Recently Georgia Grace Nickles entertained members of the Copiah Academy class of 1988 as they and their guests toured to see updates to the school since their graduation. Georgia Grace is the author and illustrator of the children’s book, Ornaments Are Important Too! She donated a copy to the Copiah Academy library.
This 30-page paperback reminds young children of the benefits of being positive. It is designed to be easily read by beginning readers and has simple geometric art that will make children want to duplicate. The simple story was conceived as she helped her grandparents hang some sentimental ornaments on their Christmas tree.
Although bright and shiny ornaments are frequently treasured and win the coveted placement near the top on the front, the simple, homemade craft ornaments bring out the feelings of love and joy. Maybe they deserve a special place as well. The book is available on Kindle for members of Kindle Unlimited. Check to see if a special child needs to hear this story.
Georgia Grace Nickles is the daughter of David and Cynthia Martin Nickles of Canton, GA. Her grandparents are Linda Martin of Hazlehurst, MS, Gene and Eva Martin of Bentonia, MS, and Alfred and Georgia Nickles of Alpharetta, GA. Georgia Grace is a graduate of Creekview High School in Canton, GA. Georgia Grace enjoyed cheering during her elementary, middle school, and high school years. I was privileged to teach her mother at Copiah Academy.
Her hobbies include fitness training, tumbling, running, hiking, writing, and drawing. Georgia Grace is attending Mississippi State University as a freshman. She will major in Kinesiology. InOrnaments Are Important Too, her message of positivity “If you stay positive, great things can happen!” can be applied to any of life’s situations.
Georgia Grace is currently in the process of publishing her second children’s book. This book’s theme is being true to who you really are because that’s what life is all about. Plans are to have this book available in the fall of 2018. Below we have some answers about her writing.
Is there a message in your book that you want your readers to grasp?
The main message in my book is for readers to learn to stay positive. I’ve learned growing up that if you choose to stay optimistic, any journey you encounter turns out more enjoyable and pleasant.
What are your current projects?
My current project is my second children’s book. I have written and illustrated a chapter book. I am in the final phases of getting the story into book form. I plan to have it published as well.
When and why did you begin writing? How did you get started as a writer?
I began writing my first children’s book at the end of my junior year in high school. The reason for starting my book was “truly a gift from God”. It came about while I was helping my Gigi decorate her Christmas tree. I asked myself, “What if ornaments had feelings?” From there, my writing creativity began to flow and my story and illustrations were put on paper.
Do you have a specific writing style?
I would say that I write with a descriptive style. I have enjoyed writing descriptive stories that everyone can relate to and picture in their minds. I hope that people can read my books and put themselves in the lives of my characters so that they may connect to my message.
Do you see writing as a career? Second career?
I can definitely see myself continuing to write and illustrate. However, I do see it as being a second career. The stories I have written have come to me over time. I feel that if it was my main career the pressure to write and illustrate would cause me to stress and not write a book worthy of reading.
Is there anything you find particularly challenging in your writing?
When beginning to write my story, I write out an outline of the plot. Once I get my outline mapped out I would think that would be enough. I then have to brainstorm ideas and add in the little details. This step takes more time in bringing the story together in the reader’s mind.
Other than your family members, who has supported you most and how?
After introducing my book to my friends, they continued to motivate me. They would spread the word to other people. From there I have only received positive feedback from my story and illustrations.
What are your hobbies?
Other than writing and drawing, I enjoy fitness training. Activities I enjoy most are lifting weights, running, or simply going on a walk with family and friends. I love the concept of feeling strong by living a healthy lifestyle.
Who designed your book covers?
I designed my book’s front cover. It was really fun designing a cover that catches the reader’s attention. My back cover features a picture of me in one of my favorite Christmas hats. It tells about my life, my family, and a short summary of my book.
How do you help new writers?
If I were to give advice to new writers, I would say to write about something that people can relate to and give a message or lesson to learn. Your goal as a good writer should be to leave your readers with something to think about at the end of every story.
MISSISSIPPI WRITERS' PATHWAYS 