Crafting Worlds, Conquering Challenges: An Interview with Kristy Nicolle, Part 1
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The journey to becoming an author is rarely a straight road, and for Kristy Nicolle, it was one paved with unexpected challenges, personal growth, and an unwavering passion for storytelling. At just 21 years old, while working on her MA in 21st Century Literature, Kristy began experiencing debilitating symptoms that would later lead to a diagnosis of Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome. The road to that diagnosis took seven years, and in the midst of navigating her health, she found herself unable to complete her degree. But where one path closed, another opened. Kristy turned to writing, a lifelong love, and took a leap of faith by publishing her first novel, The Kiss That Killed Me, which she had written at just sixteen.
Kristy’s books are a mesmerizing blend of fantasy and deep emotional exploration. She believes that emotion is the driving force behind magic, making the two inseparable in her stories. In her Queens of Fantasy Saga, magical events are often triggered by the emotional depth of her characters, creating a world where feelings shape reality. Her approach to world-building is character-driven; what one character perceives as beautiful, another might see as terrifying. This fluidity of perception allows her to craft a world that is rich, layered, and endlessly intriguing.
A central theme in her books is self-discovery and personal growth, and that’s no coincidence. Each trilogy she has written mirrors different periods of her life, capturing the lessons she has learned along the way. From youthful naivety to hardened cynicism, and ultimately to strength forged in the fire of chronic illness, her protagonists have grown alongside her. Callie, Sephy, and Kairi are more than just characters; they are echoes of Kristy’s own experiences, reflections of her journey toward resilience and self-trust.
Kristy’s approach to crafting fantasy worlds is unconventional, she starts with the antagonist. Understanding where power sits in a world and who seeks to abuse it allows her to construct immersive societies, complete with rich cultural details. Her world-building isn’t just about grand landscapes or elaborate histories; it’s about the sensory experience of living in these worlds. Whether it’s the texture of fabric, the scent of an ancient library, or the sound of a foreign melody, she brings her settings to life in a way that feels personal and tangible.
Strong female protagonists are at the heart of Kristy’s stories, a response to the long history of male-dominated fantasy narratives. While traditional fantasy often placed women in secondary roles, Kristy has always wanted them to wield the swords, to shape their own destinies. Her heroines are passionate, formidable, and unafraid to love fiercely. In her view, strength isn’t something women need to fight for, it’s their birthright. And her readers, especially women, resonate deeply with that message.
Amazon Authors Page
As an indie author, Kristy has faced her share of challenges. When she started in 2015, self-publishing carried a stigma of poor quality. Determined to break that mold, she committed herself to producing high-quality books with professional editing and stunning covers. Yet, the indie path is demanding. Managing marketing, editing, formatting, and events, on top of writing, while living with a chronic illness has pushed her to the brink of burnout more than once. But with each book release, she has learned invaluable lessons: the importance of self-care, the necessity of pacing herself, and the deep appreciation for every reader who picks up her work.
A lover of mythology, Kristy draws inspiration from Greek and Egyptian legends, weaving ancient tales into her sprawling fantasy universe. Her writing is deeply symbolic, often laced with color imagery and layered allegory. She believes that readers connect with fantasy not just through awe-inspiring magic, but through the reality within the fantasy. That’s why her characters still face heartbreak, illness, financial struggles, real-world problems set against an extraordinary backdrop. It grounds the story, making it relatable despite its fantastical elements.
Her favorite scenes to write are those that hold personal significance. One of her most cherished moments is an ice-skating scene between Lucien and Kairi in Indigo Dusk. Ice-skating is something Kristy dearly misses due to her chronic illness, making that scene not just a romantic interlude but a bittersweet reflection of her own life.
So, how does she keep going? How does she stay motivated through the highs and lows of the creative process? Her secret lies in writing communities, caffeine-fueled writing sprints, and the simple power of taking breaks. Stepping away from a manuscript often leads to creative breakthroughs. And when she does hit a wall, she reminds herself of the golden rule: write every single day. Even when it feels impossible.
As Kristy looks to the future, her next project is already taking shape. With a decade of storytelling behind her, she’s eager to step into a brand new world, one that marries her strengths in world-building and emotional depth. And while she’s excited about the adventures ahead, one thing remains constant, her love for storytelling and the readers who have joined her on this incredible journey.
For those aspiring authors walking a similar path, Kristy offers this advice: Find your tequila lovers. Not everyone will love what you write, and that’s okay. Write for yourself first, and your readers will follow.
Kristy’s Website
