Interview with Nicole Trilivas
Two of the things I love most are travelling and reading. When they come together, I know I’m going to be a happy gal and Girls Who Travel by Nicole Trilivas did just that.
Ever since she returned from traveling, serial backpacker Kika Shores has been steeped in misery. Getting back on the road is all she wants. So when she’s offered a nannying job in London, she’s thrilled at the prospect. But as Kika’s about to discover, exhilarating adventures can still happen when you stay in one place…
After reading this, I was incredibly excited to have the opportunity to interview debut author Nicole Trilivas.
What inspired you to write Girls Who Travel?
I was mainly inspired by my love of travel. I could never tire of the subject, which is exactly the kind of obsession you need when you’re writing a book. To get a little more specific, when I graduated university, I had a friend who ended up becoming an international au pair, and whenever I saw her photos on social media, it made me think, that would be a great premise for a book!
Do you base your characters on anybody – yourself, friends, family etc?
I like having a good idea about what someone looks like, so I borrow physical traits. For example, I always pictured the model, Cara Delevingne, when I thought of Kika, so I ran with that. But the similarities ended there. Personality is something that evolves as I write—once it’s sorted, I then go back and flesh my characters out.
I hear this is your debut novel: what’s next?
More travel-themed fiction! I love books about travel, but so many of the great ones tend to be nonfiction and memoirs, which is great, but I wanted to try and add the romantic lens of fiction to my favorite topic of travel. My next book is going to set in the snowy alps—but that’s all I’m going to reveal (mainly because it still has a ways to go! Yikes!)
Where’s your favourite place to visit in the world and why?
My hometown of New York City. I will always be a little bit in love with that city, and even though it can be so abrasive, and loud, and smelly—I still love it the way you would family.
What are your top 5 tips that you would give first time backpackers?
- Packing takes as long as you allow it to take — set yourself an allotted time limit and stick to it.
- Once you’re done packing, go back and try and take out at least ¼ of what you packed. Chances are, you’re over-packing.
- Try and keep some kind of record of your travels. You’ll treasure it later on.
- Learn the words: “one,” “please,” “thank you,” and “bathroom” in the native language. It doesn’t sound like much, but those little words will get you very far.
- On the night before you leave, watch the movie Before Sunrise. It will remind you to talk to everyone and that you never know what’s going to happen. Now go forth—and let me know what happens!
I’ll definitely be looking out for Nicole’s future work! What’s your top travel advice?
Laura x
