Author Carol Nickles

This week’s Writer Wednesday is Carol Nickles of Fremont, Michigan! Carol is the sixth generation of a German textile aficionado family. In 1881, her great-great-great-grandfather founded Yale Woolen Mill — the longest-lasting of Michigan's once 29 woolen mills. Carol earned a master’s degree in Historic Clothing & Textiles at Michigan State University partially by writing a narrative of the Yale Woolen Mill. She held faculty positions at both Utah and Michigan State universities. She enjoys spinning a tale, weaving a story and threading a luring hook.

We’re excited to host Carol for a virtual book release party on June 22 at 5:30 p.m. for her debut historical romance novel, “Thumb Fire Desire.” One hundred and forty-one years ago, more than 2,000 square miles of forests and towns burned in the thumb-shaped peninsula of Michigan. Residents tried to outrun the flames, jumped into wells, rivers and Lake Huron, sheltered in ice houses and cellars, under tobacco leaves and burrowed into the ground. Yet 242 people died.

This tragedy is the backdrop for "Thumb Fire Desire,” coming out this month. Learn more and meet Carol at the event! Get tickets.

Pre-order your copy from 27th Letter Books. You can select free in-store pick-up after June 22, or have the book shipped to you!

Learn more about Carol below!

What is your favorite part of the writing process?

It’s a grueling process, but I love the editing stage! I liken it to careful, creative and systematic manuscript accessorizing.

What does your writing workspace look like?

I am drawn to the light. Our kitchen layout features ample open space with natural lighting on the east, west and south, and that is where I gravitate with my laptop and stack of scrap paper. I like to start my day with freshly sharpened pencils standing in an empty, pretty coffee cup to the right side of my laptop. 

What is your favorite non-writing hobby?  

Portraying Mrs. Claus.

What is your favorite piece of writing advice?

Put your trust in a developmental editor. You can find freelance developmental editors online. Look for editors who are willing to give you a sample copy of their work and compare their efforts. Select from there. What do developmental editors do? They are somewhat like story architects. 

What writing projects are you currently working on?

“Beards, Brunscrackers, and Snowflake Kisses” is a contemporary holiday romance that releases Fall of 2022. “Past Preserve Us,” a romance set in a 1970s Michigan college campus, features a textile curator and a mammal researcher thrown together in preservation and conservation work and fall in love. This manuscript won second place in a national romance writing contest.

Follow Carol on Instagram at @carolanickles and visit her website carolnicklesauthor.com to learn more.