INTERVIEW WITH NICOLE MEIER
Nicole Meier is a native Southern Californian who pulled up roots and moved to the Pacific Northwest, where she lives with her husband, three children, and one very nosey Aussiedoodle.
Her debut novel, THE HOUSE OF BRADBURY, was chosen as a Best Book of 2016 by Refinery29. Her second novel, THE GIRL MADE OF CLAY, was named a Top Book according to Bookbub readers. THE SECOND CHANCE SUPPER CLUB, came out in September 2019.
Nicole’s works have been published in The Oregonian, Cascade Journal, Southern Oregon Magazine, Women Writers Women’s Books, Brazen Woman, and more.
We’re delighted to feature this interview with her!
Tell us about your beginning, where are you from?
I grew up on the coastline of Southern California, in Newport Beach. Since then, I’ve migrated north to Oregon. Because of this, both the beach and the mountains are my happy place.
How did your childhood impact the writer you’ve become?
Well, I write about family drama so you could say I’ve seen my share growing up! Both of my parents were big supporters of the arts community and I believe my love of all things creative stemmed from them. That, and my maternal grandmother. She was a painter and most definitely had the greatest influence on me. She used to encourage me to tell my stories into her (old fashioned) tape recorder and then we’d listen back whenever I visited. Being around her was magical.
When did you decide you wanted to be a writer?
I decided to really get serious after I visited The San Francisco Writers Conference about eight or nine years ago. I knew I wanted to move beyond the freelance gigs and become a novelist. Walking into that conference and being among all of the agents, editors, publishers and writers was the catalyst. I’d finally found my people. There was no looking back after that.
How has writing changed you as a person?
Writing and reading creates empathy for characters that one might not normally befriend. In that regard, I have a whole lot more compassion for humanity. People behave the way they do for a reason. I like to get behind the scenes and figure out that reason.
Can you tell us a bit about THE SECOND CHANCE SUPPER CLUB? What inspired you to write it?
Two years ago, I walked out of an indie film festival and had one clear thought; I was going to write a story inspired by what I’d just seen. I was so taken by one film that I frantically exited the theater that afternoon to type what would soon become the rough synopsis of my novel, THE SECOND CHANCE SUPPER CLUB.
The concept of the movie, underground dining, was a new one to me – clandestine gatherings of foodies filling quiet little speakeasies around the country, where chefs ignited their passion for cooking in non-traditional spaces. The film was a raw look at the life of a determined chef and the high-pressure environment this scenario created. Through the story, I was introduced to a new subculture of food enthusiasts and their community.
One line in the movie struck me more than anything else. When asked about his personal life, the chef answered that his own family didn’t know him nearly as well as his diners did. This fascinated me.
I began conceiving a narrative of a passionate female chef forced to sacrifice many things, one of which being her personal relationships. And, because I adore writing women’s fiction, I envisioned a culinary-themed drama with a family of strong women at the center.
Born from these threads of inspiration came THE SECOND CHANCE SUPPER CLUB. In it, two estranged sisters reunite in an emotional novel of family, forgiveness, lost hope, and new beginnings. They must work together to run a secret supper club, all the while repairing their relationship.
What would be your 6 word memoir?
To truly nurture is to grow.
What is the best writing advice you’ve ever had, and the worst?
Best advice is to never write as if someone is looking over your shoulder. Worst advice is to not read other books while busy with a work in progress.
What is your writing process like? Are you a pantser or a plotter?
I’ve been both and I actually like both. My writing process is disciplined and fast (according to my agent). I write every day from 5:00 a.m. – 7:00 a.m. when in the first-draft stage of things.
Do you need a special place to write?
Anywhere very quiet. If anyone is blending something or brewing a coffee drink nearby, I get grumpy.
Are you part of a writing community or a writing group?
I’m lucky to know (and love) authors under my publishing imprint and we all share advice and stories. This helps!
What is your experience with social media as a writer? Do you find it distracts you or does it provide inspiration?
In this day and age, social media is a must. Creative people usually hate this statement, but I stand behind it. Readers want to know about their favorite writers. They are seeking a connection. Social media allows for this kind of dynamic and I’ve embraced it.
Who are your favorite authors?
Sue Monk Kidd and Harper Lee. Hands down.
What are you reading currently?
A lot! Two books under my publisher’s imprint that I’m enjoying are an ARC by Jennifer Gold and The Overdue Life of Amy Byler, by Kelly Harms. I also just finished the beautifully written The Little French Bistro, by Nina George.
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Follow her on Twitter https://twitter.com/nmeierwrites
Find out more about Nicole on her website https://www.nicolemeierauthor.com/
THE SECOND CHANCE SUPPER CLUB, Nicole Meier
Two estranged sisters reunite in an emotional novel of family, forgiveness, lost hope, and new beginnings.
They had a forever bond, until a sudden tragedy thrust them apart. Now, each at a crossroad in her own life, two sisters’ paths are about to intersect.
Broadcast journalist Julia Frank has it all: a career, an ambitious fiancé, and the hard-won respect of her peers. Until a ruinous decision destroys her reputation, puts her job at risk, and sends her reeling toward the only soul left to turn to: her estranged sister, Ginny.
The owner of a clandestine supper club hidden in the Arizona desert, Ginny Frank has a lot on her plate. The last thing she wants is more drama—or the burden of nursing her younger sister’s wounded ego. But family is family. Besides, Ginny can use the help in more ways than one, and she’s going to make sure Julia pulls her weight.
As a tenuous reunion reopens old wounds, Julia and Ginny have no choice but to confront the pain and betrayals of the past. Will working to keep the secret supper club running be just what they need to find common ground and a path toward forgiveness, or will the increasing stress push them even further apart?
This heartwarming story of two headstrong women who relearn how to listen to one another will delight fans of Mary Simses and Nina George.” —Booklist
“In Nicole Meier’s third novel, the scent of sagebrush and mesquite leaps off the page, as does a complex, rich relationship between two sisters. This is a devour-in-one-sitting read that is as atmospheric as it is emotionally resonant.” —Michelle Gable, New York Times bestselling author of A Paris Apartment and The Summer I Met Jack
“Sisterhood is rewarding, but intricate, and second chances don’t come easily. In this moving tale, Meier brings these ambitious, complex characters to life and sets them on an emotional journey toward honesty and acceptance.” —Sonja Yoerg, Washington Post bestselling author of True Places
“The Second Chance Supper Club is as warm and comforting as one of chef Ginny’s signature dishes. Meier writes with insight and heart, offering readers a vivid peek at the intriguing world of private supper clubs in this life-affirming story of three women reconnecting with the ones who matter most.” —Amy Mason Doan, author of The Summer List and Summer Hours
“The Second Chance Supper Club is a book to be savored. Meier expertly weaves the stories of two grieving sisters with humor, tenderness, and hope. Upon finishing this scrumptious book, I felt as one would feel after a good meal: satisfied but wishing I could take just one more bite.” —Jennifer Gold, author of The Ingredients of Us
BUY THE BOOK HERE
Category: Contemporary Women Writers, Interviews
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