PHOTO: Nikki Broadwell, a prolific author of more than thirty books, finds peace by the sea with her beloved dog.
Exploring Fantasy, Time Travel, And Strong Female Leads
Nikki Broadwell reveals her inspirations, creative process, and love of mythology, time travel, and the paranormal, crafting stories with strong female protagonists and vivid worlds that encourage self-discovery and growth.
Nikki Broadwell is an author whose passion for mythology, time travel, and strong female protagonists has captivated readers for over two decades. With more than thirty books to her name, she has carved out a niche in crafting compelling stories rich in magic, romance, and transformation, earning her a devoted fan base. From weaving ancient Celtic myths into romantic fantasies to exploring the complexities of identity and growth, Nikki’s mastery of storytelling offers readers an immersive journey into vivid, imaginative worlds.
Her celebrated Wolfmoon series is a prime example of her ability to intertwine Celtic mythology with compelling romantic fantasy. When asked how she brings these elements to life, Nikki shared her approach as a “pantser” writer—someone who writes organically, guided by inspiration rather than a strict plan. She emphasized the importance of authenticity, conducting extensive research into the Gaelic language and cultural nuances, as well as thoroughly exploring the mythical creatures that populate her stories. For Nikki, romance is an essential thread for weaving rich narratives, a feature she believes enhances the emotional depth of her fantasy worlds.
Nikki Broadwell brings imagination to life in stunning narratives, seamlessly blending mythology, romance, and mystery with her unique, authentic voice.
Time travel takes center stage in her Library of Time series, a theme inspired by her fascination with the fluidity of time and its mysteries. Drawing on ideas from physicist Albert Einstein, Nikki finds imaginative ways to explore whether time is linear or if the past, present, and future coexist. According to her, time travel challenges both the author and the reader to push the boundaries of their imagination, making it an exciting and unpredictable narrative element.
Themes of identity and transformation are central to her characters’ journeys, reflecting Nikki’s personal philosophy and life experiences. “Isn’t this what life is all about?” she reveals. By embedding these themes into her work, Nikki channels aspects of her own growth and evolution into stories that inspire her characters’ development, ensuring they resonate deeply with readers.
Nikki’s love for the paranormal is evident in her Raven and Hummingbird series, which immerses readers in strange and otherworldly realms. Her childhood love for books like Through the Looking Glass by Lewis Carroll, Doctor Doolittle, and The Borrowers informed this fascination. She credits these stories with igniting her imagination and fostering her passion for exploring the extraordinary.
Another hallmark of Nikki’s work is her focus on creating strong female protagonists. However, she admits her characters often begin as flawed and vulnerable individuals, growing into their strength as their journeys unfold. For Nikki, the point of any story lies in transformation and self-discovery. She doesn’t shy away from criticism—such as one comment on her Wolfmoon series about a protagonist being “whiney and weak”—and embraces the idea that characters need room to grow and reach their potential by the end of the narrative.
An artist before she became an author, Nikki is deeply involved in the visual aspects of her books. She collaborates closely with her cover designers to create imagery that complements her storytelling. Fascinatingly, Nikki often visualizes a book cover while in the early stages of writing, believing the covers help establish the tone of the story itself.
Blending genres is a hallmark of Nikki’s work, defying traditional marketing conventions. While her mystery series may differ in tone and popularity compared to her fantasy books, Nikki remains unyielding in writing from her authentic voice. She embraces her multi-genre approach, acknowledging the challenges it may present in the publishing industry but remaining steadfast to her distinctive style.
For aspiring authors, Nikki’s advice is simple: find your unique voice and write from the heart. Although she recognizes the financial success some achieve by “writing to market,” Nikki urges writers to focus on passion and creativity rather than monetary goals. For her, the true measure of success lies in sharing meaningful stories that inspire and resonate with readers, not in chasing commercial gain.
Nikki Broadwell continues to explore the extraordinary through her writing, weaving together mythology, transformation, and the supernatural into unforgettable narratives. Her stories reflect her own journey of self-discovery and imagination, offering readers a rich tapestry of inspiration, intrigue, and magic.
Source: Reader’s House Magazine
