Nicole Maharaj, the author of Hunter's Bar, released her book in June 2019. We wanted to catch up with the new author and see how life had been treating her since she was published.

1. Did you always dream of becoming an author?

I’ve been writing fiction since I was thirteen. I started to actually write novels when I was eighteen. I had just finished a school term in Writer’s Craft, and it was through that class I discovered the idea for my first book series.

2. What was your first job?

My first job was a warehouse job under Amazon.ca, I spent most of my time being surrounded by books.

3. How did you come about writing your book? Was that your intention or did you start writing for fun?

This Novel, Hunter’s Bar was a prequel story for the first book that I wrote. Hunter’s Moon was meant to be a short story but evolved into two stories that became the novel Hunter’s Bar. This novel was my third attempt at writing a novel. And I’m extremely proud of how I developed as an author from writing this.

4. What was your life like before you became an author?

The writing was always something I liked to do, but I really had no purpose of writing before becoming an author. My days were spent mostly reading other works and watching Netflix.

5. Did you face any struggles before becoming an author? If so, how did you overcome them?

I’ve always struggled with anxiety and insecurity. I used writing as a tool to help calm my anxiety and to give me some security in my life. No one can ever take away my will to write. Or the tools that I use.

6. Now that you are a published author, how has your life changed, if at all?

I’ve noticed since I’ve been published I’ve become more secure in who I am as a person. I’m a writer, I’ve been published. I love the fact that I can say that now, when people ask what I do. Writing has become even easier for me as I find I have so many ideas of all the things I want to write in the future.

7. Can you please describe a typical day in your life now?

Even with writing I still work as a Screening Officer at an Airport. My day usually starts with me putting on my uniform selecting a playlist on Spotify, and jumping on a train to downtown Toronto. And my day is a mix of passengers going in and out of the Airport and keeping a close eye on them. Before I head back on a bus to get home.

8. What is the most memorable moment of your life as an author?

The most memorable moment of my life as an author will always be getting asked to autograph a novel that one of my coworkers or family members have just bought. Nothing has made me more proud.

9. In a few words, how would you review your experience with Pegasus Publishers?

          Eight out of ten

10.  Why did you choose Pegasus Publishers?

One of my mother’s first Jobs and the one that led her on the path she is on today was named Pegasus. So I took it as a sign and chose to take a chance. You never know until you try.