Urban-Reviews.com - Inside Out

Urban Reviews: Start by telling our readers about Paper Doll.
Nicolette: Paper Doll is a story about a girl who wants it all and stops at nothing to get it. She wants a prestigious career making her own money along with consuming any man's money that crosses her path. Sex, deceit and page turning drama is what’s filled this novel along with a strong message to watch what you do in life because, everything comes back to you.

Urban Reviews: What inspired you to create this particular storyline?
Nicolette: I wanted to write something that I think women would be able to relate to. I wanted to keep my readers interested by pouring different emotions in my story to make my readers laugh, cry, and leave their mouths dropping to the floor. I believe the main character in the book Karen Whitaker AKA Kay has a personality that every woman carries a piece of but is too scared to expose so they suppress it.

Urban Reviews: You released Paper Doll novel under your own company Ebony Eyes Publications. What made you decide to self-publish?
Nicolette: Well since this is my debut novel, I knew I had an explosive story but felt if I was to let someone else publish it they would reap the majority of the benefits; I couldn’t allow that to happen. This story is truly my baby and I felt I had to represent it wholeheartedly. What better reason than to take matters in my own hands, and start my own business in the process.

Urban Reviews: What would you say are the strengths and weaknesses of self-publishing?
Nicolette: The strengths are you are your own boss and you have total creative control over everything. I wrote and published this story the way I wanted but did receive great advice that I could or could not take, it was my preference. Financially there are strengths and weaknesses but I found it to be strengths. Yes, you have to put up all your own money, which may cause a dilemma for some, but you have to remember with the right promotions and people on your side it will all come back to you and more. I am fortunate to say so far my self-publishing journey has been a positive one.

Urban Reviews: What lead you to pen your first novel?
Nicolette: I felt it was something in my heart that I had to do. A little voice in my head over three years ago told me I would one day write a book but when I really became focused and put my fingers on the keyboard, nine-months later my creation came to life. My grandmother also started writing a book but never finished. She passed away when I was a little girl so when the idea of a book came to me, I knew I had to finish a personal journey my grandmother started. Maybe one day I will be able to finish and publish her story.

Urban Reviews: Can we get a sneak peak at your next book?
Nicolette: Well since I received such a great response for a sequel to Paper Doll, I’m sure I will have to deliver that with delight but not until my third novel. I have already started working on my second novel. It’s an idea I had in me from the start and didn’t know which to write first. Since this story is still a work-in-progress, I wish to keep it under raps for now. But you best believe Nicolette will satisfy readers with an undeniable, greatly-plotted, page-turning story once again!

Urban Reviews: Who are some of your favorite authors or books?
Nicolette: I have to take my hat off first to Sister Souljah for writing The Coldest Winter Ever. She opened the doors for so many authors of my style of writing and made us realize that we had stories that needed to be told and had a huge reading base that would love our stories. Second, hands down would have to be Zane for introducing us to such a seductive style of writing. She had me peeking at her books thinking what if someone caught me reading this, but at the same time couldn’t dare put it down. I embrace my writing in both styles to create my own vision. Lastly, as a writer I always want to mature in depth so Maya Angelou is a person who definitely inspires me and I only wish one day to have a writing voice as loud as hers to be heard.

Urban Reviews: What is your impression of the book industry so far?
Nicolette: I feel like it’s a way for authors to express their creative minds and get paid for it in the process. It’s an unbelievable journey I wished I started a long time ago but everyone has a time and my time is now. You definitely have to have some good people on your side that know the in’s and out’s of things. You have to research and stay on your grind. It’s a 24-7 hustle where only the strongest to survive. I know in the end I will be left standing because my drive is too crazy for me not to. It’s so much I have still yet to learn but I have the wonderful backing of Nakea Murray of the Literary Consultant Group, my publicist/consultant that is a beast in this book game so I learn as much as I can from her. I absolutely love this industry and truly feel this is what I’m meant to do.

Urban Reviews: What are your goals as an author?
Nicolette: One of my biggest goals is to always grow as a writer. I mean my debut novel Paper Doll breaks down doors in regards to how explicit it is but I felt I had to do that for people to notice me. I feel once I gain recognition, I want to give my readers so much more than scandal and deceit but things to also enlighten them and for the readers to enjoy it just the same.

Urban Reviews: Name one thing that the world does not know about Nicolette - the person?
Nicolette: I have always been afraid of was taking chances. Well, I’m here to say I took one of the biggest chances of my life by self-publishing my first novel and I have no regrets. I learned that the only way we grow in life is when we take chances and even if things don’t work out the way we’d planned, it’s better than being stuck in the same position always wondering what if. Now, I don’t have to wonder what if anymore because I took a chance and followed my dream.