From the author of Little Broken Things, a “race-to-the-finish family drama” (People) following a mother who must confront the dark summer that changed her life forever in order to reclaim the daughter she left behind.
We chat with author Nicole Baart about her latest book release, Everything We Didn’t Say, along with writing, book recommendations, and more!
Hi, Nicole! Can you tell our readers a bit about yourself?
Of course! Here’s my life in numbers: 10 books, 5 kids, 3 homes (Iowa, British Columbia, Liberia), 2 turtles, 1 old dog, and 1 fantastic husband of 22 years.
As the year draws to a close, how has 2021 been for you?
A rollercoaster. In some ways 2021 has been a difficult and heartbreaking year, and in others an absolute delight. Covid and personal heartbreak filled this year with uncertainty, but I am an optimist and problem-solver to my core. Life is beautiful.
When did you first discover your love for writing?
I’ve been writing since I could hold a pencil! My mom taught me to read and write before kindergarten, and I’ve been drawn to story ever since. When I was a kid, my dad used to introduce me by saying: “This is my daughter, Nicole. She’s going to be an author someday.”
Quick lightning round! Tell us the first book you ever remember reading, the one that made you want to become an author, and one that you can’t stop thinking about!
- The Monster at the End of This Book (who doesn’t love Grover?!?)
- Emily of New Moon by Lucy Maud Montgomery
- The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern
Your new novel, Everything We Didn’t Say, is out now! If you could only describe it in five words, what would they be?
Small town, mystery, family, secrets
What can readers expect?
A slow burn mystery that ratchets up the tension as the pages go by.
Where did the inspiration for Everything We Didn’t Say come from?
A cold case in Iowa that got me thinking about water contamination in rural communities and how far people will go to protect the only life they know.
Can you tell us a bit about the challenges you faced while writing and how you were able to overcome them?
Honestly, by book ten I thought I had it all figured out… And my over-confidence made me forget my roots. When I went back to handwriting my manuscript and outlining the major plot points everything began to click. My editor and agent were also instrumental in helping me rescue this book from the garbage pile!
Were there any favourite moments or characters you really enjoyed writing or exploring?
I love the character of India. She has a small role in the book, but I think she’s fascinating and so much fun. And I loved writing the chapters when June (my main character) is nineteen. There’s something so fun about writing that stage of life.
What’s the best and the worst writing advice you have received?
- Best: Write by hand.
- Worst: Write every day.
What’s next for you?
I’m working on another book for Atria and having an absolute blast. It’s about an instagram influencer whose daughter goes missing.
Lastly, what have your favourite reads of 2021 been?
- Apples Never Fall by Liane Moriarty
- For the Wolf by Hannah Whitten
- The House in the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Nicole Baart is the mother of five children from four different countries. The cofounder of a nonprofit organization, One Body One Hope, she lives in a small town in Iowa. She is the author of nine previous novels, including You Were Always Mine, Little Broken Things, and The Beautiful Daughters. Her latest novel, Everything We Didn’t Say, is available now. Learn more at NicoleBaart.com and on Instagram @nicolebaart.
