Posted on April 4, 2023 at 8:00 AM by Sadye Scott-Hainchek

Today we're interviewing Nicki Pascarella, who writes contemporary and historical romance and romantic comedies.

Using her twenty-nine years of experience as a high school teacher and her background in creative writing and journalism, Pascarella edits and coaches authors for The MediaCasters. Helping artists break through creative blocks is one of her passions.

When Pascarella isn't writing and editing, she reads, runs, and hangs with her husband, teenage daughter, and Shetland sheepdogs. She is also an award-winning belly dancer. 

SADYE: How did you come to see yourself as a writer, and what inspired you to seek publication?

NICKI: I have been writing stories since I was in first grade. My elementary school teachers let me read my stories to the class. In high school I was editor and chief of the yearbook and an editor of the newspaper.

I pushed my writing to the side for twenty-nine years to teach high school special education. About four years ago, I met my mentor and guru, Julie Lokun. She encouraged me to follow my writing dreams.

When I received my first traditional book contract, I knew it was time to retire from teaching and follow my dreams of writing steamy romances, sexy mysteries and thrillers, and romantic comedies.

SADYE: Which of your characters would you most like to become romantically involved with?

NICKI: Boy, oh boy. I love all of my book boyfriends. If I have to choose a favorite, West Westinghouse in my Miranda Albright series is so sexy and fun.

And then there is Fazil the Djinn, in my upcoming release, In Love With My Djinn. I think he is every woman’s fantasy.

SADYE: What has been the most touching or memorable piece of reader feedback you’ve received?

NICKI: My debut novel StumpStrong is a book about a teacher who is down on her luck. No matter how bad things get, she keeps a sense of humor. Major themes include family roots and second chances.

This book seemed to touch readers and the feedback I received from people I have never met was beautiful.

Although much of this book is fiction, the backdrop of the story is about my grandfather, Lieutenant Robert Stauffer, a prisoner of war during World War II.

I have page-long reviews from teachers expressing what this story meant to them.

SADYE: What message or theme would you like readers to take away from your work?

NICKI: I want readers to laugh and fall in love. I always have another theme in the background, but it will never detract from my desire to entertain readers.

SADYE: What else do you want readers to know about? 

NICKI: I'm donating one hundred percent of my prerelease and release week royalties for my novella Rescuing Jellybean to The Northern Chesapeake Sheltie Rescue.

When my husband and I rescued one of our shelties from NCSR, this charity became dear to our hearts and we knew we had to find a way to give back. 

Rescuing Jellybean is a steamy contemporary romantic comedy about childhood-friends-to-adult-lovers Rainey Thibodeau and Connor Sullivan.

When one of Rainey’s rescues goes missing during a spring storm, Conner tracks the Shetland sheepdog by following a trail of pilfered jelly beans. Their love story unfolds as they become infatuated with the sweet dog. 

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Learn more about Nicki Pascarella on her website, where her books can also be purchased; like her page on Facebook; and follow her on Instagram. 

Know an author you'd like to see featured? Email us with a recommendation!

Categories: Author Interview

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