What is the first book that made you cry?
“Heaven is for Real” by Todd Burpo is the first book that made me cry. During that season in my life, I needed a message of faith. I needed to see God in an atypical way and I found Him deep in those chapters and I wept. It got so bad one night I literally had to stop reading and resume reading on the next day it because I could not stop crying. I often say the season in a person’s life determines how he/she will be impacted by the rain. And although I am ordinarily a pretty tough cookie, at that moment in my life, I did a little more than shed a tear.
What is the most unethical practice in the publishing industry?
I cannot necessarily speak to the most unethical practice in the publishing industry because I have not done the research. But I can say from my observation I believe deceitfulness is definitely a commonly immoral practice. I believe deceitfulness strips a person of their innocence. After their naiveté is exposed they feel violated (or ashamed). Once a person feels like they have been deceived they will never patronize you again.
What are common traps for aspiring writers?
Getting lost in the feedback. After a person has written and in their opinion finished their manuscript, a person coming back with a lot of feedback can be overwhelming, intimidating and discouraging. They should let the feedback challenge them to another level of writing.
(Also, attempting to complete a piece overnight may not always happen. Sometimes we have clear and free flowing nights but other times it may take longer. Be content to take small steps. Our book may not be finished when we want but we should not give up)
Do you think someone could be a writer if they don’t feel emotions strongly?
Yes. Some people are creative. They write from their imagination rather than their heart or personal experience. Strikingly the outcome is believable even if they do not believe it.
What does literary success look like to you?
People/Readers being positively impacted by the content of my books.
What did you edit out of this book?
Messages that did not match the tone and flow of the book. Also clichés and common phrases. I may write them down but if I keep them I must explain them in detail. But for the most part, I delete them.
What is your favorite childhood book?
The Ugly Duckling by Hans Christian Andersen. I felt I was an ugly kid and I always had hope in a good outcome for my life. I believed One day I would find my niche and the place where I belong and my finish would be so much better than my start.
Do you believe in writers’ block?
Yes. For me sometimes I am working on something while having other competing priorities and my thoughts do not flow the way they would ordinarily flow if I approached writing with a clear mind.
Were you good at English?
No failed English composition several times consecutively in undergraduate school. I could not properly compose a paper. I eventually learned how to write in a public speaking class in my junior year of college.
What genre are your books?
Religion/Spirituality/Faith
What draws you to this genre?
Often times we hear messages reminding us that we need to live righteously but very few teach us how to live to please God (and how to overcome temptations). Consequently, we make mistakes we did not intend to make.
What have you written?
Affirmations, Children’s books, adult books, blogs and more
Where can we buy or see them?
They can all be found on www.nicoleajones.com
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Nicole A. Jones is an avid writer, published author, and successful businesswoman. She is the founder of N. Jones Enterprise LLC, En Prose, and N. Jones Music. She also collaborates with notable music producers as a distinguished songwriter.
Ms. Jones started writing as an avenue to relieve herself of the pain of several consecutive losses in her life but over time she had accumulated a collection of writing in the form of poetry, journals and songs.
When asked, what makes her writings so unique, she says, “I am not a distant writer; I walk through the storms of life with my eyes opened. I not only know what fear, pain, and hurt feel like, I also know what they look like. Despite the boisterous winds and rain and dark clouds I’m facing, I write. I write through my agony and my tears because I know that in the end, I will not only have the ability to relate to others but will also have the ability to explain the measures I took to get out of my storm.”
She adds, “I am not a storm chaser. I do not go looking for storms but if I happen to become caught in one, I try to benefit from it.” She concludes, “Personal failure and personal difficulties can be outstanding resources in our lives but it is the way we employ them that determines if we excel forward or remain stagnant.”
Ms. Jones earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Public Health from Dillard University and her Master of Business Administration from Stratford University.
Ms. Jones currently resides in Northern Virginia with her family and enjoys participating in community outreach activities.
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