gave us creative writing assignments. That was one of the first times I remember feeling like I was really creating something new and original.

When did you first consider yourself a writer?

When I hit the ‘publish’ button on Kindle Direct! Up until that point, writing a novel seemed like such an abstract idea. Hitting ‘publish’ was coming up to that finish line and seeing everything come together.

If you could be any character from a book, movie, play, or musical who would it be and why?

Wendy Moira Angela Darling. I love ‘Peter Pan’ – it’s a fantastic coming of age story.

What is the best piece of constructive criticism you ever received?

Cut unnecessary words. Kill the fluff!

How do you overcome “writer’s block” ?

I keep writing. I’ll shift to a different scene in the same story, or work on a different piece altogether. Sometimes ideas just need to settle for a bit before they’re ready to be written.

Are you a full time writer…why/why not?

I’m sadly not a full time writer… I’ve got a mortgage to pay! I tutor part time, but try to spend an hour or two each day writing. I feel incredibly lucky to have a schedule that allows me to work and still do some writing on the side.

Coffee or tea?

Coffee, for two reasons. First, it’s socially acceptable to put whipped cream and/or liquor in coffee. Second, I love ‘I like my coffee like I like my men’ jokes.

Fun Fact about yourself most people don’t know?

Horses freak me out a little.

What was the publishing process like for you?

I chose to self-publish because I’m a control freak. While it’s been a steep learning curve, I’ve enjoyed discovering more about marketing, networking, editing, cover creation, formatting, etc.

What is some advice you would impart to writers who wish to be published?

Keep writing, and don’t be afraid to share your work.

If you could have breakfast with anyone dead or alive, who would it be and what would you eat?

My dad. He passed away about a year ago, and I still miss him like crazy. We’d have waffles, and I’d make him cook everything so I could laugh like a maniac while he swears at the waffle iron. That was the Sunday morning family tradition.

What is your favorite childhood book and/or author?

‘The Ear, The Eye, and The Arm’ is still one of my favorite books today. I also love (LOVELOVELOVE) Roald Dahl.

What is the next book you want to write?

I’m planning to finish up the ‘Bright Star’ series first, then I have a few ideas I’m kicking around. The next project will probably be a NA paranormal.

Thanks for joining me today, Nickie..I can’t wait to read the sequel to Bright Star as well the NA paranormal! Ronald Dahl is a favorite of mine as well 🙂

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To further connect with Nickie visit her blog, today!

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–Readers: Do you have any questions for Nickie? If so let us know in the comment section below 🙂

Whimsically Yours,

PnC