Nicola Harrison
Author Interview - Nicola Harrison
Author of Montauk and The Show Girl.
About the book: In 1942, Hazel Francis left Wichita, Kansas for California, determined to do her part for the war effort. At Douglas Aircraft, she became one of many “Rosie the Riveters,” helping construct bombers for the U. S. military. But now the war is over, men have returned to their factory jobs, and women like Hazel have been dismissed, expected to return home to become wives and mothers.
Unwilling to be forced into a traditional woman’s role in the Midwest, Hazel remains on the west coast, and finds herself in the bohemian town of Laguna Beach. Desperate for work, she accepts a job as an assistant to famous artist Hanson Radcliff. Beloved by the locals for his contributions to the art scene and respected by the critics, Radcliff lives under the shadow of a decades old scandal that haunts him.
Working hard to stay on her cantankerous employer’s good side, Hazel becomes a valued member of the community. She never expected to fall in love with the rhythms of life in Laguna, nor did she expect to find a kindred spirit in Jimmy, the hotel bartender whose friendship promises something more. But Hazel still wants to work with airplanes―maybe even learn to fly one someday. Torn between pursuing her dream and the dream life she has been granted, she is unsure if giving herself over to Laguna is what her heart truly wants.
Author Interview - Nicola Harrison
HBL Note: This interview originally published in 2019.
Author I draw inspiration from: Such a tough question – so many to choose from. In contemporary writers I’d have to say Jennifer Belle – she’s a friend and mentor - her writing is dry and witty and brilliant. And from the classics – F. Scott Fitzgerald.
Author Interview - Nicola Harrison
Favorite place to read a book: The beach or the pool – that’s the ultimate luxury, but in real life I get most of my reading done these days while nursing my baby! It’s the perfect time when there’s nothing else I can or should be doing.
Book character I’d like to be stuck in an elevator with: Amina from The Newlyweds by Nell Freudenberger – that novel stayed with me for a long time after I read it and I’d have so many questions for her.
Author Interview - Nicola Harrison
The moment I knew I wanted to become an author: When I took Carolyn See’s creative writing class as an undergrad at UCLA.
Hardback, paperback, ebook or audiobook: Hardback – I like to be one of the first to read it. Audiobook when I’m on the subway.
The last book I read: The Subway Girls by Susie Orman Schnall
Author Interview - Nicola Harrison
Pen & paper or computer: My laptop
Book character I think I’d be best friends with: Dolly from my novel, Montauk.
Author Interview - Nicola Harrison
If I wasn’t an author, I’d be a: A stylist – well that’s what I do in real life when I’m not writing. I help men and women dress better.
Favorite decade in fashion history: 1920’s hands down.
Place I’d most like to travel: India but more immediately I’d like to take my husband and kids to see the beautiful little villages of the Cotswold’s in England where I lived when I was young.
My signature drink: A gin martini or a glass of rosé depending on my mood. PG Tips tea every morning.
Favorite artist: My Dad – Michael Harrison
Number one on my bucket list: Buy a beach house.
