Exclusive Interview with Nalini Singh
To celebrate the publication of the latest in Nalini Singh’s incredible Guild Hunter series, ARCHANGEL’S HEART, we chatted to Nalini about her book recommendations, writing and dragons (natch).
Who is your favourite author? I can’t pick just one! Instead I’ll give you the two authors I’ve been reading and loving the longest. Whether it’s new books or, in one case, rereads, I get just as much enjoyment from their books every time: Anne McCaffrey and JD Robb.
What book do you most often recommend to friends? I tend to tailor my recommendations to the likes/dislikes of my friends. Since I’m a total bookworm, I’ve always got something up my sleeve.
What is your favourite SF or fantasy world? I love all of mine! But long before I created my own worlds, I fell madly in love with Anne McCaffrey’s Pern. I still want a dragon of my own.
What is your favourite SF or fantasy creature or character? Anything with wings. I’d love to be able to fly! (See dragon dreams above).
Do you have any writing rituals? I suppose the closest is getting a cup of tea before I sit down to begin work for the day, but in general, I’ve taught myself to write whenever and wherever I have the time. This is a necessary skill given that I love traveling, too. (I once wrote in a tent in a desert in China.)
If you weren’t a writer what job would you liked to have gone into? Disregarding all real world considerations like the fact my high level math and physics skills aren’t . . . ahem . . . the best, I’d have loved to be an astronaut. If they invent reasonably priced commercial spaceflights in my lifetime, I’ll be the first in line to buy a ticket.
What is the best thing about being a writer? I love everything about it. There are tough days of course, but, for me, it’s all part of the joy of being a writer.
What one item could you not live without? My laptop! My family has been known to call it “my 
preciousssss” in a Gollum voice.
Tell us something that will surprise your readers. I played field hockey for many years, complete with onfield injuries and running like the wind. (Alas, my legs don’t go that fast anymore!)
What makes you happy? Writing, reading, the people I love, flowers, life. I believe in being open to joy.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given? As a writer starting out, I was told not to obsess over one piece of work. Once I’d submitted it to a publisher or an agent, I had to let it go and work on my next story. That advice has stayed relevant through the years – because once a book is published, there’s not much I can do about it, so there’s no point obsessively stalking reviews, for example. Better for me to work on my next story.
If you could have a drink with one of the characters from your book which character would it be and what would you drink? Hmm, I had to think about this one. I think it would change depending on the day. Today, I’d love to have a drink with Aodhan from the Guild Hunter series, find out what’s going on in his head. As for what we’d drink, that’d be a surprise – Aodhan keeps his thoughts to himself, so I’m not sure of his preferred drink.
What book are you currently reading? I’m actually just about to start Echoes in Death by JD Robb. It’s not releasing till next year, but I managed to get an early copy and I can’t wait to dive in!!
Archangel’s Heart is out now in paperback, ebook and audio download. You can check out all of Nalini’s books here. To find out more about Nalini Singh visit her website, or follow her on Twitter @NaliniSingh.