Naomi Shibles

Tell us a little bit about yourself, your hobbies and interests.

I’m Naomi Shibles and I grew up in the Caribbean and live in Charlotte, North Carolina, with my family. I’m a middle school mom, avid reader, author of three books (only my YA sci-fi caper, Counterblow Clemency, has been published so far), and enjoy walking around my neighborhood with my dog, as well as exploring new places.

When and why did you start writing books?

I’ve written stories since I was a kid, but found the time to finish my first novel during the pandemic when I was homeschooling my son. While he worked on schoolwork, I wrote as much as I could.

What made you decide to tackle writing as a career?

Writing is really the only thing that’s come naturally to me. It was always what I was encouraged to do in school, and when I got the opportunity to be a newspaper reporter in South Florida, I realized that I could support myself with it. I eventually became an editor, but didn’t write books until after my son was born.

Which one of your books or characters is your favourite?

Asking which of my books is my favorite is like asking to pick a favorite kid! I love all of the characters and stories because I write what I like. I think that with each book I improve as a writer, so I’m most proud of what I’m writing today.

Which one of your books was the hardest to write and stretched you the most as a writer?

My first book had a steep learning curve. I didn’t outline it, and probably ended up completely rewriting it five or six times. These days, I do everything I can to be efficient because I want to make a career as a novelist, which takes strict time management.

Who is your favourite author and book?

I love all of Alan Bradley’s Flavia de Luce books.

What book are you reading right now?

I just started reading The London Seance Society by Sarah Penner.

Where do you get your inspiration for your books?

Sometimes my ideas come from snippets of dreams. That’s how I started Counterblow Clemency—I dreamt about the advertising pollution and then a world kind of sprang up around that.

What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

I try to make memories with my son, spend time with friends, read, explore, and enjoy nature. I’ve also seen every episode of Psych dozens of times—obsessed.

Do you have any new books in the works?

I’m currently working on a closed-circle murder mystery!