Meet the Undertow Cast – Nikki Shea

When I wrote the character known as Nikki Shea, I never wanted her to be the typical mean girl. Most people who read the novel though, automatically assumed she was a stick-thin blonde. But in my head? In my head she was Jessica Rabbit crossed with Scarlett O’Hara. She was this curvaceous brunette who knew how to work her curves, with a body built for badness, and an attitude that could slay a small country. I am happy to say that I knew no one like her when I was in high school . . . thank God.

The irony here? I DID in fact know someone who could bring Nikki Shea to life. I just didn’t realize it until I stumbled across one of Megan Jones’s Facebook photos and knew, instantly, I had someone who could nail Nikki Shea. I was worried I wouldn’t be able to convince Megan to come to the shoot, especially because she is the sweetest kid on the planet. But she did it, and once she fell into the mind-set of a bitch-on-wheels, she nailed the look.

This is the 4-1-1 on Megan Jones, aka NIKKI SHEA

Age: 16

Hometown: Centerville

High School: Barnstable High

Favorite bands / Musical Group: Everything and anything!

Hobbies: field hockey and lacrosse

Favorite Quote: “The only person you are destined to become is the person you decide to be”. –Ralph Waldo Emerson

How did you first find out about the fact that some random author (me – lol) wanted to use you as a cover model? Was it through me or someone else? I was first contacted by Kate in late May. She briefly explained her position and said that she believed I would fit the role as Nikki Shea. I have met Kate in person before and she had also looked at my pictures on Facebook.

What made you say “yes” and did you think I was insane when we talked on the phone before the shoot? I already knew she was insane because she has been a good friend of my aunt haha! I could tell how enthusiastic Kate was when we first talked on the phone, so I was excited to see what she had planned for the shoot. I also thought it would be an awesome experience, something I normally wouldn’t have an opportunity to do.

What was it like to be the physical embodiment of a fictional character? Embodying a fictional character was challenging yet fun at the same time. It was so cool to be able to put myself into Nikki’s shoes and play the role of the mean girl for once.

What did you think of the shoot when you were there? Did you have any worries? I had a great time at the shoot. I met new people and had the chance to work with a great photographer- and of course the wonderful Kate Conway. I was somewhat intimidated to portray such a bold character, but it went great!

What has your family and friends thought about the whole thing? My family and friends are excited to see the book in stores and online. My friends have seen the posters in school and love pointing it out to me. My mom even sometimes refers to me as Nikki when she means business!

You are the face of Nikki Shea – the most loathed and feared girl in school. She is both hated and adored as a bad-girl by readers and she will play a bigger part in STORM FRONT. Was it weird to try and get inside the head of this ultimate mean girl? Nikki Shea and I are complete opposites. I think that’s what made the shoot so fun. At first, it was weird trying to convey the “mean girl” look but after a few try’s I think I had gotten the hang of it. I’m excited to see what Nikki Shea is going to bring to storm front!

Would you be willing to be shot again for the UNDERTOW series in the future if need be? Maybe sign books as the character, Nikki Shea? I would without a doubt participate in another shoot for any future books in the UNDERTOW series. Signing books as my alter ego would be awesome. I can’t wait to see this series take off!