What a beautiful day. My pastor spoke about people in our church doing big things for God. That's me!! I do believe I am here for something awesome---and that's not ego speaking because not so long ago I thought I was here by accident. He's using me and I'm here to serve.
One of my coworkers got wind of my book and had everyonein the office order a copy last month before Thanksgiving! Now there's another surge of buzz going around town about my writing and I know it's leading to other opportunities for me. For Him.
I recently changed the name of my magazine from Butterfly to S.O.S. (Supporting Our Sisters Spiritually)which was the name of the women's support group I founded in Richmond, VA before I moved here. So S.O.S. Magazine will continue that legacy that God gave me the vision for. It's a fashion, beauty, and lifestyle magazine for young adult women who live a Christian lifestyle. We talk about finances, relationships, cars, houses, church, food and exercise...everything! I'm so excited.
My next book Stolen Water is stalled because I'm truly waiting on God to see if this is where HE wants me to go. It deals with a lot of painful issues from my past. My laptop was stolen (hmmm...a pun) with the original manuscript on it and I wondered if that was a setback or a message. But if my painful story will help someone else be everything they were meant to be in life, I will gladly relive the memories. Besides, I know how it ends

So be strong my sisters and brothers. This life is but a vapor. The pain and the challenges are there to make us, not break us. He is always with His children. It's amazing how we can see celebrities with all kinds of material things and not think twice about it, but if a man or woman of God is blessed because they chose to believe Him and follow His commands...oh NO! They must be up to no good. Well, sorry. I will use my gifts to bless others and receive blessings for myself and my family. Obey Him and the reward will be great. Everything that feels good is not necessarily good for ya.

Till next time. Peace. Smile at another sister when you see her walking down the street. Don't hate. LOVE.

Nikki

Posted on Sunday 03 of December, 2006 [21:19:40 UTC]

I had a great time speaking at Clark Atlanta at their Women's Initiative Conference. I am honored that someone took enough interest in my book to ask me to speak about it to other women. That's really awesome.

I am busy working on my magazine that is currently published on the web, but I am getting a good buzz about it, so hopefully soon it will be on newstands everywere

Life is good right now. I'm rolling with the punches and expecting big things to start happening soon. Thanks for everyone's support.

Nikki

Posted on Sunday 25 of June, 2006 [23:26:22 UTC]

I really need to update my blog more The last time I wrote was in June '05! So much has happened since then. However, to keep anyone reading this from falling into a coma, I'll keep it short.

1. Atlanta is great. I love it...the traffic, not so much. Everything else about it is wonderful. Ok, maybe the southern drawl is a bit much, but who am I, a NYC transplant, to complain?

2. I finally sent out a press release for my my first book, and...gasp!...people are interested. I've learned to expect results-good results-and they'll happen. Why go into this thing halfway? If you are blessed with a talent, don't hide it. Let it shine!! Ok, I'm bordering on corny now.

3. Life is good. Despite some rough road, I'm doing alot better this year than last. The hurdles were there to make me jump higher and see what I'm made of. Can't be mad at God, silly. He's the one who's got my back no matter what!!! Shout out to God!!!!! I've found out that I can survive pretty much anything. Watch out!

4. My second book is really hard for me to write. It deals with my jacked up life. But I need to write this thing. I know it's going to help a lot of people, including myself. Need encouragement.

OK, that's pretty much it. Till next time,

Nik
Holla

Posted on Monday 20 of March, 2006 [21:52:55 UTC]

Okay, I'm back. It's been a long time. Everything's changed. Some good, some bad, but for the better. Make sense?

I am ecstatic to say that my little book that could has been chosen for a small book club in PA. Ha! It can be done. Oprah, here I come...really.

In an effort to shrink my head though, I realize that I must really market my book or this might be the highlight of its life. At first, all I wanted was my book to be in print. Now I understand that this is what I was meant to be...a writer. So once I put my nursing career to bed, it's on, baby!

I'm moving to Atlanta on Saturday (this Saturday!), and although I'm a bit nervous, I'm excited to have a fresh start and a new life in what I was meant to do. God is good. I'm ready.

Posted on Tuesday 14 of June, 2005 [09:48:46 UTC]

I get by with a little help from my friends...as the song goes. It's true, though. Because of a friend who knows someone who knows someone, I'll be having my very own BOOK SIGNING on December 11 at Logos Bookstore. I'm excited, although, how does a new author act at a book signing? Do I just smile and sign books with the impression that my signature actually means something to these people? Damn straight!!!!

Now I hope I don't over-or underestimate the number of people that will be there! Imagine running out of books? Is that an arrogant thought? Hey, my affirmation guru tells me that I am only as good as I think I am. And my affirmation for today is....

My book is a bestseller and is bringing me satisfaction, recognition, and prosperity.

Amen to that!

Posted on Friday 19 of November, 2004 [01:01:21 UTC]

So I realize this promotion thing ain't easy. There are millions, if not more, authors out there who are trying to get their name and book into the public's hands. Not that I'm trying to be greedy or anything, but I feel really good about my book and want to get this ball rollin'! A couple of bookstores want me to get them a copy and then I can actually see my book on a shelf. But I have to keep on reminding myself not to rest. A few bookstores are great, but even more are better. And I'm really pushing to get it listed with B&N and amazon before the Christmas shopping season...which is sneaking up on my behind!!!
I also found some great tips on promoting on this site (Lulu is da bomb!) and I'll definitely use the "flyer", business card, and book copy idea whenever I go to a bookstore or other vendor.
I even e-mailed Oprah! Hey, you never know!
I'm psyched. Until later,
Nikki

Posted on Saturday 16 of October, 2004 [14:48:45 UTC]

I had a reeeeeealy great day today. Nothing really to do with my book sales(gasp), but I just got off the phone with my sister Georgia (10 hours on the phone)
It was an uplifting, encouraging discussion about my career and calling. She is such a positive person, and strong in the Lord. She can wish you the best in your endeavors and truly mean it. Most people don't want to see you succeed in an area that they wish they had tackled first.
I was reminded quietly that this book was written for somebody, and if only it touches that one person (although it would be nice if it touched more) it would have been well worth the effort. It's nice to have that kind of peace.

Posted on Sunday 10 of October, 2004 [03:12:06 UTC]

I was reading some content in my book today and realized (for the millionth time) that there are probably some things that might offend people that are close to me. I consider myself a Christian woman, but there were certain things that I struggled with. Sexual content is involved, but I prayed about it, and God said that he wants me to reach everyone with this book, not just the sanctified and holy!! Besides, I was once doing what some of my characters do (still foul-mouthed at times, but it's getting better) and people can only relate to what they know.

So, I have decided to put aside my worries about how others will perceive me after reading my work, and let the results speak for itself. Gotta be me!!!

Posted on Friday 08 of October, 2004 [02:18:21 UTC]

Well, it seems that I am in Google, just under Nikki Thomas' Store.... Hmm...have to make that easier for people to find, since they were just typing in my name. Then you get all kinds of crazy stuff that's got nothing to do with me or my book. I think I have to add some more keywords. Well, here goes....

Posted on Wednesday 06 of October, 2004 [14:21:52 UTC]

Sometimes I get the feeling that I need to push my book more. I see others getting support from one another on Lulu who haven't been doing this any longer than I have, but I feel like a fly on the wall. Why can't I get my name or book to pop up when googled like some other books have? I think I'll e-mail lulu staff and try to get some answers.

I'm a published writer, dammit, and I will succeed. I know there's a market for my book. People are asking me about it all the time. I want this soooo badly. I've just got to balance my career and my writing and find a profitable medium. This is my time to shine!!!

Now that being said, I have to have a marketing plan, right? Coming right up....

Posted on Wednesday 06 of October, 2004 [14:12:26 UTC]