Interview with Nina Atwood, Author of Unlikely Return

by grant

in Author Interviews, Literary Fiction, News

13 Oct 2020

What can you tell us about your new release, Unlikely Return?

The story begins with a wild ride from a capsized boat to a deserted island with rescue uncertain. The struggle to survive mirrors the struggle to re-write the painful love stories of three men and their heartbroken exes back home. It is an emotional journey of stress, hurt, and fear, followed by love, multiple twists, acceptance, and redemption. It’s about the messiness of life and the beauty found in the mess.

What or who inspired you to become an author?

My fourth-grade teacher, who gave me an “A” on an essay and wrote the magic words, you should be an author. What: Avid reading and a love of great stories written by other authors.

What’s on your top 5 list for the best books you’ve ever read?

Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier. I like that it begins with the storyline that a typical romance ends with – “nobody” young woman meets rich, handsome guy who sweeps her off her feet and into a storybook marriage.

Say you’re the host of a literary talk show. Who would be your first guest? What would you want to ask?

Dean Koontz. How does a nice guy like you create stories about the worst of human depravity?

What’s your favorite thing about writing?

Waking up from a dream about a character I’m writing about – as if he or she is a real person in my life – then, wondering if I will meet that person in my waking life somehow. It’s never happened, so far, but who knows?

What is a typical day like for you?

A mix of creative bursts, pages written, then some breaks, followed by pursuing the business of writing. I have to wear both hats, interchangeably, which is actually refreshing. Right and left brain – I’ve always had pretty much an equal measure of both.

What scene from Unlikely Return was your favorite to write?

There are so many, but one of my favorites was Stuart’s twelve step meeting with his Dad. I tried to imagine what it would feel like to witness your formerly drunk father tell the story of your life from his perspective. It was intense and moving to write.

Do you have a motto, quote, or philosophy you live by?

My word is my bond – I aim to do what I say I will do so that when I make a commitment, it is real. I find that anchors me in every area of life. It’s the balancing factor for the creative side.