Q&A with featured writer Norma Fay Nicholson
Norma talks about self-publishing, children's literature and connecting with the community
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I met Norma by chance.
I hadn’t been to a writing event in person since before the pandemic, but when I saw a note from the Mississauga Writers Group about an event featuring local authors at a convenient location and time, I thought I’d enjoy attending as a both a writer and a reader.
Just as I was heading out of the event, Norma approached me and pointed out the bookmark I was holding that I had collected when I walked by a table displaying her works. We started talking about Norma’s career in health care and writing, and we discovered that we’re both members of the Mississauga Writers Group and that we were both planning to attend the TD Culture Lab: Breakthrough to Writers Success event a few weeks later (it turns out our assigned seats were next to each other!).
The highlight of attending that local authors’ event was meeting Norma, and I’m so pleased to be introducing you to this kind-hearted, hard-working writer!
Here’s a short bio about Norma: “Norma Fay Nicholson, MA(Ed) BA, is the founder and CEO of IgnitePress Consultant. She is a retired RN with an MA in adult education and a BA in sociology with a minor in psychology. She is a four-time self-published author, educator, public speaker, and community advocate for marginalized youth and families. She connects literature and education to positively impact minority families. She is also an ardent volunteer in her community.” You can learn more about Norma on her website or buy her books online.
Marisa: When did you first know you're a writer, and that you wanted to write books?
Norma: I began writing after I retired and wondered what I could do with the notes in my career journal. I worked in health care for 46 years and wanted to share my experiences to leave them as part of my legacy.
Marisa: Can you tell us about your writing process? For example, when do you do most of your writing, and how deeply do you plan or not plan as you write a new story?
Norma: I go through my journal and use small stickers to highlight the pages that will become a novel. I then develop a draft for the table of contents and do some research on the topics, then strive to write for one to two hours each weekend. I spend more time writing if I need to meet a deadline for publishing.
Marisa: When you’re done writing your first draft, what is your editing process?
Norma: I use the Grammarly app to assist with spelling and sentence formation. I then reread to ensure that I have captured the story accurately before sending my work to an editor whom I would have contacted when writing. (I also reread three times before sending to an editor.)
Marisa: You've self-published multiple books. Can you tell us about how you made the decision to self-publish, and can you share any tips or recommendations to help fellow writers who are interested in exploring this option?
Norma: It was an easy decision after I spoke with agents and publishers about their enormous cost. I am the author and the publisher—I control every aspect of the production of my books, including interior design, graphics, typeface, cover and print.
KDP Amazon provides a lot of support to help you develop and upload your manuscript. You also receive a free ISBN. I purchase my author’s copies and market them while Amazon sells on their platform. I retain all rights to my books.
Marisa: When we met at the local authors’ event, I remember you told me that you sometimes do readings at schools. What are some of your favourite ways to market your stories and can you share some tips with fellow writers to help them raise awareness of their stories?
Norma: I have written three children’s picture books. I talk with parents and their children in my community to obtain information on what they like to read and learn from. I’ve learned that kids like books that are fun, increase their literacy skills and that they can share with family and friends.
I also write novels about funny and serious situations that I’ve encountered in my nursing career. These books are loved by new nurses entering the career, and sometimes readers buy these books to give as gifts.
Whenever I read at libraries, schools, day camps and family events, I’m using my skills to connect and seek opportunities to give back to my Region of Peel community.
Marisa: It's so amazing to hear that you've shared your stories with children! What has it been like, connecting with young readers?
Norma: It has been a wonderful and exciting journey to connect with children, especially those between the age of 3 to 6 years. I share stories about my pet, Codi, and sometimes he comes with me, which makes for a great experience for these children. I’ve even changed some of my presentation styles to include their requests. For example, I sometimes bring a world map so kids can use their creative minds to see Codi travelling on the plane from South Korea to Canada.
Marisa: You've written non-fiction and children's literature. Have you also written fiction? How do you approach your writing process for each of these types of stories differently?
Norma: I have not written any fiction but will one day.
I always think of who my audience is, who will my readers be, and focus on their needs. When writing for children, the focus is on fun and literacy, and for teens and adults, I focus on what they want to learn and act on.
Norma’s newest book, END: Incarceration for Black and Minority Youth, is set to be published in January 2024.
Marisa: What’s some advice that has helped you grow as a writer?
Norma: Your first book will not be your best, but the more you write, the better you will become. One book does not make you an author.
Make your dream of writing a reality. Spread this information on social media.
I find LinkedIn to be a very good platform for meeting other professionals. Attend community author forums, join groups that help you grow, and always have an elevator pitch to share about what you’re writing.
Norma, thank you so much for sharing your experiences with us! I remember when we first discussed the possibility of collaborating on this newsletter when we met, and I really appreciate that you shared with us!
Dear readers, you can learn more about Norma on her website or buy her books online. Norma has written multiple books for children, as well as a non-fiction book about her experience working as a nurse in the health care industry. Her two newest books include:
Codi’s Adventures, Flight From South Korea. This children’s picture book is filled with cartoons for children ages 2 to 6 years of age. You can buy this book by visiting Norma’s website or Amazon.
END: Incarceration for Black and Minority Youth. This book designed for youth and adults is set to be published in January 2024.
Q&As are available to all subscribers, with early access granted to paid subscribers. Access is granted to free subscribers a couple of weeks later.
I hope you enjoy and wish you happy writing!
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