Nik Nicholson's Blog, page 25

Creating Linny

I wanted the cover of my book to reflect what options were available for capturing images in 1914. After research I learned there were black and white photos or oil paintings if someone had the financial means and wanted to be captured in color. I decided I wanted a color cover and I wanted it to be a painting like those of the early 1900′s oil paintings.

The process for finding an artist who wasn’t overwhelmed by my vision and fit in my budget took months. I found two artist. The first one was an artist named Emilio who accepted my project on a website called Elance. The first Linny was so beautiful I would sometimes just stare at her before writing. I also think I was amazed at seeing the rendering of a person I created.

I was so excited, I showed the first Linny to all my close friends. A few of them asked if it was a ghost story. Knowing that it’s important in publishing to create a cover that matches your genre, I was immediately aware I would have to do a different cover. So I started again looking for an artist hoping for something more relative to the time.

Eventually I found Lam Lu, who did an awesome rendering of Linny. His work is so detailed and beautiful. Although I love the final book cover, it’s unfortunate that a lot of the intricate touches Lam achieved aren’t seen in the final cover. So I thought I would post something showing the process.

Live to Forgive

I watched what I thought would be a cheesy library documentary (and it was) about forgiveness. It was challenging to sit through, but not because of all the scriptures and home movie quality.  It was difficult to watch the characters deal with difficult emotions.  It was difficult to watch people deal with their anger and eventually make peace.

If I wasn’t preoccupied I would have probably turned the movie off.  But I’d decided to watch it while twisting my hair.

 

I’ve forgiven others and found it freeing.  Still it was moving to watch a man transition from the bitterness of all that past hurt to a place of peace.  His stepfather killed his mother when he was a child.  All of his life he’d been self destructive, taking drugs and drinking to live with the loss of his mother, but mostly his rage.  In fact, he’d planned to kill his stepfather, who was only sentenced to 14 years in prison, for beating his mother to death.

 

God starts to speak to the man, when he is an adult.  There was a call on his life to be a pastor, but in order to pastor he had to work through his addictions, his anger and mostly he had to forgive so he could be at peace.  God did change his heart.  He eventually went to see the man who killed his mother, after learning the man had attempted suicide as a result of his own guilt.  He actually took on the responsibility of not only forgiving his stepfather but working with his stepfather to help him forgive himself.

It is an awesome, unusual true story… I’m grateful I had an opportunity to witness it.

Contemplating Love

You say you love the rain, but you use an umbrella to walk under it. You say you love the sun, but you seek shade when it is shining. You say you love wind, but when it comes you close your window. So that’s why I’m scared when you say you love me. -Bob Marley

Only Two Copies left in Hardback Verson

While in the process of publishing, the publisher sent a listing of the prices they’d set for my book, Descendants of Hagar. The prices were so high for the physical book, I was discouraged. I was afraid no one would buy my book because it was so expensive.

A friend told me not to worry, if the writing was quality people would pay for it. I am grateful that it is doing so well. I am also grateful for competitive pricing, because that has lowered the price considerably. More importantly, I’m grateful people like it so much it’s been difficult keeping it in stock.. I’m encouraged.

Beautiful Profile

“Power is being told you’re not loved and not being destroyed by it.”

― Madonna

Free Book Writing Software

I’ve attempted using book writing software. It was suppose to keep track of characters, scenes and plots. I found that to be confusing. For me it was more complicated than just plotting and writing, so it didn’t really work. Still, we as writers are so different. So I thought I’d share. Let me know if you find it helpful.

http://freelance-writing.lovetoknow.com/Free_Book_Writing_Software

Laughed to tears

I remember this as a kid.

I’m a Lambda Literary Finalist

My First Novel

I haven’t known what to say since I found out. I’m beyond excited. Feels like I’m afraid to dream too big. I know that when I was writing it, Linny had a magic I could feel.

Our Art Chooses Us

I am in a weird space where I’m not so sure that I decide what it is I will write, paint, draw or even what art I will love. I’m coming to believe I am just a conduit of my projects.

When I look at someone else’s art it is as beautiful as whatever acceptance I bring to it. Sometimes, you find a peace that is loved even when we are absent from our own lives. Other times, I see a peace so breath taking… It is like seeing God for the first time.

I feel blessed and honored, but I’m also concerned. I pray, I was chosen because I am capable to do these opportunities the justice they deserve.

St. Louis Black Authors’ Book Fair

I hope to see many of your smiling faces at the St. Louis Black Authors’ Book Fair on Sunday, March 9, 2014. I will be selling and signing books. Love and light.