Friday Five: Q&A with psychological thriller novelist Nicky Shearsby

Nicky Shearsby, author of Darkridge Hollow and other psychological thrillers

Continuing this blog’s celebration of women writers throughout Women’s History Month, I’m thrilled to introduce readers to Nicky Shearsby, an author of dark psychological horror thrillers. Nicky is active on X (@Nickyshearsby22), where she frequently engages with other writers and shares encouragement and wisdom. Her latest novel, Darkridge Hollow, is available now in ebook (Kindle) and hardback formats, with the paperback version coming out May 28 but available for pre-order. Born in England, she spent two decades running graphic design, magazine publishing, and skin care manufacturing businesses before pursuing the writing life in earnest after early retirement in 2020.

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‘American Fiction’ and what stories get told

Who gets to decide which novels are made accessible to the broader public?

Among the Academy Award nominees for best picture that got trampled by the Oppenheimer juggernaut was “American Fiction,” a movie about writers, writing and the publishing business. The movie has a lot to say about the state of publishing and its gatekeeping function. Who gets to decide which novels are made accessible to the broader public? By extension, the movie’s message also applies to other art forms, and to the business of marketing and promoting books, films, music, and other works of art.

“American Fiction” trailer
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