Classy Author Mom on the Street: Nicole Patrice Thomas
Classy Author Mom on the Street Nicole Patrice Thomas brings a creative and inspiring touch to all aspects of her life. Whether she’s writing a children’s book, a Christian-based novel, or enjoying time with her family, anyone will find her presence calming and inspiring!
Read on to learn more about this classy author mom who has given the world some amazing written work!
Meet Patrice
It could be said Nicole Thomas was born with a book in her hand. Reading has always been her favorite pastime, whether a physical copy or an eBook, she is never far from a current read. That love led to creating a world where anything is possible with enough faith.
“I want to create stories and worlds that will 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.”
Classy Author Beginnings
When did you first fall in love with writing and the art of language?
Sometime in my early teens, I began writing poetry. At the time it was my way of dealing with overwhelming feelings and emotions. As I grew so did my love of words and writing. My parents often told me I would use words they had to look up after when I was upset, and it’s something I still do when angry. Write and use big words to express my feelings.
Who are some of the people that have influenced your work, as well as helped push you through hard times of writing?
I am an avid reader and love stories that are able to paint images and create emotions in the reader, so that is what I try to do as well. Whenever I found myself having a difficult time writing, I would stop. Stop and pray. However long it took for me to feel led and inspired again is how long it took. Sometimes, I would bounce ideas off my husband. He gave me the idea for an awesome twist in book one of my trilogy, but for me, time and prayer worked best.
Classy Author Books
What have you published? Tell us a little bit more about your work.
I have a Christian Fantasy Trilogy called Tales of Elhaanai (L-HAN-EYE), a short compilation of poetry, Facets of A Poetic Soul, a children’s book collection, and an Inspirational Journal.
The first book in the trilogy has won several awards and remains my bestseller, the series has been greatly received and reviews have been encouraging that my message of faith and adventure is being received. The poetry book is a small sample of pieces from my adolescence into adult years, everything from love to regret, hope and redemption, and even some humor.
The children’s book, The Flower Girl, has been translated into Spanish and has a corresponding coloring and activity book. It follows Grace as she learns a valuable lesson on obedience and consequence, it is told in a colorful and engaging way that opens the door for conversation between child and caregiver. It has been added to bookstores, libraries, and even schools as far as Minnesota and Oklahoma. The Journal, Oasis: Journal for the Soul, is a beautiful lavender journal filled with pages that wait for you to express your deepest thoughts, fears, hopes, and desires.
It is a judgment-free hug from me to you. I started journaling last year after going through a rocky patch and found it truly helped me navigate troubling situations. I wanted to offer that to others as well. So you will find on the pages, little encouraging statements that I told myself or that others have told me, that helped. I hope it will help you also.
Classy Author Family Support and Lifestyle
Do your family and friends support you in your writing endeavors? How So?
My family and friends are insanely supportive. They buy and share my books, repost my images on social media. They send me opportunities they come across and recommend my work to their friends and family. I have a huge church family as well that does the same, I have made some wonderful connections across the continent thanks to my family. I wouldn’t be where I am without their support.
How do you hope your love of writing and language will influence your children?
I want my children, and all children really, to see themselves reflected on the pages of my books. To relate to the characters and know that no matter how their story starts, they can determine how it ends. There is nothing out of reach if they trust God, follow His plan for their lives, and work their absolute hardest to make their dreams a reality. I want my children to see the joy I get from writing and know they can find something just as fulfilling and follow that dream to joy.
What are your tips for authors going through “writer’s block”?
Do Not Rush. I consider “writer’s block” God’s way of saying, take a break. Because I am a Christian writer I filter everything through that lens. If I tried to write a scene and it just wouldn’t work or I kept getting stuck or it felt forced, then I knew it wasn’t right.
But for every writer, take a break when you need to and come back when you can. It’s ok to not write sometimes.
Classy Author Rewards and Challenges
What are some of the most rewarding and challenging parts of being an author?
Marketing and networking are definitely the most challenging for me. As a self-published author, it all falls to me to get done. Editing, cover design, and illustrations were outsourced so the research in finding the right people for that was hard but not overwhelmingly so. Marketing/networking is hard for me as an introvert, putting my face out there and talking to people is hard. Asking for something is hard. What if they are too busy? What if they say no? What if they don’t like me? What if they don’t like my books? The “What ifs” are terrible. But I have forced myself to push past those questions to find amazing success.
It is so rewarding when you see reviews from parents that say their child has read your book every night for a week or acts out a part of the story. When readers tell you they loved a scene that you took great care in crafting. When you get notified that your books have been added to a new library or school or church bookstore. It’s a giddy feeling like WOW they like me! They like my books! It’s amazing and terrifying and humbling, but mostly amazing.
Classy Author Goals and Future
What are some of your goals for the future, both generally and author-wise?
I plan to keep writing for as long as I am inspired. I have two new books in the works right now, a children’s devotional and a woman’s fiction, that I hope to have completed in the next year or two. Short term, a special edition of my trilogy will be released in April to celebrate its anniversary. And in general, I want to buy a house, get a dog and deliver this baby that is currently kicking my ribs lol.
Where can people find you on social media as well as your website?
I can be found on social media @nicolepatricet on all social media platforms, including Instagram and Facebook and my website is www.nicolepatricethomas.com
I love interacting with readers so I tend to respond within a few hours unless really busy.
Where can people purchase your books?
Signed copies and wholesale orders can be placed through my website, they are also available on Amazon, B&N.com, Target.com, and Walmart.com
Pretty much everywhere books are sold! And if you walk into your local Barnes and Noble or library, you can request the books and they will order them for you.
Classy Author Style
Which three words best describe your style?
My style has changed so much over the years! Pre-kids, I tried to be sexy; post-kids, I just want to be comfortable! But in general, I love to look classy.
What are your favorite places to shop?
It used to be New York & Co before they went out of business. I could always find something there to rock. In recent years I have found their sizing and quality has gone down, so I mainly buy from Amazon.
Who’s your favorite style icon?
I don’t have one. I learned modesty from my mother and other women in my family so I kind of adapted from that and made it my own. I have a lot of bright colors, African patterns, and heels in my closet.
What’s your best style advice?
Be true to yourself. Don’t follow the crowd, most of them are usually very uncomfortable anyway.
What article of clothing/accessory would you not want to live without?
EARRINGS! I feel naked if I leave without having at least studs on. Also a really good bra! I am a larger chested woman so I go to get fitted and it was a GAME CHANGER. The girls stay where they are meant to be and I look slimmer!
Which trend would you want to see make a comeback?
I have never been one to follow the trends so I couldn’t say.
What should NEVER make a comeback?
I wish crop tops would go away forever lol.
What fashion/style did you love at the time but now cringe when you see old photos?
I grew up in the church so when I see myself in boxy suits, I definitely cringe. But I didn’t have a say back then; now I do!
What’s your best style secret?
No secret, good makeup, good undergarments! A good bra is essential and there is nothing wrong with wearing a girdle.
Stilettos or flats?
I can’t manage stilettos anymore, so heels are 3.5 inches or lower. I also don’t really wear many flats. ( I have flat feet, so they hurt after a while) so a cute wedge sneaker or sandal works for me.
Classy Author Family
What’s your favorite way to spend time with your family?
We love visiting our extended family and throwing some stuff on the grill in the warmer months. We just hang out really, laugh, and play games.
What’s been your best family vacation?
As an adult, we haven’t had one yet. My parents took the grandkids to Disney a few years ago. I went, but ended up getting heatstroke and being wheeled out of the park! My husband and I went to Niagara for a few days last year and that was really nice. Hopefully, we can get a real family vacation soon.
Best parenting advice:
Be firm. Yes is Yes, no is no. Pay attention to them and be present. Let them explore what they like. My daughter prefers science and math over reading, she took horse riding lessons and swimming lessons. She has puzzles and things that she made out of modeling clay all over our apartment. Expose them to a wide variety of activities so they can discover what ignites a passion at a young age.
Parenting true confession:
I should have been firmer with my daughter, now she thinks everything is a negotiation! And she is really good at it!
What’s your go-to family dinner?
Honestly, we order food a lot. My husband is a much better cook than I am but works nights. We are also quick to toss burgers or hotdogs or wings in our air fryer! That thing is the absolute best!
What’s your favorite family restaurant?
We don’t have one at the moment. We like to try new places. Most recently, Grande Lux Cafe has been on my craving list. Their chicken and waffles are absolutely delicious!
Classy author Life
What’s your favorite show to binge-watch?
I have a very wide range of tastes so it depends on what I am in the mood for. My family watches Survivor together. I just finished watching 1883, a western series. But I’ve binged The Witcher, Wheel of Time, Secret of Sulpher Springs, The Good Doctor, Bridgerton, and Sweet Tooth.
If you could pick anyone to star as you in a movie based on your life, who would it be?
No clue. I could say Keisha Knight Pulliam because people have said we look alike, but I really never gave it much thought.
What’s your favorite beach read?
I don’t read at the beach lol I want to get in the water and relax on the sand, but I would be too busy keeping an eye on my kids.
What song would you dance to when nobody’s watching?
Every song! Who doesn’t dance when they are cleaning?!
If you could go shopping with anyone from history, living or deceased, who would it be?
No one, I actually prefer shopping alone. Unless they are buying me stuff.
What’s at the top of your travel bucket list?
I just want to travel! I would love to visit Australia, Ireland, and Scotland.
What’s your favorite way to unwind at the end of a long day?
A clean and quiet house, warm chocolate chip cookies (that I do not have to share), a glass of milk, and a book.
Classy Author Mom
We love how Classy Author Mom on the Street Nicole Patrice Thomas has truly lit up wonder in the world through her words. Be sure to check out her books on her website and follow her on Instagram to keep up with her work and any other news!
For more interesting and inspiring moms, be sure to check out FamilyApp’s Mom on the Street page!
