Thursday, January 21, 2010

FEATURED AUTHOR: Nikita Lynnette Nichols


Nikita Lynnette Nichols resides in Naperville, Illinois, and is employed at the Chicago Transit Authority. She is the best-selling author of “Amaryllis” and “A Man’s Worth”, which was chosen as ‘book of the year’ by the Black Pearls Book Club. Her January, 2010 release, “A Woman’s Worth”, was listed as # 73 on the Black Expressions Top 100 Best-Seller’s List while still in the pre-order stage and was the editor’s pick for the month of January. Nikita is the youngest daughter to William and Victoria Nichols of Richton Park, Illinois. She’s a member of The Progressive Life-Giving Word Cathedral under the leadership of Apostle Donald Lawrence Alford. Ms. Nichols will release, “Crossroads”, her most anticipated novel, the 3rd and final installment of the “Amaryllis” series in April, 2011. She is currently writing “Lady Elect”, the sequel to “A Woman’s Worth”, slated to release in March, 2012.

How did you start out your writing career?

I’m an avid reader and have a large book collection. I often wondered if writing a novel would be something that I could accomplish. One day, 6 years ago, I sat down at my computer to type the title of my first book and I’ve been typing ever since.

What was your most difficult scene to write?

My most difficult scene to write would have to be a scene from my novel, “A Man’s Worth”. In this particular scene, I was getting 3 children, a brother and his two sisters, back together after they had been separated for 8 months by the DCFS. The scene was extremely emotional for me because as I was writing, I was also visualizing the children hugging, crying, and kissing one another.

Have you had a "Wow" moment since you have been an author?

What made it a "Wow" moment for you? I had my first “Wow” moment when I learned that I was a best selling author. Even though becoming a best selling author is every author’s dream, to actually see it happen is like, “Wow”.

What did you hope to accomplish with this book?

This book, “A Woman’s Worth” is every woman’s fairy tale. Dreams do come true, and in this book, my lead female character, Monique Morrison, is a plus size woman but she’s having difficulty dealing with her live-in boyfriend who doesn’t want to commit to marriage. And Monique has a friend, Arykah Miles, also plus size and haunted by the mental and verbal abuse of her ex-boyfriend who cheated on her because of her weight. In this book both women come out on top when they meet their dream husbands who treat them like the queens they are. The message I want to send to plus size women is that it’s time to realize what their worth is and to stop settling for anything less.

What’s playing on your CD while you’re writing?

Nothing. I try to write in complete silence. I need to hear my characters when they speak.

What is your goal or mission as a writer?

To continue to inspire those that experience the drama that I write about. I get so happy when I open an e-mail or text message from a reader who says they could relate to my work because they’ve gone through some of the same issues that I wrote about.

Name four websites you visit daily.

Amazon.com
, Borders.com, Barnes & Noble.com & Blackexpressions.com. I check ratings and read reviews every single day.

What are your favorite TV shows? The ones that you just can’t miss!

I absolutely can’t live without the Lifetime Movie Network Channel & Judge Judy.

Name three everyday things you wouldn’t want to live without?

My Blackberry that I’m just learning how to operate, the attention that my Yorkie gives me when I walk in the door, and my chocolate mocha latte.

What one thing about writing do you wish other non-writers would understand?

I wish non-writers would understand that it’s not cool to actually tell a writer that they’ve shared their books with other people. Nothing bothers me more than when a reader says to me, “Girl, I loved your book so much that I passed it around my office. I got everybody reading it.” I wish readers could understand how important it is to encourage others to buy their own copies because that’s how authors make the best selling lists.

What was the best advice you’d ever gotten about the publishing industry?

The worst? The best advice I’ve gotten was to always patent my work before it’s submitted for publication. Manuscripts do get stolen. I can’t think of any bad advice that I’ve gotten.

Can you give us one do and one don’t for those aspiring to be a writer?

Writers should always stay focused on one project and not juggle 2 or 3 manuscripts at a time. The characters will get confusing. Writers must believe in their own work. If they think their manuscript is boring then so will everyone else who reads it.

What is something readers would be surprised you do?

They would probably be surprised that I actually answer each and every one of the hundreds of e-mails I get daily. Some days it takes me well into the wee hours of the morning but I make sure that when a fan reaches out to me, I answer them. They would probably also be surprised to know that I’m addicted to crossword puzzles.

Our theme for this month is Family Literacy, what do you do to promote literacy in your family?

I am single with no children but I have nieces and nephews that I always encourage to read.

Can you give us a sneak peek of your next book?

My next book, “Crossroads”, will release in April of 2011. It is the 3rd and final installment of the “Amaryllis” series. My character, Amaryllis Price, is at a crossroads. She so desperately wants to live right but her evil ways are constantly calling her. Readers will finally learn why she’s so crazy.

How can readers get in contact with you? (mail, email, website)

http://www.nikitalynnettenichols.com/
, kitawrites@comcast.net. I am on Facebook. I can also be reached through my publicist, Denise Glesser, at progressiveoa@gmail.com


A Woman's Worth

Monique Morrison had made a huge mistake when she moved into a home to play house with Boris Cortland. With on again then off again wedding plans and a woman who had already signed on to play the role of his wife, Boris was in no hurry to seal the deal. In his mind, Monique wasn't going anywhere, so why not continue to play the field? Though she was in church Sunday after Sunday, praying for God to touch Boris' heart and turn him from his wicked ways, it seemed Monique's pleas were constantly unanswered. Suffering from neglect, rejection and verbal abuse, Monique had all but given up on her dream of having a relationship that represented true unconditional love until Adonis Cortland moves in and does for Monique all of the things that Boris wouldn't do. Could Boris' cousin be the man that Monique had been praying for?

9 comments:

LaShaunda said...

Nikita,

Thank you for being our featured author today. Many blessings to you and your books.

Carolyn said...

A Womans Worth is a great read actually I completed it in one day. It is a book that I think every woman both young and old should read.

Nikita, I wish you continued sucess, as I said in my email to you I will continue to read your material and I cant wait for the second part.

Kimberley said...

I have been a fan since the first day I picked up "A Man's Worth" I will always be a fan! #1 fan One thing I want to express is that Nikita does respond to EVERY e-mail! She is the GREATEST and GOD will continue to BLESS her IN ALL she touches!

Unknown said...
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Unknown said...

Nikita I've already told you how beyond awesome 'A Woman's Worth" was and how it touched my heart. I also believe that all women should read this book, especially those suffering from any form of abuse. God has someone out there that is perfect for each of us, no matter shape, nationality or color. When God took the rib from Adam to create Eve, he didn't say, "Let me pull a big rib out for a big woman," no he just took a rib. From the story line to the characters, it was truly a great read. I was captivated from the beginning to the end. All I can say is Love is a Many Splendid Thing, and the love shared between the couples in this book not only jumped off the pages, but was also one to marvel at. Since reading this book, I have ordered the other two and will begin reading them shortly. I am truly anxious and very impatiently waiting on the follow-up to this book "Lady Elect." I highly recommend this book! It will give you insight of God's awesome power and revelation knowledge of Love and self worth!

Nikita, I truly enjoyed your interview as well! May God continue to bless you abundantly!!!!

Linda said...

Nikita you are a great Author. I have truly enjoyed all of your books. Starting with A Man's Worth. I look forward to reading the final book of that series "The Crossroads". I thank God for you and pray that He will continue to bless you as you continue to write. Also Nikita, I truly enjoyed "A Woman's Worth" when I received it in the mail, I opened it and did not want to put it down until I finished it. It was such a good book. Please keep up the good work and please keep in touch.
Thanks for sharing and responding to my emails.

Renee Turner said...

I have to say I am so glad I picked up one of your books, which just so happenedto be A Woman's Worth. The book was so good from beginning to end I could not put it down. It is encouraging to know that God will send someone for you who will treat you like a lady. Love was surrounding this woman on every hand. Oftentimes we as women try to make our relationships work so desperately we except less of what we're actually worth. Absolutely loved the book, and completed it in no time. Just waiting for Lady Elect. I am now anticipating on readind A Man's Worth. Keep writing because I'm sure I can speak for alot of other women when I say, you will be blessed and encouraged at the same time as the words lift right off the pages in hopes of what's next.

Darlene Mitchell said...

Hey Nikita,

This is Darlene (FeversD), girl you know how I feel about your books! And I can't wait to get your next two, Crossroads, and Lady Elect when they drop. You were my first real review and I am proud to say your book "A Woman's Worth" is changing lives and opening eyes! Love Ya Girl!!!!!!

Anonymous said...

This book is wonderful. I love Myrtle's character and think it great that she did no agree with her son's actions. This is an awesome book for women who are with someone who treats them bad. Hopefully it will show them that someone is always waiting to treat you better.

I am anxiously awaiting Lady Elect.


May God Bless you as you continue to inspire others.

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