The WRITE Prompt had the pleasure of speaking with Nicole Thomas, a successful, self-published Christian historical fantasy writer and author of Tales of Elhaanai.

Nicole shared with us some of her hard-earned lessons, her secrets for landing so many Amazon reviews, and some sage advice that all up-and-coming authors should hear.

Nicole has always had a passion for writing. As a teenager growing up in Queens she preferred poetry. As an adult, she turned to longer prose. But it wasn’t until very recently that she first felt the need to publish one of her works.

Once she set her mind to it, nothing was going to stop her.

Nicole’s first book, Tales of Elhaanai, has a 4.5-star rating on Amazon with an impressive 50 reviews. The sequel, The Prophecy, is due out on January 31st, 2021, with the final installment of the trilogy expected to launch later this year.

You can connect with Nicole Thomas via her Facebook page or follow her on Twitter.

Tales of Elhaanai

One died so he would inherit the crown. The other killed to take it. Only one can keep it. Evil has seeped through the cracks of the monarchy bringing death and darkness where there once was light. Thinking to take control of the dark magic the usurper is caught in her own snare and thrusts the Kingdom into the waiting arms of The Dark Lord himself. Caught between reality and destiny Alric will have to learn to fight and stay one step ahead of the hunters seeking his life. Can he save the Kingdom from sinking into total chaos? Can he stay alive long enough to do it?

Tales of Elhaanai: The Prophecy

Alric and his sister Elainea made it to the top of the mountain, only to return home and find heartbreak waiting for them. The king, long thought dead, has returned and with his reappearance offers Alric the means to escape a destiny he never wanted. Plagued with self doubt Alric unearths an ancient relic, a sword with a gem imbued with power in its hilt, he hopes by wielding it that it will help him become the man, the KING, everyone wants him to be. But his desperation has the opposite effect, unleashing a wave of darkness that drags him down a path of pain. The fulfillment of the Prophecy has become the driving force behind every action, it holds the key for defeating the dark lord and restoring balance in Elhaanai but will it claim the soul of the one trying to save it in the process.

TWP: What was your road to publishing like?

Nicole Thomas: I would say I ran full force into a brick wall expecting to burst through like wonder woman only as a best selling author!

Yeah, did NOT happen, lol.

I released my first book amid enthusiastic encouragement from friends and family. Though well-intentioned, I needed a professional eye, and after receiving lots and lots of negative feedback about grammar problems, formatting problems, and types, etc. I pulled the book from the virtual shelves and hired a professional editor.

The best decision I could have made.

Now, I am even prouder of the work I am putting out there knowing its been given my full attention and investment. Could it be better? Of course, almost everything can be improved with the right help, but I am happy with the books.

TWP: Do you have any favorite writing prompts, exercises, or routines that help you stay focused?

Nicole Thomas: Prayer for me has been the key, my books are faith-based and as such, I try to consult God on what to write and how.

There is no cursing, no sex scenes, in fact there is no romance in the book at all.

I believe in my work and am willing to work hard for it to reach the masses.

I am most inspired to write early in the morning or while I am at work (Shhhhh lol) and anything can create a spark and set me off on a writing binge. The first book was written in 30 days!

TWP: What was something you experienced after publishing your book that was unexpected?

Nicole Thomas: The most unexpected thing for me was the one critique I received based on the Christian aspect of the book.

It is by no means a “preachy” book but if you are aware of the faith, you will be able to spot it woven throughout the pages.

What surprised me was the harshness that one person judged me without even reading the book, claiming I was promoting witchcraft and how God detest magic and everything else along those lines so I should be ashamed of myself.

I was upset and initially wanted to lash out, but took a few moments to breathe and then responded in a private message. If you are a reader of C.S. Lewis or Bryan Davis who incorporates dragons In his series you know allegory is a common way to showcase faith, and other topics, to a more mainstream audience without the reader feeling as if you are shoving it down their throats.

I felt attacked and it hurt, but at the end of the day that is one person amid the hundreds that have actually read and loved my books so I must be doing something right.

TWP: You have a ton of great reviews on Amazon. How did you manage to accumulate so many reviews?

Nicole Thomas: Getting reviews is definitely one of the hardest tasks we writers face.

I have sold over 100 ebooks/paperback copies and have 50 reviews listed on Amazon and about 40 on Goodreads. I have no idea why it’s so hard, but it is.

Outside of editorial reviews, I do not use paid review services as Amazon forbids them. I hound family and friends, I send free copies to bloggers and do book exchanges with other authors.

Not everyone will like your story and that is alright; criticism hurts but glean from those comments what will make you better at this craft and leave the rest behind.

I post a lot on Instagram and joined Facebook writer groups, I have listed my book on free review sites and just about everywhere that I can imagine! I am always on my phone, looking up new websites and groups that could potentially bring my book into greater light.

I believe in my work and am willing to work hard for it to reach the masses.

TWP: Lastly, do you have any parting advice for aspiring authors who are hoping to one day be published?

Nicole Thomas: Just start, get those first words down on paper and go from there.

After that, HIRE AN EDITOR, work out a payment plan if you have to, but it is absolutely necessary unless you have a degree in English or something like that.

Then, write for yourself and be true to your vision. Not everyone will like your story and that is alright; criticism hurts but glean from those comments what will make you better at this craft and leave the rest behind.

Cry, scream, workout, listen to music do whatever it takes but keep pushing forward. And lastly, keep reading. Reading other books will help you write better ones. My word for this year is HOPE: Having Only Positive Expectations.

And I am trying to keep that in the forefront of my thoughts. Failure is only a guarantee if you never try.

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