Interview with Natalie Nordby

Hi friends, and welcome back! Today I have a special interview for you with the one and only Natalie Nordby! Natalie is a young author living and writing in the forests of Northern Minnesota. She published her novel, Gilded Crown, early last year and has now gone on to be the speaker at an Office Hours on the Young Writers Workshop (first student ever to do so!). That said, I'm excited to invite her to the stage!

1. Tell us a little bit about yourself

When not buried in the snow of Northern Minnesota, I'm a fantasy author! I write epic stories with flawed characters that choose to do right, even when it's hard. The world has a lot of darkness and brokenness in it, but there is still light and hope. Ultimately, I desire to share stories of hope. I want those who read my stories to feel a little less alone and remember that there is always light. Those were the kinds of stories that impacted me as a teenager, and I hope to do the same in impacting others for God through my writing.

2. When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?

I realized I wanted to be a writer rather early on in my writing journey. I started writing when I was fourteen, and it was only about a year later when I decided I wanted to be an author for my career. Following that, I became very serious about it. I realized that I could write all of the story ideas in my head and make them a reality, so I started writing the books I wished had existed when I was growing up. Ultimately, I found God's calling in being a writer, and I have never once regretted it.

3. Tell us about your main WIP!

My main WIP is a trilogy about Leo, a reckless prince that secretly cares too much. He often sneaks out into the city as his only avenue of freedom. When Leo's alter ego meets a mysterious ship captain named Zandra, their banter leads to deeper feelings. But with war on the horizon and Parliament demanding a royal marriage, what Leo wants and what is expected of him have never been more at odds. Amid the treacherous waters of diplomacy, politics, and young love, assassination attempts reveal a plot to dethrone Leo. Can Leo and Zandra hunt down the conspirators before it's too late? Or will Leo surrender a role he never wanted and hand all of Daystra over to a murderer?

I recently published the first book in February (Kingdoms of Kalmyra: Gilded Crown), I am currently working on book two of that trilogy.

4. What genre do you typically write in?

I typically write in the YA fantasy genre, but I dabble in other variations of fantasy and sci-fi, including steampunk, time travel, and urban fantasy. But my favorite niche of fantasy to write in is Victorian era fantasy or epic fantasy!

5. Who are your top three favorite authors, and why?

One of my favorite authors is C.S. Lewis. He is such an amazing writer, and he (along with Tolkien) revolutionized the writing world and shaped so much of the fantasy genre. I have so much respect and admiration for Lewis, and I love how his writing is always straightforward yet deep, and filled with imagination and wonder.

Bryn Shutt is an amazing author that I greatly look up to. Her prose is gorgeous and so immersive. I'm always impressed by her writing and characters, and I hope I can one day excel at writing like she does.

H.S.J. Williams is another favorite author of mine. Her fantasy worlds are vast and detailed. I enjoy every time I get to jump into her fantasy lands with her charming, sweet, and funny characters that capture the readers' hearts.

6. What does your writing routine typically look like?

My writing routine typically starts in the morning. Before I start writing, I put on my writing playlist with music that fits the scene I will be writing. Then, I read over the previous chapter and get my mind re-immersed in what was happening with the story. I write for about two hours in the morning, then I will often come back to writing again for an hour in the afternoon when possible, and lastly, in the evening, I will typically devote at least two hours to writing. The evening is usually when I get the most writing done and am the most productive.

7. In what ways have you grown since you first started writing seriously?

I have grown in so many ways over the years. When I first started writing, my work was very dialogue-focused, had about zero description, and leaned heavily into telling instead of showing. Since then, the longer I write the more I have developed in those areas. I have grown a lot in the area of show don't tell. I am also better and more attentive about weaving in description (even if I have to go over my writing a couple times to do that), and I have learned how to better get to the heart of the characters and show them for who they truly are with their unique character voice. I'd say that is one of the biggest areas I've grown in since I first started writing. I learned how to tap into the deeper parts of the characters and figured out how to reflect that on paper in a way readers connect with. I still have so much to learn, and I'm excited to continue growing in the writing craft.

8. Is there anywhere readers can reach out to you? (Blog, email list, etc.)

Readers can reach out to me on my Instagram @bookenthusiast_97 or they can sign up to my author newsletter here ( https://natalienordby.com/newsletter/) and get monthly updates, book recs, sneak peeks, and more!

9. Morning bird or night owl?

I'm a night owl! I always get a sudden burst of creativity at an unholy hour and end up writing a lot in the evenings.

10. Alright, last question! What's one piece of advice you'd like to give to other young writers like yourself?

One piece of advice I'd like to give to other young writers is not to get caught up in the busyness and pressures of the writing world. Writing has so many intangible parts, and those around us who aren't in this craft often only measure success and progress by tangible words on a paper, finishing projects, and publishing books. While these are great things, they shouldn't be the things that pressure and stress us out. Each of us has our own writing journey and pace at which we take that journey. Just as every character is unique, every author is unique. Do not compare yourself to others. God gave you this gift of writing to use, and He will guide you in how to best use it in your life. So encourage and cheer on others, even when they feel so far ahead, but do not become discouraged. You are not being left behind. God has you at exactly the point and pace He wants you in for your writing at this time. Everything will come together at the right time in your writing, and it will be wonderful. Each part of the process is beautiful, so take your time and enjoy each step.

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ABOUT NATALIE:

Natalie Nordby writes fantasy stories of hope and light filled with adventure, twists, intrigue, and romance. She lives in the forests of Northern Minnesota where she first found her passion for storytelling. Through her stories, she desires for others to find that they are not alone, and that even in this dark world, there is always hope. When not traipsing through forests or wrangling problematic characters, Natalie enjoys chocolate, archery, studying foreign languages, and playing the violin.

Her author website: https://natalienordby.com/

Her Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bookenthusiast_97/

Her book, Gilded Crown: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DX3D9NMJ