Author Bio:
Zeena Nackerdien, a science writer, was born in Paarl, South Africa to Cape Malay parents, grew up in Paarl, and first arrived in America in 1989. For more than fifteen years she worked as an academic researcher at different institutions, including the National Institute of Standards and Technology in Maryland and the Rockefeller University in New York. Her debut science-themed novel, “The Heroine Next Door,” released in January 2015 garnered praise from an Amazon Top 100 reviewer and this prolific author has also published a collection of poetry about science and society, “Mist over Peace.” Her third, non-fiction book, Perspectives on Type 2 diabetes, is now available on Amazon.
What inspires you to write?
People, paradoxes and things. I have been fascinated by the common thread of a need for love and respect that binds us and the paradox of how we treat one another each day. As a former scientist, I will often turn to nature, looking at macroscopic and microscopic things, to find meaning in life. I guess that is my spiritual side.
Tell us about your writing process.
It depends on whether I am writing fiction or non-fiction. I find non-fiction easier, in the sense that there is already a body of facts. One sketches an outline, collate sources, use Word to extract relevant bits, type, edit, step away to think about it, come back and edit some more, give it to others to review, revise, and publish. Fiction is MUCH harder. The blank page can induce paralysis. I may have a story in my head, but it can end up looking clumsy on a page. So, I tend to bypass a formal outline and let the story develop as I write. It is always a work in progress.
For Fiction Writers: Do you listen (or talk to) to your characters?
I am a listener. My characters are always having arguments in my head and try to resolve them "zen-like" on a page, if that makes any sense:)
Who are your favorite authors?
If I am in the mood for suspense/creepy, I tend to go for Robert Ludlum or Stephen King. Pick a title. The Bourne Utimatum. Cujo . They are all classics. If I want to exercise my brain and marvel at sheer brilliance, I will pick Labyrinth of Solitude by Nobel Laureate, Octavio Paz.
How did you decide how to publish your books?
It was a challenge to myself. As a bookworm, I thought it would be easy. Boy, was I wrong. But it also very wrong!
What do you think about the future of book publishing?
It is evolving and thank heavens self-publishing enables more stories to be told.
What genres do you write?
fiction; non-fiction; poetry
What formats are your books in?
eBook, Print
Website(s)
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Author’s Social Media Links
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All information is provided by the author and is presented as it was submitted so you the reader get to hear the author’s own “voice” in their interview.