We recently connected with Nicole Thomas and have shared our conversation below.

Nicole, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Let’s start with what makes profitability in your industry a challenge – what would you say is the biggest challenge?

As a self published author profitability is a huge issue. Money makes the world go round as they say, and for those of who are independently published it is a source of great stress. Without the backing of a traditional publishing company, we are in charge of marketing, advertising, publicity and so much more. Every sale and dollar we make is that much more appreciated because we have to work so much harder for it. I constantly remind myself that it only takes one person, the right person, to see my work, make a purchase and change my life.

Nicole, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

My name is Nicole Patrice Thomas, I am a self published author. I write Christian fantasy stories for young adults and picture books for early readers. My stories are adventures that will grab the readers attention while weaving elements of the Christian faith between each line. As someone who has a deep love for the written word and an avid reader of fantasy and faith based fiction, I am intentional in the tone of the stories I write. Whether you are a follower of Christ or never read a word of the bible, you will enjoy the magic and battle between good and evil.

I started writing in 2020 when I was as at a very low place in my life. My career and marriage had both stalled, I found myself floating without a clear destination or purpose. When I prayed for direction, God answered in the form of a dream. That dream became a story, that story became an award winning trilogy.

Writing these books sparked a passion in me and started me down a path that I never envisioned for myself, but I’m excited to keep moving forward.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

Natural talent still needs to be polished!

I have always been a writer, I started writing poetry as a teenager. Everyone has those family members who say “You should write a book!” Well, I do and I did. Unfortunately, my first release was sent out into the world as piece of coal instead of the diamond I thought it was. The negative reviews poured in and remain for all to see. I connected with a community on twitter of other self published authors, then connected with more authors through Instagram. These valuable connections helped me see the errors in my rush to publishing and soothed the pain from the harsh critics that read my book baby.

I pulled the book, unpublished it and hired an amazing editor. Tracy helped me polish that coal into an award winning diamond that readers across the United States love. It was a hard and painful lesson but I am grateful I learned it. It is the one piece of evidence I tell every new author I connect with. Invest in yourself and your product by investing in a good editor.

Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?

I am an introverted extrovert. I love being with people for short durations, but need to recharge after. The pandemic provided the perfect space for people like me. It forced everyone, EVERYONE, into virtual interactions. I was able to step out of my comfort zone without really stepping out of it. The most important part of social media is genuine interactions, building relationships based on integrity, honesty and mutual support. It’s not all HEY HEY HEY buy my book! You have to buy others books, like others work, comment, share, INTERACT. Show everyone that there is a real person behind that screen, book sales come after that.

Also, be selective in who you follow. Make sure you fill your feed with people you actually want to interact with. Interaction is more valuable than high follower numbers.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.nicolepatricethomas.com
• Instagram: @nicolepatricet
• Facebook: @nicolepatricet
• Twitter: @nicolepatricet