Debut You is an interview feature on Our Stories Matter blog. Debut authors, who have released or have upcoming releases in 2022, are given five questions to answer about themselves and their book. Currently, the questions are the same for all authors. We hope you enjoy getting to know Nicole D. Collier and can offer your support. Go here for past Debut You features.
Describe yourself in five words, then expound on one of them.
Introverted, multi-faceted, disciplined, ever-victorious, and hopeful.
An ever-victorious person is someone who strives to create and celebrate successes every single day. Many things are outside of our control, but even in the midst of our current reality, I always seek opportunities to create wins in my daily life. Whether it’s achieving a writing or exercise goal or finding the courage to speak my mind in a difficult situation, I am intentional about taking small steps and celebrating each one.
Explain your writing procedure, such as how you come up with ideas, carve out time to write (or, if you can write anywhere at any time during the day), deal with writer’s block, or anything particular or peculiar.
Ideas often come to me as snatches of conversation or a moment inside the mind of a character. I try to capture as much as I can in a journal and then add to it whenever I get new insights or feel ready to nurture what I have so far. I do my best thinking longhand, so even when a draft of a project is typewritten, I still revisit the journal to think and write about revisions.
Balance is the key to successful living. How do you balance the act of writing with other priorities, such as your job, family or fun activities, and self-care?
I work full time as a partner in a training and consulting firm, so I don’t write every day. Once I’m really into a project, I mainly write on Saturdays for several hours. This works for me because I prefer long blocks of thinking time, allowing me to be present during the week.
I schedule exercise like any other important appointment and don’t miss it. I’ve been doing that for over 15 years. I choose fitness activities that are fun or rewarding in some way. For instance, I run a familiar terrain outdoors in all seasons for deep thinking and beauty seeking. I lift weights since I like to feel powerful, and I find weight lifting programs that incorporate music because it’s more fun that way.The thing about balance is I’m always going to have to move or juggle something based on my season of life and my current reality. So I’m very honest with myself about what I can do and when. But whatever I’m doing, I try to maximize pleasure—whether it’s picking my favorite time of day (the dark moment just before dawn) or playing my favorite albums while I’m cooking. When things might otherwise seem “out of balance,” I will still find or make a pocket of joy.
Understanding your audience is essential. What do you know for sure about the audience you are writing for?
For sure, they have a secret. I’m laughing, but seriously, everyone has an interior life that is closed to others. There’s always something to mull over and figure out privately. When you’re a kid (and a lot of us as adults), you’re trying to discern who you are, what you want to do and be, and how to bridge the gap. I write stories in the gap. My characters are having these thoughts and sometimes conversations with people they know and love and are trying new behaviors with varying levels of success. If you are seeking your authentic self in the midst of this thing called life, I am writing for you.
Tell us about your book.
Just Right Jillian is the story of a super-smart, super shy fifth-grader who is tired of coming in last due to her own fears. She has promised her grandmother that she’ll be more confident in herself, and when the annual academic competition comes around, she has a chance to do just that. But breaking out of her shell is much easier said than done!
I, too, was a shy child, unable to speak up, even when I really wanted to. When you’re shy, you feel trapped, and you can never really be your true self. This is my love letter to shy children.
Many of us have this one big thing that stops us from living the lives we want to live. For Jillian, that ‘one thing’ is a lack of confidence in herself. Ultimately, she decides to go after her goal in the face of her doubts. I hope readers will see themselves in Jillian and decide to pursue their dreams, even if doing so feels scary.
YOU did it, congratulations! Your story is going to be read by children or teens, educators, parents, librarians, book bloggers, etc. How do you feel, and are there any other projects in the works—that you can discuss?
Thank you! It feels so rewarding to accomplish a childhood goal. Since elementary school, I’ve known that I wanted to write for kids, but self-doubt and procrastination kept me from even trying. It took me over three decades to follow my heart, and I’m so glad to finally be here.
We’re still finalizing the title of my sophomore novel featuring a new character, Maya, but you can look for it in the winter of 2023! Like Jillian, it’s ultimately about self-expression and being your authentic self.
Just Right Jillian
Nicole D. Collier | Versify | February 1 | MG | Amazon | Bookshop | IndieBound
Nicole D. Collier was born and raised just south of Atlanta, Georgia. She taught elementary school before working with learners of all ages. Now an author, consultant, and executive coach, she’s been known to run, dance, and turn cartwheels on sunny days. An advocate of self-expression, Nicole’s stories often tackle the challenges and lessons that come when learning to be true to yourself.
Connect with Nicole D. Collier
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