Get ready for a reading ride full of history, mystery and murder. I recently spoke with Nicole Glover about The Improvisers.
Tell me about your latest book.
The Improvisers is a standalone historical fantasy with strong mystery-adventure elements. Set in 1931, barnstorming pilot Velma Frye tracks down dangerous enchanted objects, while dealing with conspiracy, unexpected perils, murders, and an intrepid reporter who annoys her for all the wrong reasons.
Why did you decide to write it?
I’ve been fascinated with flight for a long time, and it’s a theme that shows up in my previous books (The Conductors and The Undertakers). Following a character who is a pilot was something I gravitated from the start. I knew that the main character would be daring, headstrong, and slightly impulsive and that best fits a pilot. I also wanted to explore what a magically tinged US in the 1930s would look lie.
What do you want readers to learn from the story?
Besides the historical aspects, I want people to have a good time. I think we view history, especially history featuring Black Americans, as serious business and we forget that people lived, laughed, and loved just as we do now. I do my best to approach sensitive topics with care, but I also write with air of whimsy to speak to the vast variety of experiences.
When did you fall in love with the written word?
From the moment I learned to read I think! I was lucky to have access to loads of books, encouraging parents, very little parental oversight. My library card was my passport to the world and beyond.
If you could pick another profession, what would it be and why?
Space psychologist, but like a therapist on a space station is a dream career of mine, as I’m fascinated by space and how people react in such environments. More realistically probably something related to museum work or science communication, to inspire and delight curious minds of all ages.
What’s the best part of being an author?
Inventing something out the ether and turning it something people can pluck off their library shelves.
What’s the worst part of being an author?
The physical act of writing. From typing to the mental energy required, it’s a lot of hard work, and you don’t always realize it at first. Take breaks, drink water, walk around, and staring at something other than a screen will go a long way in helping any writing career.
What books have you read lately and loved?
Currently on my nightstand is Things to Make and Do in the Fourth Dimension by Matt Parker. It’s about math, but it’s fun and engaging and got me thinking about all the other ways math can be applied to the world. A recent fiction read is The Full Moon Coffee Shop by Mai Mochizuki. It features cafes, cats, and astrology, some of my favorite things!
What’s next for you?
My next book The Starseekers is forthcoming from Harper Voyager. We launch into 1964, following Cynthia Rhodes, who is an engineer at a magical research faciality at NASA. Her latest project gets majorly disrupted due to a workplace accident, but as she does some digging, she finds it might be a murder instead. Seeking answers, she’s determine to find the culprit before they strike again.
Do you have anything you would like to add?
My previous books The Conductors and The Undertakers, can be read separately from The Improvisers, as they take place in 1870s. These books follow different characters but is set in the same world and have rousing mysteries in the heart of them!
Use the Black Fiction Addiction affiliate link to purchase your copy of The Improvisers.
To learn more about Nicole Glover, visit her website or connect with her on social media.
Nicole-glover.com (Website)
Nicoleglover.substack.com (Newsletter)
Authornicoleglover (Instagram)
Nicoleglover.bsky.social (Bluesky)