As stated in my last post, Friday was very eventful. I started by day by reading books to my daughter’s class. These little darlings were amazing; they listened, asked questions, and sang the All in Together Girls song. The center director messaged me a couple hours after I left and stated the kids were still singing the song. This truly touched my heart.
Next, I visited my undergraduate alma mater; Otterbein University. I met with a class to discuss my work with individuals with various disabilities, writing, and my books. I discussed career counseling, assistive technology, sheltered employment, supported employment, competitive employment, transition services, and more. A couple of students stayed to talk with me after class. I truly enjoyed speaking with the students about my work and passion. I also enjoyed giving them pointers I wish I knew when I was a student.
This month, I had the pleasure of selling 18 books, which exceeds my monthly goal by three books. This is 19 days before the deadline. I am beyond ecstatic. I am also hopeful, thankful, and grateful. Feel free to purchase a book for yourself, kids, friend, or loved one.
I am excited to announce that Good Morning Amira is now sold at Target. I am truly over the moon right now. I absolutely love Target and spend quite a bit of money with them each week. I’ve bought furniture, household applications, hair products, and more with them. Now, I have the ability to sell my books there as well. It’s a win-win situation.
Good Morning Amira is a book for children between the ages of 0-5 years of age. Amira starts her day each morning completing her morning routine with some help from her mother. This toddler is full of life as she wakes up in the morning to start her routine of washing her face, brushing her teeth, and washing her hands.
It’s a new month! Welcome October. I’m looking forward to this month and continuing with my monthly sales goal. Last month, I tasked myself with selling 15 books a month until the end of December. I only sold 11 books last month. Not quite 15, but I still feel like I have accomplished something. This month, I would like to sell 15 books. So tell your friends and family they still have time to support this effort. I would love it if 15 of my friends purchase a book and gift it to yourself or someone who could benefit from reading more.
Many moons ago, I published my first book of poetry called Poetic Outlets. I put my heart and soul in this book. Check out one of my favorite poems.
I Am
I am versatile When I talk I don’t have to talk really loud I can talk softly However, my voice can be heard for many miles I don’t have to put on a show Like the girls on Girls Gone Wild Like Luther Vandross I only have to worry about The Here and Now
I am calm My personality soothes the raging heart As calm as the Red Sea That many centuries ago Moses parted
So tranquil that I have people amazed before I even start
I am powerful The knowledge that I withhold is deadly Some of my words Are capable of beheading me
I embrace my heritage For many are unable to see The past, the pain Which lead them to be
I am woman I am versatile, calm, powerful and sweet I bring the unity For which you seek I am a great listener For I know you have a story to tell
I am courteous And I mediate well I know you know me For there is one in every family However this is the only time You really took a look at me
This past Saturday, I hosted the Read to Lead/Write to Enlight Book Festival. The book festival was geared towards helping individuals with making reading and writing a part of their daily activities. The event also spotlighted authors in Ohio and an author from Indiana.
Authors were given the opportunity to read their books in front of other people. The readings were amazing. We were presented with stories about unwrapping your gifts, God, overcoming harmful situations, suspense, 80’s Rock, and much more. We even had a book reading that included rhythmic drums and a host of other organized production techniques to tell a love story “that’s not a romance novel.”
This was the first book festival for some authors, while others had already attended 2 or more. The energy in the building was astounding. A reporter from the T&C spoke with me about the event and interviewed a few authors.
If you happened to miss the event, check out pics and videos here.
Author Tyler Porter gifts his book to this familyAuthor JAWS gifts this book to Author Alicia Wiggins Author Colette Harrell is supported by this beautyAuthor Sarah Johnson reads her bookAuthor Jamilah Ewing is supported by a patronThe Read to Lead/Write to Enlight Book Festival Authors Author Sarah Johnson is supported by Author Alicia Wiggins Author Colette Harrell is supported by Author Siarre Lashelle Massey Tyler Porter discusses his bookAuthor Siarre Lashelle Massey discusses her bookAuthor Colette Harrell is supported by Alicia WigginsJAWS talks to patrons about his booksAuthor Ron Cunningham gifts his book to this beautySupporters of the festival and Author Colette Harrell Author Colette Harrell is supported by a patron Author Colette Harrell gifts her books to these patronsPatron displays her goodies on social media appsVideo from Festival #VistaCreateBook Readings #VistaCreate
We are officially in count down mode until the Read to Lead/Write to Enlight Book Festival. Every day, until the festival, I will provide 5 things I am grateful for regarding the festival. So sit back, relax, and enjoy the gratitude.
Music from VistaCreate
5 days away- I am grateful for the organization, Black Children’s Books and Authors (BCBA). Because of them, I am able to support there efforts. In the next few days, I will make a donation to the organization on behalf of the festival. Each year, a new literary organization will be chosen to support and uplift.
Abby L. Vandiver, also writing as Abby Collette and Cade Bentley, is a hybrid author who has penned more than thirty books and short stories. She is both a Wall Street Journal and USA Today bestselling author. Her latest books are A Killer Sundae as Abby Collette, published by Penguin Berkley and Where Wild Peaches Grow writing as Cade Bentley, published by Lake Union. Abby spends her time writing cozy mysteries and women’s fiction, as well as facilitating and teaching writing workshops at local libraries and hanging out with her grandchildren, each of whom are her favorite.
Where the Wild Peaches Grow Synopsis: In a deeply emotional novel of family, cultural heritage, and forgiveness, estranged sisters wrestle with the choices they’ve made and confront circumstances beyond their control.
Nona “Peaches” Davenport, abandoned by the man she loved and betrayed by family, left her Natchez, Mississippi, home fifteen years ago and never looked back. She’s forged a promising future in Chicago as a professor of African American Studies. Nona even finds her once-closed heart persuaded by a new love. But that’s all shaken when her father’s death forces her to return to everything she’s tried to forget.
Julia Curtis hasn’t forgiven her sister for deserting the family. Just like their mother, Nona walked away from Julia when she needed her most. And Julia doesn’t feel guilty for turning to Nona’s old flame, Marcus, for comfort. He helped Julia build a new life. She has a child, a career, and a determination to move on from old family wounds.
Upon Nona’s return to Natchez, a cautious reunion unfolds, and everything Nona and Julia thought they knew―about themselves, each other, and those they loved―will be tested. Unpacking the truth about why Nona left may finally heal their frayed bond―or tear it apart again, forever.
Welcome James A. Wright Sr. (Jaws) to the Read to Lead/Write to Enlight Book Festival. He was born in Lima Ohio. Raised in a military family, he traveled a lot throughout his childhood. He currently lives in Columbus, Ohio, where he works in various engineering fields, such as electrical and Information Technology (I.T). He has received 8 film festival awards, named a finalist 7 times, and received an honorable mention.
Quote from Jaws “My audience of my books will like the up and downs, twist and turns. There is a positive message in all the stories. I hope the readers can find it, through all the insanity and emotion of the book. Ultimately, having readers that like my creativity and the twisted style of the writing, is enough one could ask for.”
Pharafaneelya Thriller Book Series Synopsis: The most recent series takes place in an asylum. An asylum that exits in a world of cursed pages of a cursed book. An asylum that consumes tricked souls as its victims. Victims that are specifically chosen by the spirits that cursed the book, which lands in the town of Pharafaneelya . The first book was released on Amazon in April 2018. The book is packed with action and suspense that is guaranteed to keep reader’s interest from the beginning to the end.
Welcome Ron “Buster” Cunningham to the Read to Lead/Write to Enlight Book Festival. He is a newcomer to the title published author. Although Unwrapped Gifts is his first book publication, his writings span 37 years, beginning with poetry. His haikus and sonnets won middle school writing contests, and his talent would eventually progress him into a lyricist, writing both R&B and Hip-Hop. Ron, or Buster to some of us, would rekindle his youthful passion for poetry, engaging in community readings and developing a passion for the spoken word. His desire to write expanded further into script writing for the NuTalkNow podcast. From here, his writing creativity would further grow into ideas like the NuLeague for Freedom, which was his rendition of our freedom fighters as superheroes with superpowers fighting for freedom in both modern and historical contexts.
Buster, or Ron to some of us, has been grooming his various artistic gifts for years. Musically he was a member of Greenhouse Effect, PipeDown, and the Prophetionals. He also partnered to create Weightless Recordings and would eventually create GyeNyame/God Only Recordings, where he was either a featured lyricist on albums or collaborated with others to bring musical art to its fruition.
“I no longer fear the responsibility of my purpose. I love helping others, which allows me to live in my optimum self. So, when I wrote Unwrapped Gifts, I found my freedom. I found confidence in my authentic self, which is a sense of liberation that is euphoric – borderline indescribable. More importantly, I now know that this euphoria is something that belongs to you also. Therefore, I encourage you to Unwrap your own Giftsand LIVE!”
Synopsis of Unwrapped Gifts: Have you ever asked yourself, “What can I give to make this world a better place?” Your answer may lie within the talent or gift you possess. You may not know what that talent is yet, or maybe you do. If your goal is to leave a legacy by sharing your talent or gift then you should read Unwrapped Gifts to help guide you through the journey while overcoming pitfalls such as fear, self-doubt, procrastination, and distractions. We all need a boost to remind us of our capabilities of doing great things in life. A wake-up call is necessary to cue our urgency in this lifetime. It is critical to know how we impact others and ourselves when we share our gifts and when we do not. You are not too young or old. You can conquer your fears, excuses, and unforeseen challenges. You are good enough to share the gifts inside you; read why!
We are less than a month away from the Read to Lead/Write to Enlight Book Festival. This is the first literary festival that will be held at Otterbein University with hopes of making it an annual event. We will have the following genres: Love, Self-Help, Christian, Movie Musicals, Suspense, 80’s rock, Poetry, and Children’s Books
Join us on Saturday, September 17th for book readings, raffles, and more. Can’t wait to meet you.
Welcome Siarre Lashelle Massey to the Read to Lead/Write to Enlight Book Festival. Siarre is an Ohio born and based writer, storyteller and artist.
Her Solar Return
Her first collection, Her Solar Return, was published in June 2022. Prior to this, she shared solely via blogging. She is here, first and foremost, to share her experiences as a multi-ethnic woman, as a mother, as a person with neurodivergence—-as a human being living and learning and trying to enjoy the scenery along the way.
Brand new feel. Brand new pics. Brand new story. It’s an old title with a brand new outlook and a whole lot of traveling going on. Meet the #Wanderlusts. The Wanderlusts love to travel. They also love meeting new people, art, taking pictures, helping others, reading, and exploring the world. Come travel with them in the re-release of The Wanderlusts. Illustrated by Viviana Moyano, Organized by Zora Nelson and edited by Monae Jones.
Are you looking for books you and the family can enjoy each month? Check out some of my works for you and the family. This selection includes Children’s, Self-Help, Poetry, Thiller, Journal, and Romance/Thriller.
January- All in Together Girl (World Peace)
All in Together Girls is a children’s book that displays and discusses two cousins who play a childhood jump rope game. The cousins take you on a journey to family, friends, and fun. This books allows children to learn the names of each month and experience the activities and weather associated with those months. Shay and Jaye will have you ready to take out your Double Dutch rope and sing with them in their journey down memory lane.
February- Good Morning Amira (Black History Month)
Start the day with Amira as she completes her morning routine with some help from her mother. This toddler is full of life as she wakes up in the morning to start her routine of washing her face, brushing her teeth, and washing her hands.
March- The New Face of Disabilities (National Disabilities Month)
The face of those with a disability is ever changing, making it more and more challenging to determine who has a disability and who does not. Wouldn’t it be a perfect world if everyone was equipped with the right tools to assist those with a disability? Well, why not try to make it an almost perfect world? Melica Niccole provides you with helpful tools to assist you work with this population.
April- Poetic Outlets (Poetry Month)
When it comes to writing books, Melica Niccole knows how to take you on an emotional roller-coaster by poetically entering your spirit and releasing emotions that have longed to be set free. She knows the consequences of holding onto things for so long that a choice has to be made. Her choice was to liberate her feelings with an objective of becoming one with herself. She has been through so much in life that she wants to share her world because it’s all about the lessons you learn and the opportunities you take. Just know that with great success comes great failure and you must continuously push toward a dream and keep your Eyes on the Prize. Melica is a dream big, reach for the stars type of person. She gives special thanks to her mother and father for encouraging her throughout life and always believing in her. In reading Poetic Outlets, you will witness her transition as a writer, which is astounding. The shift will be seen when she discusses depression, society, love, and attributes of a woman. It can honestly be said that this book has a bit of everything in it that draws you deeper and deeper into the author’s thought process.
May- Renaissance of the Psyche (Memorial Day)
Melica Niccole’s fourth book of poetry. In this work, she returns to what she loves about writing and producing poetic flows with passion, love, and dreamy-realism. She pays homage to poets of the past and present in “Respect” and “Long Live the Poet”, takes you on a journey to “Love’s Utopia” and keeps you on edge with “Omen”. You will feel the passion in her heart with every word that you read and every page that you turn. This book is about releasing your soul into the universe by doing what you love and giving life your all. Are you doing what you love?
June- PJ’s World (Juneteenth)
PJ’s World is a children’s book about family, adventure, and fun. Join PJ as he talks Hip-Hop with his cousin, drives a train as a conductor, and becomes a dancer at the dance studio of a world renowned Choreographer. Come and explore with him and be a part of his adventures.
July- Jacob: In the Mind of a Mad Man (Disability Independence Day)
The sequel to Dead Wrong. This book is about the thought process of a mentally unstable individual who could snap at any given moment and he only has one thing to blame; love. How will his love interest respond to his unwarranted advances? What happened in Dead Wrong to make Jacob flip the script? The only way to understand him is to think like him. Now, let’s go deep inside the mind of a mad man.
August- The Wanderlusts (Women’s Equality Day)
The Wanderlusts love to travel. They also love meeting new people, art, taking pictures, helping others, reading, and exploring the world.
September- Football Fumblina (Football Season)
Football Fumblina could have been a ballerina. From ballet shoes to fumbles and tumbles, Fumblina shows the world why she loves being herself and playing a game she does not always win. This game is just like life, sometimes you have to fall to learn how to stand up on your own and go after your dreams. She knows all about falling and working hard so she will be able to change her outcome. Do you have a little Football Fumblina in you?
This poetry book is similar to a nursey rhyme, which allows listeners to hear the words and join in on all the fun.
October- Dead Wrong (Domestic Violence Awareness Month)
Tasha Marie Smith is a smart, goal-oriented woman looking for fun, excitement, and a little money on the side. She is dedicated in making a few extra dollars, while working as a Community Health Prevention Specialist and going to school for her Master’s. Life couldn’t get any better than this. Well, that is until her life takes a 180 degree turn down the wrong direction. She only has one person to blame for the decision that’s herself. How did success lead her here? The price of success comes with a high price, which often times can be everlasting. Is Tasha willing to pay the price of success? Whatever she decides, the decision will leave her body limp with frustration, shock, betrayal, and deceit. Tasha Marie Smith is dead wrong. She will admit her wrongness or feel the burdens of it.
November- My Poetic Soul Unleashed (World Kindness Day)
My Poetic Soul Unleashed is Melica Niccole’s second book of poetry. Melica felt that it was time that she unleashed her soul in the form of poetic words and allow people to witness her talented aura on paper. So many times in life, people tend to see the things that are on the surface without digging beneath the exterior and revealing a diamond in the rough. It’s time to stop recovering items from the surface and start digging for more than the obvious.
December- Event Planning and Task (Universal Human Rights Month)
This Event Planning and Task Management Journal was created for the sole purpose of helping students, innovators, event planners, and new individuals to the field with creating a plan to assist them with developing programs/events. These programs can be developed for the community, higher education environments, financial institutions, and other areas as needed or wanted.
This is just a few of my works to help you make reading a part of your daily activities. Reading is just as important as eating health and exercising. You are actually exercising your brain by reading new, fun, and challenging material. So join the movement and Read to Lead and Write to Enlight
Transitioning or setting yourself on a pathway to success can be very challenging. You have to give endless time and money into making your dream come true. Once that dream comes true, many people never see all the sacrifices you have made, the rejections you have heard, or the feeling of maxing out your credit cards to the point of no return. Well, there’s always a point of return and that’s called success or return on investment.
If you treated your life and your business like an investment, how much would you be willing to invest in yourself? I have been in the publishing industry for about 12 years now and you wouldn’t believe the amount of people who expect free things. From attending book festivals for free, wanting free publicity, to wanting free books. Now don’t get me wrong, free things are nice, but you often get what you pay for. It often makes me wonder how much are these individuals willing to invest in themselves. How much are these individuals willing to help build a community in which we reinvest in each other.
Years ago around 1920, during the times of Black Wall Street, it was said that the black dollar circulated within the community at least 36 times. Do you know how much we could build as a community if we reinvested in our own neighborhoods just by turning our passions into profit?
Well, I’m here to tell you investing and re-investing in yourself and your community can help you turn your passion into profit. Turning your passion into profit is about doing what you love and getting paid to do it. This could be in terms of public speaking, investing, writing books, or other ways in which people will pay you for your expertise.
What I want you to do is assess what you love to do and ask the following questions: Is this something I love? Can I make money from doing this? Have I been making money from this passion? What is holding me back from doing this full-time or part-time? Am I being realistic with myself?
Now I would never tell you to quit your job to pursue your passion. How else would you help fund your passion? I will say where there’s a will, there’s a way. You have to evaluate your goals, objectives, and determine what’s best for you.
Check out my latest book release coming soon. This book can assist you with organizing your passion and working toward bringing it to fruition.
Over the last 18 years, I have worked for a nursing home, day Rehab Program, Community Rehabilitation Partner, and now as a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor, all of which served individuals with developmental and mental health diagnoses.
In 2015, I wrote a self-help book for new individuals working in the field, natural supports, families, and individuals with developmental disabilities looking to gain competitive employment. The intent of the book is to provide terminology of VR language, definitions to diagnoses as identified by #CDC and #NIH and more.The book includes the following chapters
It’s the re-release of PJ’s World. PJ’s World is a children’s book about family, adventure, and fun. Interesting as his activities are, he also talks Hip-Hop with his cousin, drives a train as a conductor, and becomes a dancer at the dance studio of a world renowned choreographer. Come and explore with him and be a part of all the fun.
Building and sustaining a community is more than just talking the talk. You also have to walk the walk. There are various resources in the community itself and sometimes the vessel (Person) becomes the resource.
As a resident of Jersey a few years ago, I saw the disadvantages of some of the youth living in certain areas. I have also experienced it in living in Ohio. My motto is literacy can light many pathways, encourage many people, and help people overcome certain circumstances.
My experience with youth led me to creating a video regarding Tools in Building and Sustaining A Community for the present and future. Below I outline the meaning of each.
Inspire- Inspire people by doing what you love. Inspiration is often passed on directly or indirectly. You never know the lives you are changing simply by living in your purpose.
Build- Build up youth and the community. Help people see their abilities and transform negatives into positives. Sight is often amplified when blinders are taken off and blind spots are revealed.
Support – Support others by participating in programming, donating, or offering ways to promote their mission. A community is about helping each other.
Encourage – Encourage youth and adults to pursue their passions. There are so many lessons learnt in this process. This can teach people to keep going, never give up, or maybe this is just a phase. Who knows what the outcome will be. You never know until you try.
Educate- As stated above, literacy can light many pathways, encourage many people, and help people overcome certain circumstances. Find ways to educate yourself about easy things and hard to understand information. Remember, if you need help, ask someone who will help you understand this information.
Feel free to watch the video below and leave a comment
Melica Niccole 