PUNK GLOBE:
Nikki, Nikki!! The writing's on the wall! You got a new book out! What's the juicy plot?
Nikki Palomino:
In the case of STILL DAZED: Through a Grunge Rocker's Eyes as with all my work, the plot comes from the internal motivation of the characters. The protagonist Eric Peterson, artiste extraordinaire and grunge rocker returns home from the Portland streets in the first book DAZED: The Story of a Grunge Rocker and tries to re-enter his life. He finds most things unchanged. There is a theory that two children in a home will perceive their lives differently even if they are treated the same. As in Eric's case, born with an abundance of talent for which he is unable to put in perspective. The second in DAZED series starts with Eric kicking drugs and climbs brutally through the nightmarish world of addiction. Eric struggles through an American nightmare within the constraints of small town prejudice. He continues to struggle for his mother's devotion and handle the maze of burgeoning grunge rock fame without becoming another horrible headline.
PUNK GLOBE:
What's the best part about writing this series?
Nikki Palomino:
When a reader is moved by Eric's struggle and why he should matter to a disposable society. The DAZED series is like watching a friend have a nervous breakdown or slide off the edge for good. But the reader's compassion is brought to the surface even if they'd like to punch Eric in the face and tell him to get over it.
PUNK GLOBE:
Do you have help with coming up with the plot in stories like this? Or do you already have it mapped out in your mind what it's going to be?
Nikki Palomino:
No. My imagination is enough and the characters dictate their destiny or the reactions of characters who are involved with them.
PUNK GLOBE:
What is the most challenging part of writing Still Dazed?
Nikki Palomino:
Time is the most challenging aspect of writing any work. I enter their world where time does not exist.
PUNK GLOBE:
What or who is this story inspired by and why?
Nikki Palomino:
I was asked to write something in 2011 when the gay publishers were springing up. I said I didn't have a story. Within 24 hours, I remembered something Kurt Cobain had said to me. He had a gay friend in high school who liked the same music and played guitar. They would hang out together. He didn't care that people thought he was gay until some jock beat him up. I knew then I had the story. In LA it's easy to run into people. I met Kurt at a club when I was covering the musician playing for one of the music rags I wrote for. I saw him looking at me, had no clue who he was. I made the mistake or fate of smiling and he came over. He whispered in my ear, "Can I borrow your dress for an upcoming gig?" I was wearing a designer black mini. The other two junkies I listened to when they rambled also fed the character. They were not as well-known as Kurt but as compelling in their view of what life meant to them. Why? Because all of life is an inspiration for writers. I am blessed to be able to articulate what others may not.
PUNK GLOBE:
Did you start off in self-publishing? Or did this one get picked up by a publisher right away?
Nikki Palomino:
Never self-published. I think rejections are key in the writers' development.
"I think rejections are key in the writers' development."
PUNK GLOBE:
Who do you base your characters on?
Nikki Palomino:
Characters are all based on real people. Kurt Cobain was biggest influence for Eric's beginnings into rock fame and Wink was a real person who I will always remember. She was a runaway and worthy of being remembered. In Cobain Junk I will give you inspirations that led me to pick the underbelly of life for fodder.
PUNK GLOBE:
What do you want to leave your reader with at the end of each book?
Nikki Palomino:
Compassion, tolerance, empathy for the human condition. We are biologically hosts for DNA. We are also capable of destruction and goodness. There by the grace of God go I...
PUNK GLOBE:
You've been around the music scene for a long time. What do you enjoy best in writing about it?
Nikki Palomino:
Been there, done that. Played CBGB and all over with a lesser known band in a van with groupies three other band members and equipment. Almost got arrested in Lebanon, Tennessee. Learned quickly what headliners get. Chicks coming backstage and asking "Who's with so-and-so?" Then they'd blow them right there. Gross motels. Being booked in a wrong venue. Making bad business decisions. But I know the pulse of what it was like and loved performing. Being female I'd get hit on by other band members, managers, etc. Fans went for the guys. We had a jukebox hit which I don't know if they even exist anymore. I remember truckers and truck stops as allies. I remember Tina's birthday in a hotel room with all the Talking Heads and more. I remember drugs and booze. I remember hallucinating from no sleep. I remember people OD'ing. All in all, it was a great experience. I do not miss it and to this day regret not having signed with ZZ Top's Management. That's what youth does for a musician. Fucks you up.
PUNK GLOBE:
Who or what do you find is your best inspiration for writing stories like this?
Nikki Palomino:
The human condition.
PUNK GLOBE:
What literary device do you use to shape your main characters?
Nikki Palomino:
Literary device? A sex toy I got in Hollywood? No, determination, tenacity, loving words as much as life. I was reading To Kill a Mocking Bird at 6 yo. I had imagination and balls.
"I had imagination and balls."
PUNK GLOBE:
In your writings of both novels, did you have any characters die? if so, what is hard to let them go?
Nikki Palomino:
As far as death, the character chooses his own path. That's all I'll say.
PUNK GLOBE:
What have been your best reviews so far?
Nikki Palomino:
I have gotten many great reviews. European reviewers look at me like a modern day Beat Generation of Kerouacs and Hunter S. Thompsons because I write dark, drugs and homosexuality.
PUNK GLOBE:
What do you want to accomplish most with this current novel and why?
Nikki Palomino:
To write more. Last of DAZED series, IN ABCENSE OF DAZED, Cobain Junk, The Underground Diaries, Blackbird and more.
PUNK GLOBE:
How did the title come about for Still Dazed?
Nikki Palomino:
I am not sure how the title came to me. But it fit.
PUNK GLOBE:
Lastly, congratulations on an amazing feat of finding a publisher for your work! What do you want write next after this piece?
Nikki Palomino:
I came up with series idea because if someone finds your character intriguing, they want more.
PUNK GLOBE:
What do you want to say to the readers of Punk Globe?
Nikki Palomino:
I hope people will continue to read, dream, hope and find what makes them wake up the next day. I heard from a teen who was struggling with his sexuality in Small Town USA. I said what he needed to hear.
PUNK GLOBE:
Thanks, Nikki, Darling! You made this Texas Girl happy! I anticipate great reviews for your next piece! https://youtu.be/H-UkymYyjQw
https://youtu.be/qv96yJYhk3M
http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=Still+dazed+nikki+palomino
http://www.amazon.com/Nikki-Palomino/e/B00863JEWI/
