I wept my way through the writing process at times, and I still worry over them. I have to keep reminding myself they’re not real. The characters seemed so real to me – Little John and Gayle – that I found myself emotionally involved in their lives… um, their fictional lives. The story felt like it was being told to me at times, and my job was to get it down before I forgot what came next.
NL: Nightingale’s Nest was the most effortless writing experience I have had – and possibly the most painful. How was writing Nightingale’s Nest different than writing The Sinister Sweetness of Splendid Academy? TPC: Although they are both based on classic tales, your novels feel very different in tone. Maybe I should think about retelling that one next! The Nightingale was my second favorite, followed by Snow White and Rose Red. I mean, a house made entirely of candy? What child wouldn’t be mesmerized by that sort of tale? I dreamed of having a candy house of my own, witch or no witch. NL: My favorite fairy tale was Hansel and Gretel, hands down! That’s probably why my first book ( The Sinister Sweetness of Splendid Academy) is a re-telling of that one. TPC: Since this is your second book expanding upon a fairy tale, what was your favorite tale growing up and why? I am drawn again and again to the theme of redemption in my writing. What would that music sound like?Īs a writer, I loved the idea that the nightingale in Andersen’s story would come back voluntarily to the Emperor’s bedside – this man who had caged her – in his hour of need. So I think that’s why a fairy tale about a song that had the power to chase death away from an Emperor’s bedside intrigued me. By the time I was four, I was taking voice and violin lessons from my grandfather, a lifelong professional musician and conductor – and singing solos in his church! My parents called me their little bird, since I sang constantly around the house. NIKKI LOFTIN: I come from a long line of musicians. TEEN PRESS CORPS: What inspired you the most about Hans Christian Andersen’s “The Nightingale?” Was there something about that story that stuck with you and made you want to expand on it?
We asked her a few questions about the book in advance of her visit. Nikki Loftin is one of our favorite local authors & we’re thrilled to welcome her here this Saturday, February 22 to celebrate the release of another wonderful new book for readers ages 7-12. It’s about a boy with the weight of the world on his shoulders and a girl with the gift of healing in her voice. Inspired by a Hans Christian Andersen story, Nightingale’s Nest is a powerful novel about friendship and family that calls to mind Bridge to Terabithia.
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