Nicole D. Collier grew up just south of Atlanta, GA, the only child of an accountant and a public school librarian. A graduate of Atlanta Public Schools, she taught fourth grade before becoming an author and personal development coach. She’s also a National Writing Project Teacher Consultant. 

Nicole’s writing illuminates the challenges and rewards that come from learning to be true to yourself. Her debut, Just Right Jillian (HarperCollins/ Versify, 2022), was nominated for several state book awards and was named a CCBC and a Bank Street College Best Book of the Year.

Her sophomore project, The Many Fortunes of Maya (HarperCollins/ Versify, 2023), earned starred reviews from Kirkus and Publishers Weekly, is a Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection, and was selected as a Book All Young Georgians Should Read. Her next middle grade, The Best Friend Bracelet, is forthcoming (2024) from HarperCollins/ Clarion.

She is a proud Rattler, a graduate of Florida A&M University (FAMU). She also earned an M.S. from Florida State University (FSU), a Ph.D. from the University of Georgia (UGA), and is a National Writing Project Teacher Consultant via the Red Clay Writing Project.

In all of her endeavors, Nicole is most passionate about helping people mine the wisdom, compassion and courage for change. A self-proclaimed ever-victorious woman, she’s been known to run, dance, and turn cartwheels on sunny days. The empty-nester currently resides in St. Petersburg, Florida, with her husband, Phillip.

School Visit Presentations

Inventing The Wheel – 45min in length (Great for all ages. 45 min)

Nicole shares her writing process from idea through finished draft using photos and excerpts from one of her novels. She provides an insider’s view of the editorial and cover design process.

Master Your Mind – (Great for writing clubs or lifelong learners (grades 3 and up) | 45 min)

Nicole always wanted to become a children’s author, yet she didn’t publish her first novel until her late 40s. She shares about her journey to publication, and her tips to master your mind reach your dreams.

Writer’s Workshop – (Best for grades 4+ | 45-60 min Max 30 students)

Using passages from Nicole’s writings and/or select mentor texts, students analyze and discuss key qualities before writing, revising, or critiquing a short piece of their own. Can be customized to align with lesson plans or units.

Constructive Conversations (Best for grades 4 and up | 45-60 min Max 30 students) 

Just right for writers ready to offer and receive critique for revisions. Nicole discusses roles in the writing process, and the difference between revision and editing. She shares about the importance of critiques for revision, and offers a sample critique protocol, along with time to practice. [Participants should have a short passage ready for feedback. For a longer workshop, we can draft a short piece and solicit feedback].

 

For Adults & Teens

The Neuroscience Of Creativity: Crafting A Personal Victory Strategy – 60min – Can also be offered as a 3 hour workshop

During this interactive talk, Nicole shares about the ways the brain processes threats, why it can hinder your creativity, and what you can do to boost your chances of creative success. Participants leave with a personalized list of actionable habits.

Constructive Conversations – 60min – Can also be added as a 3 hour workshop

Just right for writers ready to offer and receive critique for revisions. Nicole discusses roles in the writing process, and the difference between revision and editing. She shares about the importance of critiques for revision, and offers a sample critique protocol, along with time to practice. [Participants should have a short passage ready for feedback. For a longer workshop, we can draft a short piece and solicit feedback].

Testimonials

“We loved having Nicole visit our school and meet our grade three to six students. She did an outstanding job relating her books to our students! Her advocacy of being true to yourself resonated with so many of our students as they devoured her details of drawing inspiration from her experience. She also talked about how she crafted different characters and asked for students’ input for her new book, which excited the audience greatly. They felt as if Nicole was someone who “got” them and understood their social and emotional struggles. We can’t wait to read her next book!” – Jun Niu, Holton-Arms School

“Nicole was a fabulous speaker for our school’s virtual author event. Our entire school community read her book Just Right Jillian as part of our One School, One Book program. Her virtual visit with our staff and students was the perfect culminating event to celebrate a successful  program and hosting her virtually meant every student and staff member in our building could easily participate. She was warm, personable and shared with us about her journey to becoming an author in a way that resonated with our elementary students. I would highly recommend hosting Nicole for your next author visit.” – Natalie Johnston, Murphy Elementary

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Availability and Honorariums