Episode 108: “The Drowning Game” with Author Barbara Nickless

Posted on by Victoria

Wynne and I are still pinching ourselves. Amazed and thrilled that one of our favorite authors, Barbara Nickless, made time to sit down with us to discuss her latest book, “The Drowning Game”.

In this podcast we learn about some of Barbara’s writing inspirations and the fascinating path she’s taken to become a best-selling author. She’s a woman of many talents…and then some! You’ll need to tune in to take in her complete bio…which gives testimony to the broad and varied interests fueling her writing prowess.

In “The Drowning Game” readers are riveted from the start. It’s an incredibly compelling story – intermingling mystery and suspense – as we travel around the world and into the heart of a family carrying secrets. Dangerous, life-altering secrets. The reviews are stellar no matter where you look – Amazon, Goodreads. Here’s the synopsis, courtesy of Goodreads:

A woman’s investigation into her sister’s death exposes the dark side of a secret life in a gripping novel of power, money, and murder by a Wall Street Journal bestselling author.

Sisters Nadia and Cass Brenner are heirs to Ocean House, a decades-old empire that builds superyachts for the rich and emirs, oligarchs, and titans of industry throughout America and Europe. They’re a next-generation success with the design of their soon-to-be-commissioned megayacht for a Chinese billionaire. But the sisters’ entrée into the coveted Asian market is tragically cut short when Cass falls from a fortieth-floor hotel window.

A Singapore detective rules suicide. Nadia’s been in the yacht business too long not to be suspicious. Especially when she discovers Cass’s involvement in dangerously illicit activities. Pulled into the same web of betrayal, lies, and secrets that trapped her sister, Nadia is on the most perilous mission of her life. Because uncovering the truth behind her sister’s death could tear the Brenner family apart—and it just might get her killed.

From Seattle to Austria to the South China Sea, Nadia must hold on to the one thing that can keep her safe. It’s the Brenner family Trust no one.

What a pleasure it is to listen and learn from someone who’s had great success but retains all the warmth and humor you’d expect if you were sitting across the table with a lifelong friend.

Oh! And one more thing! During our conversation, Barbara shares a few of her favorite inspirational quotes about the craft of writing. Reminders to keep at it as she fuels her ambition to write a book a year…and succeeds. Beautifully. One example? A quote Barbara mentioned – wisdom from E.L. Doctorow that I love:

“Writing is like driving at night in the fog. You can only see as far as your headlights, but you can make the whole trip that way.”

You’ll love this episode and mark my words…you’ll rush to purchase your own copy of “The Drowning Game” and Wynne and I will be waiting to dish about our favorite elements and characters!

Vicki and Wynne 😊

P.S. Barbara wrote a beautiful piece in Writer’s Digest in January about the healing power of writing. I felt a connection to her even before I read the article but reading it was such a privilege. I love that she’s a fan of Dr. James Pennebaker, too.

Search (and subscribe!) for Sharing the Heart of the Matter on Apple, Amazon, Spotify or Pocket Casts OR Listen to it from your computer on Anchor: Episode 108: The Drowning Game with Barbara Nickless

Episode 108 transcript

AND subscribe to our YouTube channel to see a video clip of each story: @SharingtheHeartoftheMatter.

The Drowning Game

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/211101904-the-drowning-game

Barbara’s books on Amazon (and also available through Kindle Unlimited)

The Drowning Game

The Dr. Evan Wilding Series:
Book 1: At First Light
Book 2: Dark of Night
Book 3: Play of Shadows

Sydney Parnell Series:
Book 1: Blood on the Tracks
Book 2: Dead Stop
Book 3: Ambush
Book 4: Gone to Darkness

From the hosts:

Vicki’s book about resilience and love: Surviving Sue; Blog: https://victoriaponders.com/

Wynne’s book about her beloved father: Finding My Father’s Faith; Blog: https://wynneleon.com/

38 thoughts on “Episode 108: “The Drowning Game” with Author Barbara Nickless”

  1. Pingback: Thrilled to Meet You – Surprised By Joy

  2. Barbara is such a bright and witty guest! Down to earth and honest and imperfect and love the Doctrow quote, that gives me hope. The book sounds fascinating and I can’t wait to read it.

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  3. It’s encouraging to hear Barbara talk about her process. My ears lit up when she mentioned E.L. Doctorow’s driving at night quote. I love that quote. I love how it describes writing a book, but really could be about life. One step at a time. Don’t look back. Don’t look too far down the road. Just keep moving ahead. Great interview Vicki. You and Wynne are on top of your game!

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    1. Isn’t that a terrific quote? I think you’re absolutely right…such a potent reminder related to life, in general. Yes! And I agree…talking to her was like getting a big dose of encouragement. I can always use more of that when it comes to writing. Thank you so much, Brian! 🥰

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  4. Barbara dropped many interesting tidbits about writing throughout her interview. I especially liked her comments about characters-their internal growth, their flexible heroism, and their revelation of who they are. My husband loves “watching” yacht races (we just have kayaks). Are the yachts an integral part of the story throughout? Great interview, Vickie and Wynne! 🙂

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    1. Thanks for listening, Nancy! I love the themes you picked up – exactly! Yes, yachts feature throughout The Drowning Game. And because some of the action takes place in the Seattle area, Barbara captures it beautifully!

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  9. Excellent episode, my friends. I really enjoyed listening to Barbara explain her writing process, and what she said about combat veterans was so important. Thank you for bringing her on to share her insights with the community.

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  11. What a smart and personable person Barbara is. Somebody who would be fun to visit with. Not full of herself at all, despite her successes. I love learning about her varied careers. I’m also struck by how some people can’t get past the self-pity while others take a tragic event like losing a home and use it for fuel (no pun intended) to achieve their goals.

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  13. I really enjoyed listening to this conversation, interestingly on a cloudy morning commute to work. Not quite foggy like the drive from NYC to LA, but I do love that quote shared by Doctorow. It’s a great motto not just for writing but life itself.

    I also loved Barbara’s advice: “You’re more than you realize.” Another great pick me upper for this mid week start of the day.

    The HOTM has really stepped up this season, like one of Nickels’ characters, and the guests and conversations have been so engaging.

    I love a good mystery and thriller – Sidney Sheldon was my favourite author growing up – and the Drowning Game sounds like a great page turner that I’ll have to pick up!

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