I still have a trunk full of spiral-bound notebooks of short stories written in a child’s handwriting. While I’ve graduated to using a computer for writing, I still find files of mysterious information saved for future writing endeavors and can even sometimes remember why I saved them. In my life before writing, I earned a BS in microbiology from the University of Pittsburgh and worked as a mad scientist.

I write mainly mystery, but branch out into several genres including fantasy, urban fantasy, and horror. My mystery books range from a New Age cozy to a contemporary thriller to a romantic ghost story. Despite the variety of mysteries, they all focus on the classic question of “whodunit” and offer a puzzle for the reader to solve. The common element among my mysteries is a strong female protagonist in a well-developed setting.

When I write fantasy and urban fantasy, I always include a puzzle. I believe every story can fit into the mystery category in the sense that there is always a question to be asked and answered, and I reflect that belief in my writing, no matter the genre. If a reader is not asking herself “what’s happening here?” or “what’s next?” I’ve not done my job.

I like to learn something new with every book I read, so I try to include interesting information in my writing. For example, in the first book in my three part mystery series, the reader is introduced to herbalism, the craft of making incense and Wicca. In the second book, my readers get a close look at Voudon. If I can draw my reader into the story with a puzzle or a mystery, then teach them something new while I entertain them I consider my job done.

A lifelong pagan and practicing Wiccan for fifteen years, I have a passion for the Celtic pantheon, tattoos and skyclad ritual. When I’m not mumbling over my cauldron or invoking my muse, I can be found in the Pittsburgh area with my husband, two sons, two corgis and one chaotic cat.

In January 2011, I graduated from Seton Hill University with a Master of Fine Arts in Writing Popular Fiction. I am active as a judge in various national writing contests and am available for individual or group instruction.

I invite you to read my blog at nikkihopeman.wordpress.com.
Please feel free to contact me at nikki@nikkihopeman.com.