Today we’d like to introduce you to Amy Nicolai.
Hi Amy, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
Thanks for having me on the platform! I’ve always worked with kids, and I’ve admired their imagination and creativity. I guess it’s because I feel like I don’t often use my own as I think I have to be or act a certain way. It took me a while to realize I love writing for kids–especially picture book stories. I didn’t allow myself to get into writing until a couple of years ago, after my son was born. I was so overcome with love and admiration for my tiny little guy. Honestly, it’s also a little scary to enter into motherhood, wondering if I can be the best mom my child deserves and noting all the worst-case scenarios. I took all my overwhelming feelings and channeled them into writing. I started writing poetry for my son, and I eventually began writing stories based on a precocious, brave little boy named Gabriel. I joined local writing groups and started submitting my writing. Part of me felt like I needed some validation that I could actually “be a writer.” I had to remind myself that the most important part of my writing journey is leaving something behind for my son.
Along the way, I won a gold award for the unpublished children’s picture book category and the overall grand award for Best Children’s Book at the 2020 Florida Writers Association’s prestigious Royal Palm Literary Awards. I believe that children are the heroes of their own stories; I’m just grateful to have the opportunity to document their adventures by putting pen to paper. I feel like I finally found “my thing,” even though it has been staring me in the face all along. I recently found a paper I wrote when I was in 2nd grade, where I wrote that my dream job was to be an author. For some reason, I got way off track and pursued everything but writing. I’m finally finding my way back 25 years later! It serves as an example of how sometimes children know best.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
It has been a smooth road in some ways, but in other ways, not so much. Creative writing is a challenging and subjective field, but it’s a field people go into out of passion and almost a need to write. When I first started writing, I felt the weight of my responsibilities even more as I tried to carve out time for writing. I’m a teacher, and my husband works long hours, so time is in short supply. However, I believe if you truly want to do something, you’ll find a way. For me, that means staying up late to work on my stories and fighting the desire to get things done around the house during my son’s nap time. I had to learn how to fiercely protect my writing time. The other major struggle is self-doubt. I still combat feelings of not being good enough. Even after winning in my category at the Royal Palm Literary Awards, I still wonder if maybe they mixed my name up with someone else’s (imposter syndrome rears its ugly head frequently).
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
My background is in education. I’ve been a teacher for the past six years. However, I recently took the plunge to start writing–both professionally and creatively. Last October, I won a couple of awards during The Royal Palm Literary Awards Competition hosted by the Florida Writers Association for my first unpublished children’s book, “Gabriel Goes Up.” Of course, I’m proud of earning such a respected award, especially considering there were over 500 submissions across all genres and categories. Still, I think what I’m most proud of is finally stepping outside of my comfort zone to write. Honestly, I’m not sure what sets me apart from others. I know I have an almost obsessive sense of determination; if something is important to me, I’ll find a way. I think I also finally learned how to live outside the confines of my mind, at least to some degree. I think there were times in my life where I got stuck in a negative cycle, but I’m choosing to focus elsewhere. I’m living more with the question of “why not?” sounding off in the background, as in “why not just try?” I think I also welcome discomfort because I look at it as a growing pain. I know if I’m challenged or living outside my comfort zone, I’m changing. Change is good.
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
Everything I do is for my son, Gabriel. He is my inspiration, and I also learn so much from him. I look at his resiliency, courage, and excitement to try new things. Gabriel has helped me awaken in the sense that I continuously become more self-aware and strive to be my best for him. He has changed my world for the better.
My husband has always offered his encouragement and support. He’s also a great example of not letting things get him down. He handles stress better than any person I know–I want to be more like him in that way.
My mom frequently took me to the library at a young age and helped foster a love of reading. She’s also the first person to read all my stories and one of my biggest supporters.
My dad is a professional writer who always looked over my work as a kid. As a published author himself, he’s offered some advice and encouragement about how to navigate the publishing world.
My sister is a creative force who has inspired me in many ways. I look up to her and know I can always count on her.
My brother is a source of encouragement and positivity. He has the best sense of humor that offers comic relief at just the right time.
My Aunt Deb has always cheered me on, even from afar, and celebrated my victories. She’s been a big source of encouragement.
Also, big thanks to the Florida Writers Association (FWA) for being a shining example of its motto, “writers helping writers.” I found a professional writing home in FWA and took a chance by entering the Royal Palm Literary Awards. Thank you for choosing my work to win an award and for lifting up writers in every way possible.
A thank you also goes to my students–past and present. Thank you for reminding me of the simple joys of childhood. Sometimes I think the world demands too much of you. Just remember that your most important “job” is to be a kid and delight in the beauty that comes along with that.
As a writer, I feel I hold onto a little bit of each person I’ve met. I feel like I’m a puzzle, and every person I’ve come across has contributed to the puzzle pieces (the puzzle is a work in progress). The people mentioned above comprise some of the most significant pieces.
Finally, thank you so much, VoyageMIA, for letting me tell my story here!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://medium.com/@amyrosenicolai
- Instagram: @amy_rose_nicolai
- Twitter: @amyrosenicolai
Image Credits
Wioletta Bublik
