Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
My name is Nicole Thomas, I have published the first two books in my fantasy series as well a short book of poetry. I have always loved to read and that love led to me wanting to create stories and worlds that would transport my readers away from the stresses of everyday life. I started writing poetry and have ventured into Christian Fantasy. I hope that I will create places where readers may see themselves reflected on the pages and find hope, adventure and truth between the lines.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Tales of Elhaanai is the name of the series as well as the first book, The Prophecy is the second and Wages of War is the third so each title reflects what is going on in the story. The main title “Elhaanai” was given to me in a dream, along with the story. There is no true meaning to it as one word but when broken down it can have several translations, all of which add a layer of importance to the overall story. “EL” being the judeo-christian name for God, “Hanai” – hawaiian term for adopted family. When you read the story, you will see how that manifests for the main character, Alric. It could also be read as “EL Hanah” which mean God is Gracious, and again that definition would resonate with the over arching theme of the series.
From its inception to its conclusion, the book was God led and inspired for me.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Unusual would depend on who you ask. Many authors experience writers block, and some combat it by stepping away or working on a different project. While I often stepped away when this happened I would also pray. My genre is Christian fiction, so I had to be sure the message of Faith would be grafted into the core of the story. If I go stuck at a certain place, I would stop and ask, “Ok God, what’s supposed to happen here? Where do they go? Who dies? Who gets hurt? What changes?” And then I would wait for however long until I got the go ahead.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I absolutely love Francine Rivers and CS Lewis. Both incorporate Christian elements into their stories and tell them so beautifully.
What are you working on now?
I am preparing the final book in the trilogy, Wages Of War, for release on May 1st. I am also writing a stand alone woman’s fiction story about a single mother. It started out as a writing prompt found on Instagram and bloomed into a story I think is needed. The main character is single African American woman with a young daughter. She is not single due to drugs, violence or any other stereotypical trauma commonly seen in books. She is experiencing life like every one of us does and trying to overcome obstacles the best way she can, with faith and grit. I am hoping for 2022 release for that.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I have made the most wonderful connections on Instagram, genuine connections that go behind the twitter blasts that I started out with. I recently launched my website and hope to start gaining followers through that platform as well. I have Facebook author page also, but I am most active on Instagram.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Be true to your vision and value quality over speed. It takes time to write, edit, and repeat as often as needed. Your book is an outward expression of YOU so make sure you put your best foot forward. It’s better to measure twice and cut once, then cut too early and realize what you made does not function as you intended it.
I would also say, just start. Take that first step, that first word and keep going. Let it flow onto the pages and clean it up after. Invest in a GOOD EDITOR and COVER designer, you are worth it and you will be proud of the end result.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
INVEST IN A GOOD EDITOR AND COVER DESIGNER! lol, I rushed my first book and relied on the well intentioned help of family members. I am grateful, but those first few reviews were bad. I pulled the book and paid to have it reformatted and edited for industry standards. It made a world of difference.
What are you reading now?
I am reading Raft of Stars by Andrew Graff, just started it today but its good. I finished The Lost Apothecary a few days ago and it was absolutely wonderful.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I plan to keep writing, like I said, I have the woman’s fiction book in the works as well as a children’s book. My goal is to release one or two books a year for as long as I am able and inspired to do so.
If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
My bible and I couldn’t begin to narrow it down further! Something in the fantasy genre definitely and maybe something that could teach me how to get off the island!
Author Websites and Profiles
Nicole Patrice Thomas Website
Nicole Patrice Thomas Amazon Profile
Nicole Patrice Thomas’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
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