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The Book Junkie Reads . . .Reckless Dreams Interview with . . . Natalie Zeigler . . .
How would you describe your style of writing to someone that has never read your work?
Visual—I want the readers to be able to see what the characters see (and taste what they’re tasting, hah!). Accessible; I know that sometimes when I read fantasy, I get kind of bogged down in all the details and the density of the writing style. I write what I would love to read with a cup of hot chocolate next to the fireplace.
Do you feel that writing is an ingrained process or just something that flows naturally for you?
I went to college as a pre-med major. After my first writing class, the professor asked if I was a communications major because I was a “naturally talented writer.” I told her no, I planned to be a doctor like my dad, and marched off to yet another biology lab.
Fast-forward, I switched to a journalism major (with a minor in English) because I just loved it so much, and yes, I was good at it. Writing comes very easily to me. Writing a book? Much harder. Plot, pacing, world-building—I have to work at these elements. I found one book, Troubleshooting Your Novel by Steven James, particularly helpful.
I feel like you never really “master” writing. It’s an art, and your skill can be a masterpiece and a work-in-process.
What mindset or routine do you feel the need to set when preparing to write (in general whether you are working on a project or just free writing)?
I listen to music and usually get in a heart-pumping workout. I usually like to feel very “dramatic” before I write, so I listen to a lot of BOND, a crossover classical string quartet. If any of my books wind up as movies, I want them on the soundtrack. Sometimes I don’t have a routine; something pops into my head, and I type it up on my notes app.
Do you take your character prep to heart? Do you nurture the growth of each character all the way through to the page? Do you people watch to help with development? Or do you build upon your character during story creation?
I usually base my characters on real people and then build from there. I definitely become emotionally invested. If a character dies and I’ve based it on a real loss in my life, my keyboard risks water damage. There is one scene in Haunted… I cry every time I read it, even though I know it’s coming.
Do you have a character that you have been working on for a long time that still isn't quite ready, but fills you with excitement to work on the story?
Yes, I’m working on a YA sci-fi story based loosely on the Wizard of Oz. Except the wizard is a pharmaceuticals billionaire, all three witches are politicians, and Dorothy is a drug smuggler. I’m most excited about Dorothy. She’ll be a grittier character than I usually write.
Have you found yourself bonding with any particular character(s)? If so which one(s)?
I’ve bonded with my main character (Mäzzikim) in Haunted. I just want to reach through the pages and tell her that I know things are hard, but it’s going to be okay.
Do you have a character that you have been working on that you can't wait to put to paper?
I usually work on a concept first and then the characters, but I love a good villain. I’m planning on writing a story from the (so-called) villain's perspective, and I’m pretty excited about that.
Can you share your next creative project(s)? If yes, can you give a few details?
I’m working on a few creative projects. The one that is close to completion is tentatively titled Souls of Prey. In this sequel to Haunted, Maze comes into her power and knows how to wield it against her enemies. She brings that epic main character energy to save the realm from a hateful tyrant.
I’m also working on a YA thriller called The Nurture Project, kind of a ‘Sister, Sister’ meets ‘Orphan Black’ type story.
Have you ever felt that there was something inside of you that you couldn't control? If so, what? If no, what spurs you to reach for the unexperienced?
I have pretty terrible anxiety, and sometimes I’d rather be by myself in a dark room. But I tell myself that it’s okay to be scared, do it anyway. I remind myself how proud I’ll be once I’ve done it; that helps.
If you could have a dinner/dinner party with 7 fictional characters, who would they be?
Troy and Abed from Community. They’re my kind of weird.
T’Challa from The Black Panther for inspiration.
Let’s also invite Kilmonger from The Black Panther.
Peter III of Russia from Hulu’s The Great—he’d be hilarious.
Dumbledore from Harry Potter—because I could use some sage advice.
Finally, Titus from Netflix’s Unbreakable. Iconic.
Where would you spend one full year if you could go ANYWhere, money is not a concern? What would you do with this time?
I would take a DNA test, figure out my roots, and then travel to those places. Then I’d write my origin story!
