Shari Nichols, a West Windsor resident and author of “Witch Hunter,” says her erotic thriller novel contains all the magic and fantasy of Harry Potter, but is strictly geared for adults. In a desperate attempt to catch a killer, a special agent hires a notorious felon to come work for the agency. In the midst of the investigation, they succumb to desire, placing both their lives in danger. “But don’t get me wrong, it’s a romance and love is at the center of the book, and the couple’s journey is the focal point,” she says.
“The `Fifty Shades of Grey’ frenzy has opened the door for other books in this genre,” says Nichols. “Now the reader can freely explore more explicit levels of sensuality that were once left only to the imagination. These books are written with women in mind, making it more acceptable to openly discuss topics such as sex and sexual fantasies with your friends and with your partner.”
Nichols belongs to professional organizations including Romance Writers of America, New Jersey Romance Writers, Liberty States Fiction Writers, and Fantasy, Futuristic, and Paranormal Romance Writers.
“I’ve been writing for 12 years and I get a lot of ideas from TV shows, movies, newspaper articles, other books, and even dreams,” she says. “‘Witch Hunter’ is the fictionalized, fantasy tale of a real life serial killer from England by the name of Stephen Griffiths, also known as the Crossbow Cannibal. When I’d read the creepy news article (he was young, good looking and a PHD student) I knew I just had to write this story. It might be cliche, but truth is indeed stranger than fiction.”
She did a promo on WCTC radio and is doing a book talk about how to get a book published at Ewing Library in January. Nichols is not sure that West Windsor and Plainsboro are ready for her book.
Nichols was raised in a small town in Connecticut where haunted houses, ghosts, and Ouija boards were commonplace — spurring her fascination with all things paranormal. After reading a Barbara Cartland novel, her goal was to write sexy, romantic stories.
She moved to New Jersey in 1978 and graduated from Hightstown High School in 1985 and Rider University in 1992 with a bachelor’s degree in marketing. During college she worked as a waitress and a bartender. Her career path has taken her through corporate sales and she even sold used cars while her husband of 22 years, Michael Nieschmidt, went to law school. His law office, Nieschmidt Law, is in Hightstown, and Nichols works there part time.
The family has lived in West Windsor for eight years. As the mother of two teenagers she is active with her kids’ sports and activities. “The whole erotic thing is freaky for the children,” she says. “Neither one will be allowed to read it.”
Their son, Jake, 17, is a senior at High School South. He plays varsity baseball and football, and is the director of the Pirate Players, a performance club. He has also volunteered at Enable’s group home.
Their daughter, Jacqueline, 14, is a freshman at South. She is involved with a peer group at school that works with the middle school and will play lacrosse in the spring.
“They are both very excited and proud of me,” she says. “I’ve been at this for a very long time, going to conferences, submitting to agents and editors, entering contests, and getting rejected for years. But I never gave up. I want them to have a mom to look up to and be proud of and if anything, I’ve taught them to stick to things and not quit. I hope.”
Her next book, another steamy romance, will venture into the world of ghosts and haunted inns.
“Witch Hunter” is contracted with Ellora’s Cave Publishing, a digital publisher known for erotic books. It will be available on Amazon.com, B&N.com, and EllorasCave.com on Wednesday, November 19. Visit www.sharinichols.com.
