Hi, hello, I have not perished.
I think the last time I updated this blog was in 2022. When I started to revamp this site to become my author website, I decided to delete all my previous blogs to start new.
Again, hello! I’m Nikki and welcome to my blog! I reside in St. Louis, Missouri where I live with my amazingly supportive mom aka Mumsie and our adorable cats, Katzilla, Firefly and Betty. I work full time as an Assistant Deli Manager at a small local grocery store. I am the third generation to be a part of UFCW Local 88 following my mom and great-grandfather.
A little more about me is that I love attending concerts, going to the movies and binge watching TV shows. I also love attending fan conventions to meet my favorite celebrities, shop at the vendors’ tables and meeting other fans. I am a HUGE fangirl. I’ve been a part of many fandoms including Harry Potter, Twilight and Supernatural.
I’ve always loved reading and writing. I would devour books as a kid and when I discovered my favorite band, the Backstreet Boys, I was introduced to the chaotic world of fanfiction. I had stacks of notebooks with Backstreet Boys fanfiction written by my pre-teen/teenager self. When I entered adulthood my reading and writing was pushed aside for nights out with my friends and building a life with my now ex-husband. It was in 2015, newly divorced and struggling mentally that I found my path back to reading and writing once more.
Writing For An Audience Of One
I started watching Supernatural right after my divorce because it was a show that the main story arc had no romance. Little did I know that I would end up being inspired to write nothing but romance after falling for one of the main characters in the show. Anyway, I digress… that show brought me back into the world of fanfiction and more importantly a fandom that became family when I needed it most.
The love, encouragement, and support I received from my fandom family I decided to take the leap and start writing my first novel in 2019. The best advice I’ve heard about writing is this, “Write for an audience of one. You.” That is exactly what I have done. The first three manuscripts I wrote are still on my shelf at home. They are proof that I can do hard things including shelving them to never see the light of day.
The imposter living rent free in my mind reminded me daily that this author thing was just not for me. I almost believed her until I attended my first Supernatural convention in September 2022. I met the actor who played my favorite character and who inspired hundreds of fanfics. For four days straight I was in a safe, warm, cocoon with my fandom family and when I came home I found myself inspired to write again. In November 2022, I wrote the first draft of Project Fanfic.
Since then, Project Fanfic has gone through four drafts of edits, a title reveal, Reblogs and Hearts, and now an official release date for Kindle Direct Publishing on June 18, 2024. This novel has sparked the idea of a series of four standalone, interconnected books called the Fangirl Series. Currently I have finished writing book two, Project Rockstar and planning to release it in early 2025.
With the release of Reblogs and Hearts coming, I have made it a priority to focus on my social media outreach, my website and blog. By nature, I’m an introvert. I prefer to be by myself writing, reading, journaling or rewatching Supernatural for the millionth time. Doing all of that will not help me sell my book. I have to reach FAR out of my comfort zone and put myself out there for the world to see. In advance, I’m so sorry for how awkward this will be.
The Future Is Bright
What does this all mean going forward? Well, my presence on my social media accounts and blog will increase. I’m going to try, keyword: TRY, to keep a regular posting schedule. Content will include books I’m reading, promotion for Reblogs and Hearts, project updates on Project Rockstar, and personal life updates.
I’m also looking into having a monthly newsletter with short updates and important dates for my books and any events I may attend. Right now, I’m trying to decide if I should pay for a newsletter subscription or do it all myself.
Finally, I have plans to attend a couple of conventions in 2025 as a vendor and will be selling my first two books. I’m looking into having book merch made as well to go with my books that will be sold as bundles. I’m also going to be making some PR boxes for Reblogs and Hearts to be sent out to some of my favorite Bookstagram and BookTok accounts.
I’m excited for this next adventure of my writing career. I’m excited to share it with all of you as well. I’m hoping you’ll hop on this crazy train and come along for the ride! As Charlie Bradbury from Supernatural says…
NIKKI RAE 