Today I’m excited to introduce my surprise guest Nikki Wright.
Nikki is the publicist and marketing director for Mountain Brook Ink. She wears multiple hats and coordinates many of the behind-the-scenes administrative duties for MBI. In other words, she’s the cog in the machine that keeps things running smoothly. She also shepherds her authors with loving guidance and abundant grace. I simply adore her!
Now, friend, grab your favorite hot beverage, settle back, and prepare for an encouragement boost.
Welcome, Nikki! Take it away!
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My publishing house turned five this year and of those five years I’ve been with them for four.
While I’ve been involved in the writing world for thirteen years as a writer, a virtual assistant, a teacher, an editor, and more, I never would’ve guessed I would work in the publishing profession. Writing, editing, administrative work, and encouraging aspiring (and published) writers was just something I naturally did to pass the time until I discovered where I was really supposed to focus my energies.
That’s funny, isn’t it? How one day you realize you’ve been where you were supposed to be all along!
One of the best ways to connect with readers and to network is be authentic. But it’s always easy to tell other people to Be Real than it is to discover how to do that ourselves. (Click-to-Tweet)
Whenever I’m working with new authors I try to find what makes them tick. Why did they write their book? What makes them really happy?
One of my authors loves quilting. Another loves trying new things. Still another one of my authors (HINT: Her first name is Cynthia and her last name is Herron) radiates joy and encouragement like a mini-sun.
For people who haven’t asked these questions before, it can be a rough journey to figure out boundaries between what to share and what to keep private. And, unfortunately, finding this balance is important to finding and fostering a healthy, meaningful tribe. (More on finding your tribe here.)
You want to make money off your books right away, of course! But you also don’t want to come off as “just buy my books and go away.” There’s a lot of trial and error regarding marketing strategy, but there is also a lot that goes into learning your own heart. (Click-to-Tweet)
What has God put in you to say? To share? How has He formed you to love people?
Some people figure this out quicker than others.
Personally, it’s taken me a while.
I was referred to MBI’s head, Miralee Ferrell, by a client of mine, Donita K. Paul. Within a week I’d heard about the job, been interviewed, and hired. I was so excited to finally be on a professional path that would take me somewhere.
I figured my heart was to encourage authors and help them sell books. What I didn’t count on was the next year.
I lost my grandma, my grammy, my aunt, my uncle, my mom’s cousin, a great-uncle, and then I lost a mentor to suicide. I also had a massive breakdown, moved to another state, started counseling when my depression was so bad I could barely answer a one line e-mail, severed ties to hostile roommates, moved again in Colorado Springs, and started medication.
I also lost my trust in God. Repeated abusive church environments and constant, shame-based teaching had caught up with me and I was constantly scared and angry and confused. Through this, the Christian fiction I was reading for work triggered more pain and confusion.
But what I’d assumed would just be a job became a journey of dismantling every fiber of what I believed faith and grace and love and hope to be.
Instead of “just a job,” Miralee Ferrell counseled, supported, and listened to me through multiple counselors, friend blow-ups, and denomination shopping. When I expected her to fire me for my “poor Christianness,” she loved me and showed me Christ in His beauty, a sharp contrast to the condemning image I had in my head.
Today, I’m still not 100% sure what my authentic self is. But I know that God has melted my heart on many levels to mold it with deeper understanding, love, humor, and kindness. (Click-to-Tweet) I learned that, as a dear friend of mine said, I never want to be known as unkind. I also know that even through the ugly times, I am loved and cherished by the Creator of the Universe.
Today, I work with over 20 authors, run most of MBI’s social media, our website, do royalty reports, process book orders, expand our network, keep things organized, head up special events, and more. I write theology articles for teenagers on popular culture and mental health at 412teens.org. I’ve learned the beauty of joy and grief and love and hope. I’ve cried and rejoiced with my authors and strangers alike.
It’s okay if you haven’t found “your thing” yet. You are being shaped in mysterious ways. You may find your heart has been shaped to cry kinder, hope brighter, love gentler, and so many things I can’t even list. Being created in the image of a Creator means your journey has countless possibilities. It is okay to take your time to find them.
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Bio
Nikki Wright, MBI Publicist
Nikki Wright has worked with a diverse collection of aspiring and published authors since 2005. Every author writes for a different reason and has a different heart they are trying to paint in words. Nikki’s passion lies in helping authors to be the best they can be in their own voice.
Off the page, Nikki has a cat named Faust, an assortment of plants seeking global domination, and a tendency to stare off into space contemplating some deep question she’ll forget momentarily. She resides in the great frozen land of Northern Idaho and drinks coffee by the bucket.
Connect with Mountain Brook Ink:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/mtbrookinkbooks
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mtbrookinkfiction/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/mtbrookinkbooks/
Website: http://mountainbrookink.com/
Connect with Nikki:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/nikkinoellew
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nikkinoellew/
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SHARING IS CARING
She suffered loss, crises, and multiple disappointments. The last match on the bonfire was something she didn’t see coming. How this professional coped and her encouragement to you!
Do you struggle with authenticity? Think no one notices—or worse—that no one cares? Ditch that thought! Here are a few truth bombs for your troubled heart.
Original Image Credit: Free Photos/Pixabay
PLEASE CHIME IN!
Have you struggled with finding your authentic self?
How did you navigate that season?
What tips would you have for others who are experiencing this or something similar?
***
Wow. Please pass the tissues!
Thank you, Nikki, for sharing so honestly. I know your story and your words of encouragement touched readers’ hearts today. You certainly blessed me, my friend!
Authenticity is an area we all struggle with at times. It’s especially challenging to “be ourselves” when we’re not quite sure how we’ll be perceived, and it’s equally debilitating when we’re still figuring out who we are.
I appreciate the transparency of this post, and I pray that Nikki’s words might be just the balm you need today.
Here’s to purpose and loving our authentic selves just as God does!
Much Love and Many Blessings,
Comments 18
What a beautiful post. It’s amazing how God uses our hurts and pain to create a new, more vibrant faith. I also had healing to do regarding some church issues. After falling into a depression, questioning God, being mad at the church, and finally seeing a counselor and getting on medication, I found God in a way I hadn’t before (and I’ve been a pastor’s wife for over 30 years!) I’ve learned there is no shame in getting help. There is grace for everyone. And sharing ourselves and our journey with others can help others find wholeness. Your post is inspiring and I applaud you for being real!
Thank you so much for sharing a bit of your story too, Sherrinda. <3 Learning about the true dimensionality of grace is the lesson I wouldn't give up for anything.
Author
Nikki’s words touched me so deeply, Sherrinda. Sometimes, wounds and heartache aren’t palatable conversation, but these are issues that we should discuss openly. I think we’d be surprised at how many people identify with Nikki’s thoughts today. Thank you so much for stopping by and adding your perspective, my friend!
What a great message! After my breast cancer diagnosis in 2005, I stopped working and focused more on volunteering and writing. I actually had people say to me, “Oh, you don’t do anything outside of the home?” or “What do you do?”
Frustrated by those type of comments, I felt I couldn’t be my authentic self. After prayer, I realized God has called me to write, to volunteer, to share His love with others in ways that are outside of retail, selling insurance and substitute teaching.
I am thankful for His guidance to follow a new path. Now, when people ask me those questions, I can truly say with joy, “I am a writer and I also, volunteer in church and community.” 🙂
I came across a lot of comments like that too when I was just doing “unorthodox” jobs instead of retail. At one time I worked for a taxidermist as an apprentice, at Mountain Brook Ink as a publicist, and then at Subway as a sandwich minion… And the only thing that people recognized as valid was Subway!
But even though people don’t always understand, God’s creativity in the paths He has laid out for us are far, far more diverse than any one person can identify as “normal.” <3
Thank you for sharing, Melissa. It's always wonderful to hear from you.
Author
Melissa, I’m so sorry you dealt with such a lack of sensitivity after your surgery. Ugh. You know, I think only when another person has walked in our shoes can they truly understand. This is why it helps to chat about these issues and bring them to the forefront. Everyone has a story. We never know what’s behind the facade. I appreciate so much the way Nikki shared her heart, and I believe her words ministered to a lot of wounded souls today. Thank you for weighing in, friend!
Oh Nikki, thank you for sharing your story with such courage and honesty! I truly believe Christians will only become relevant to “the world” again when we’re brave enough to be authentic about the struggles and tragedies we face – like depression and anxiety and breakdowns. And experiencing abuse within church congregations at times and being tormented by legalists who create schisms within the Body. Until we’re all willing to humble ourselves and share our personal truths with others how can we be authentic witnesses for Christ?
The wonderful thing is that when we lose our trust in God, He never loses us. He hasn’t moved from our side one iota. I’m so happy that Miralee was there to be your Barnabas and love you in Christ and love you back to health!
You have a powerful testimony and thank you again for sharing it today.
“The wonderful thing is that when we lose our trust in God, He never loses us. He hasn’t moved from our side one iota.” <– This. I remember so clearly being curled up on my bed crying, many, many days, and finally realizing "If God doesn't change, doesn't that mean His love and care for me doesn't even if I can't trust Him?"
It was a life-changing moment that has set a lot of the course of my life.
I agree, too. That it's crucial we share the messiness of our lives even when our thorns in the flesh haven't been completely, neatly removed. God is always working, and it's so important that those still in the midst of despair no they aren't alone there too.
Author
Wow, Laurie—your comment packs a punch. This needed to be said! When we’re “authentic,” it doesn’t mean we’re failures. It means we’re confident enough to chart a new course from maybe where we’ve been and encourage others to join the ride. Thank you for chiming in, friend!
Nikki, your heart and God-given purpose for encouraging authors shines through your words. The trials make us stronger. We are so fortunate He provides people to walk with us.
Your post is an amazing blessing. I’m reminded of the broken vessels mended with gold which become more beautiful in their recreated form. (I can’t remember the name of this Japanese art form.)
Your story of struggling through depression and finding you are exactly where you belong is inspiring. Thank you for sharing your heart! Blessings to you and your journey!
Author
Sherida, Nikki’s heart shines through her words. She is indeed such an encourager! Thank you for stopping in, my friend!
Thank you for your kind words and encouragement, Sherida. <3
Thank you for sharing so honestly and beautifully Nikki. I agree with the other commenters here who have expressed their belief that sharing our struggles, pain, and doubts with each other as believers is so much more powerful and healing and freeing than attempting to keep up a façade of perfection. As an MBI author, I also appreciate everything you do to encourage and support us every day! May you be blessed today and every day as you follow your calling.
Author
Sara, I feel the same way you do. We all struggle at some point. When we know others have experienced something similar, it encourages us that there is light at the end of the tunnel. And I mirror your sentiment, too—MBI is blessed to have Nikki as our author advocate and cheerleader!
I am so thrilled to get to know you better, Sara! Thank you for being part of the MBI family, and so much for your encouragement. <3
Nikki is a treasure that I hope I/we never lose. She’s my right hand, my idea-bouncer,
my advocate and so much more here at MBI. A few days ago she contacted me and
asked if the staff could start praying together once a week, for our own needs and
those of the company. I don’t know why none of us thought of that, but I’m so
thankful she did. God has done an amazing work in Nikki since I met her, and I’m
grateful He allowed me to be a small part of that ongoing work. This young woman
has become like an adopted daughter, and she brings much joy and blessing to my life.
Miralee, this made me tear up. Thank you so much for your kind words. <3
Thank you for your vulnerability and for sharing, Nikki. As you know, I love the team at Mountain Brook.
May God continue to shower His love on you and guide and direct you every day as you bless those around you.