It's All About The Fans

It was 1 week ago today when my most anticipated novel, Amaryllis, released into book stores. In the writing industry, the opening day is the most crucial. It's the day that publishers watch sales with a magnifying glass. When a novel is placed on a book shelf, whether it stays parked or is sold quickly, determines future book deals. Not only is the author's own publishing house watching sales, other publishers are watching the numbers as well. You see, if an author's book fly off the book shelves on opening day or during the 1st. week of its release, publishing houses smile, they want you and they come after you. A great book means great business in the publishing world. Twice this past week, my publicist told me that I was in high demand. My calendar is filled with book signings, book club meetings and book fairs. But I can't take the credit for anything. It was my fans that placed their orders for Amaryllis months and weeks ago. It was my faithful readers that flooded the book stores on April 1st. to make sure they had their copies. It was reported to me that Amazon.com has sold out of Amaryllis, backorders have been placed. So, I send out my heartfelt thanks to all of you who are spread out across this country, for causing 5 Borders stores to sell completely out of books on April 1st. Special thanks to those of you who reached out to me from N. Carolina, S. Carolina, Ohio, Texas, Michigan, California, Tennessee and California. I appreciate Ellowyn B., who e-mailed me stating that she couldn't wait to relax in the tub and enjoy Amaryllis, her exact words, "It's Amaryllis time". My girl, Cortney, who cheated on her book club and read the book early because she just couldn't wait. Kimberly N., girl, you read the book in just 1 day? Valerie D., you said your daughter thought Amaryllis was even better than A Man's Worth. Taryn, who makes me feel like the Terry McMillian of Christian fiction. Nyisha, you rock! Drusilla & Kara, who found me by chance. The Black Pearls Book Club, the (IWO) Intelligent Women Only Book Club. Phyore, you and I have been waiting on this forever. My publicist, Denise, you've completely taken over my life but I wouldn't have it any other way. Thank you so much for working tiredlessly. My cover model, Latoyia, you fit the description of Amaryllis perfectly. (Yes, she's a real person). To all of my readers, my fans, my followers, and my supporters, y'all did it. Thank you, thank you, thank you and May the Lord bless you all.

Nikita

Amaryllis-In Book Stores Today

Hello, readers.
Today is an exciting day for me and all of you as well. She's been held captive in our hearts for 7 months since the release of my novel, A Man's Worth, back in September. But the wait for part 2, Amaryllis, hasn't been easy for any of us. Just like my faithful followers, I too, am eager to read what the devilish diva is up to now. If you recall, the last we read about Amaryllis Price, she was broken and beaten as she stood across the street from Holy Deliverance Baptist Church where her ex-boyfriend, Randall Loomis & his best friend, Pastor Cordell Bryson, had married identical twins, Gabrielle and Evangelist Genevieve Davis. It was at that moment when Amaryllis realized what she had given up. Seeing Randall with his wife & adopted children could not have been a good moment for Amaryllis. But because vindictiveness and coldheartedness (I think I made these words up) runs through Amaryllis' veins, she wastes no time moving on to her next prey. What is the worse thing a woman can do to her own sister? Yep, you guessed it. There is absolutely no shame in Amaryllis' game when she moves to Las Vegas to live with her sister, attorney at law, Michelle Denise Price. Michelle, a virgin, is engaged to Minister James Bradley and when Amaryllis witnesses the love, affection, and endless attention James showers on Michelle, she concocts a scheme to destroy Michelle's fairy tale wedding plans. James is in love with Michelle and wouldn't dream of doing anything to hurt her or harm their relationship, however, Amaryllis comes hard and blindsides James, that he doesn't know what hit him. Suddenly, he finds himself caught up in a sticky situation that threatens his engagement. James defends his innocence but Amaryllis fights even harder with proof that he's guilty.
Pick up your copy of Amaryllis today at a book store near you.

Happy reading,
Nikita Lynnette Nichols

Book Club Meetings-2 in 1 day

Hello all, I pray that all of you have had a wonderful and prosperous weekend. And speaking of weekends, I'd like to share what mine was like. 1st., I must go back to Saturday, Feb 14th. I was all set to have a book signing for my novel, 'A Man's Worth', @ the Borders book store in Evergreen Park. But I received a call from my publicist, early that morning, informing me that the book store had sold out of all the books that were ordered for the signing. Mixed emotions overcame me. While I was extremely happy that every book was sold, I was also very saddened that I wouldn't get a chance to greet and thank the folks for their support. However, since I had made a commitment to appear @ the book store, I went anyhow and was grateful for the few that had brought their books back for me to sign. Fast forwarding to this past Saturday, Feb 21st, I had the pleasure of being the guest of honor @ the Centennial Church on East 43rd Street in Chicago for their monthly book club meeting. I was told that A Man's Worth had been the topic of many discussions for weeks leading up to the meeting and the members had to force themselves to save all comments for when I got there. From the moment we walked through the church doors, my dear friend, Latricia Collins, and I were showered with love, warmth and plenty of good food. I was amazed @ how much attention to detail was paid regarding the foot fetish my character, Randall Loomis, had with pretty feet in pretty stilettos. The women of Centennial had adorned my table with little pretty stilettos. I was especially in awe of how many women (approximately 40) actually were in attendance to take part in the book discussion. For nearly 3 hrs, every emotion was pulled as we dug deep into the novel. I was even brought to tears when a Mother told me that I was doing something great with my writing. It was a true honor for me to shake the hands of the women who embraced me and my characters. They even sent me home with a gift, my favorite dessert, chocolate covered strawberries. After Centennial, Latricia and I drove further south to Matteson, Il, where we met up with ladies from Salem Baptist Church who afforded A Man's Worth the honor of being their very 1st. book club meeting choice. When we arrived @ a beautiful home, the hostess asked me not to introduce myself as the author just yet because the women present had no idea that the author was invited. I must admit, I had fun blending in with the women, introducing myself as 'Felicia'. I had a chance to sit, mingle and ask questions about the novel and really get to the nitty-gritty on how people felt about it. I was blown away when I asked a lady, "So, did you enjoy the book?" She looked @ me and said, "Girl, yeah, I couldn't put it down. I can't wait til the next one." My heart was bursting as I heard tidbits of conversations all around me about how my book kept their pages turning. Before the meeting was called to order, a game was played where I, Felicia, was to present the winner with her gift. As I handed the gift over to a lady, I asked her name then confessed that I was the author of A Man's Worth. At that moment, mouths were dropped open and the room roared with 'Oh, my God' and 'What' and 'Really'? Suddenly, I had copies of my novel shoved @ me requesting my signature. Again, I was blown away @ the attention to detail because there was a cake created in the image of the cover of A Man's Worth. Sharing the story of Pastor Cordell Bryson, Randall Loomis, and Amaryllis Price, with the women of Salem was a proud moment for me. Listening to the ladies take turns stating what they got out of the book was very overwhelming. Even the hostess, whose name I won't mention, confessed to skipping church and staying home to read because she couldn't put the book down. I was told that my book could easily be a movie and I'm giving best-selling author, Terry McMillan, a run for her money. I'm a true believer that what comes from the heart, reaches the heart. So, I end this blog with many thanks to my readers, fans and supporters. All I can do @ this point is advise everyone to buckle down and fasten your seat belts because the release of my next book, Amaryllis, will hit the book stores on April, 1st. The character you all love to hate is back!

Happy reading,

Kita

T'is The Season To Be...?

Along with being jolly, t'is also the season to be thankful. It's so very easy to complain about what we don't have, and often times, we forget that even though the economy is the worst we've seen in years, we are still blessed with the things we do have. Let's not take for granted that we have the activities of our limbs. Everyone isn't privileged with all five of their senses. So, instead of wishing for bigger homes, newer cars and finer jewelry, count it a joy that you're cancer free. As we approach Christmas day, remember that the birth of Jesus Christ is the real reason why we celebrate. He is the Giver of all givers. Let's challenge ourselves this year and focus on giving instead of receiving. Whatever you choose to give to someone else, whether it's money, time, compassion or if you donate an organ, do it with a sense of love and a pure heart and don't expect anything in return. You'll find that the Lord will bless you abundantly. Give and it shall be given unto you in good measure. Now that's what Christmas is all about.

Kita

To Settle Or Not To Settle? That Is The Question.

Recently, someone asked me if I would ever date a man who was beneath me. I asked the person to clarify 'beneath'. Their response, "Well, you know, someone who doesn't earn just as much money as you. Or someone who resides in a bullet flying, drug overloaded community."
Wow, I was taken aback by this question because I consider myself to be a woman who knows what she wants and would never accept or 'Settle' for a man who couldn't match my income or afford to live in a predominantly white community. But as I stood and really thought about this question, I was forced to face reality and come down from the high horse that I'd been sitting on for quite some time. I reflected back and looked at my track record, as far as my choice of men were concerned, and realized that who I had given my heart to were very well capable of taking care of me financially, (Which was one of my requirements) but not only were they extremely boring but I had to put up with infidelity and neglect. Within the past 2 yrs., I've come to realize that life is too short to put restrictions on a man who hasn't a lot of money but can make me feel like I'm the only woman in this world and shower me with affection and make me laugh when it's raining outside and compliment me and build up my self-confidence and make sure that I have gas in my car and is willing to open doors for me and push me to reach my goals and be at my every beck and call when I need him to be and who's great with his hands and can fix things around the house and has an education and can complete full sentences that make sense and not make me hesitant to take him out in public. Heck yeah, I'll settle for a man like that. And I really can't call it 'Settling', I call it 'Choosing to be happy'.

Kita

Intelligent Women Only

This week, I'd like to share my wonderful time I had this past Saturday with the Intelligent Women Only (IWO) Book Club. I met the ladies at the Oak Park Library and what a time we had going deep into my novel, "A Man's Worth". Saying that the women were on fire for this book is really putting it mildly. At times, we forgot that we were in a library. Our discussion went almost 2 hours long and my characters, Pastor Cordell, Randall Loomis, Amaryllis Price, Gabrielle & Genevieve Davis, and of course 16 yr. old Brandon, had us laughing and getting angry at the same time. I was so happy that each lady contributed to the meeting by stating what she liked most about the novel. And after all was said and done, we ate well. Special thanks to twins, Latonya and Latoya Davis. My diva, Michelle Vaughn, for introducing "A Man's Worth" to the group. Miss Yolanda, who crammed overnight to get the book read. My mother and sister were with me for moral support and I so appreciate them for all that they do. I had a blast. And to finish out the perfect weekend, I joined the ladies at their church, Destiny Worship Center on last night for a dose of Pastor DeAndre Patterson's hooping and hollering. We fellowshipped, we danced, we cried and we danced some more. I walked away with Pastor Patterson's motto: "Don't believe what you see, see what you believe."

Kita

Put Yourself 1st.

Life is way too short to try and please and satisfy those that don't deserve it. As a young girl, I was taught to always love and respect myself more than anyone else would. We must be very careful of those whom we idolize. Sometimes, especially in relationships, we tend to give more of ourselves than we receive. Love is a 2-way street and a healthy relationship/friendship should always be balanced. Be mindful of those that tend to always have his/her hand out to receive your last but is never around to replenish what they owe you in your time of need. Folks can only take advantage of your good heart if you allow them to. Never, under any circumstance, allow someone to become your priority while allowing yourself to be their option. Put yourself 1st.

Kita

Thanks

This week, I will not be blogging about any particular issue. Instead, I wish to send out my heartfelt thanks for the support you, my fans, have shown me on this past Saturday. I had the pleasure of signing copies of my novel, "A Man's Worth" at "Da Book Joint" on the south side of Chicago, Illinois. The owner, Verlean Singletary showed me nothing but kindness from the moment I entered her establishment. It was very important for me to sign at this particular bookstore for the sales are reported directly to Essence Magazine. Well, I'm ecstatic to report that the Lord moved on my behalf and just within an hour and a half of the signing, only 5 copies were left. Ms. Singletary reports that when she received the shipment of books from my publisher 2 weeks ago, people were coming in and snatching them off the shelves. She also stated that in the year she's been in business, only one other author had a complete sell out. The book signing was a major success. The event began at 12 noon and was scheduled to last til 4 P.M. but by 2:55 P.M., I was already on my way home. Although a sell out has been my prayer, it was very much unexpected. I must give a special thanks to my girls, Yolunda, Latricia, Sandra and Karen. Even though you ladies couldn't be with me physically, I appreciate the constant text messages and phone calls checking up on me asking how the signing was going. My very good friend, Cherritta (Sherry) Smith in Las Vegas, I especially thank you for all the pep talks.
Kudos to my mother (Victoria), sister (Theresa), niece (Toiya), aunt (Frenchie), aunt (Michelle) and my dedicated, faithful, loving uncle and #1 fan (Kenneth) who all sat with me and cheered me on. I was so elated to see many of my co-workers. Thanks to Jeanelle Bassett who graced me with her presence, Skokie misses you girl. I finally got to meet my newest fan, Rhonda Gary. Special thanks to my daddy (William) who was just a phone call away on the golf course and to my wonderful brother (Raymond) for creating my book cover in a poster form, it is fabulous.

I'm looking forward to next Saturday, October 11th, as I will be signing more copies of "A Man's Worth" at the Borders bookstore in Matteson, Illinois, on the corner of Lincoln Highway and Cicero Avenue @ 2 P.M. Hope to see you there and please bring a friend.

Peace and blessings to you all,

Kita

Vote 2008

Greetings, all. 53 yrs. ago, a 14 year-old black boy named Emmett Till was brutally killed in Mississippi. 40 yrs. ago, 39 year-old Nobel Prize Winner, Martin Luther King, Jr. was assassinated in Memphis during his nonviolent antipoverty campaign. Last year, 23 year-old Sean Bell was killed by New York City police on his wedding day.
In the words of Editor-In-Chief of Essence Magazine, Angela Burt-Murray, "For much of the past, the reality for too many African-Americans has been one of disaffection, disappointment and despair. More often than not, our dreams of empowerment are sent back with a rejection stamp from the mainstream stating, "No, you can't." Those words have echoed through so many generations that many of us have accepted them as truth. That's why, no matter whom you vote for, the presidential candidacy of Barack Obama is historic. Although he is not the 1st. black man to run for president, he is the only one to capture a major party's nomination. For my parents and grandparents, the prospect of a black president has been as remote as the prospect of catching lightning in a bottle."

Being taught of the struggles, the hangings, the beatings and pure torture of what our ancestors had to endure to make sure that their children and their children's children would have a voice in making decisions involving the matters of the world must urge us to vote. Not only is it our right, more importantly, it's our moral duty and obligation. Shame on everyone, myself included, if you're not registered to vote. How dare we say, "I'm only 1 vote, it won't count."
Look at it this way, if your life was on the line and you needed only 1 more person to speak on your behalf and validate why your life was worth saving, wouldn't you beg and plead for that person to step up to the plate? Well, guess what folks, our lives are on the line, as well as our finances, our job security, our pensions and health insurance. Please do the right thing and vote. We owe it to our ancestors and to our children. It is disgraceful and down right disrespectful to bite the hands of those who have fed us, trailblazed for us and lost their lives so that we can have a voice.

Kita

Baggage

Good morning, all. Recently, I had a conversation with a close friend who is saddened by the fact that she just can't seem to land Mr. Right. In fact, according to her, after 1st. dates, she hardly ever hears from guys anymore. As soon as those words were out of her mouth, I knew what the problem was but instead of me telling her, I wanted her to tell herself. I knew she had a date this past Friday night with this new hot guy she'd been raving about so I asked how the date went. What did they talk about? Where is he from? What church does he attend? Who is his employer? Did he talk about his family? Well, after I asked those questions, my friend went to town and didn't stop talking for about 30 minutes. I was even able to lay the phone down, tend to my puppy, come back to the phone and listen. She never knew I had stepped away. Her problem? She's a woman scorned that talks too much. She told me this hot guy said to her, "So, tell me about yourself." For some crazy reason, she thought he wanted to know EVERYTHING. As soon as she opened her mouth, suitcases, tote bags, briefcases, purses and even shoe boxes of negative information came pouring off her tongue. Within 5 minutes of their date (they haven't even looked at their menus yet), this man knew every detail of her rocky marriage and bitter divorce. Her ex-cheated, he created a child outside their marriage, he did this and he did that. Well, no wonder guys don't call her for a 2nd date. Why should they have to carry all of her baggage? Ladies, when a guy says, "Tell me about yourself", he wants to know about you personally. Tell him your likes, what you do for fun, what creative skills you may have, what your interests are, any goals you're working toward achieving. DO NOT, I repeat, DO NOT bring your baggage and past relationships into your conversation. And please let him get a word in edgewise. Share the table, don't dominate it. Yes, everyone may have a little luggage but men will run away if they feel forced to carry yours. TMI, (too much information) on a 1st. date will not work in your favor. Your new guy doesn't want to know what your ex did. He doesn't want to deal with your reluctance to let go of your past. In fact, today, open all your luggage, suitcases, tote bags and let them air out. Spray them with Fabreeze and get rid of the stench from the past. It's a new day. WOMAN UP. Get over it so you can get on with it. If you can learn to keep your mouth shut on a 1st. date, the guy may find you a bit mysterious and wanna know more about you. And guess what, you'll get that 2nd. date.

Kita