Meet Nicole D. Miller | Author

We had the good fortune of connecting with Nicole D. Miller and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Nicole, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
The interesting thing is, I didn’t set out to pursue a creative career. My undergrad is in Marketing, and my MBA is in Accounting. Both of my degrees prepared me to thrive in a business environment; however, while working in corporate and after obtaining my second degree, I was still at a standstill. Amid ample downtime, I rediscovered my love of reading while reading blogs. Then it dawned on me to write one. It was in writing a very transparent post about healing from a hard breakup that inspired my first book. I have been writing and publishing ever since. I took the non-orthodox route into a career in writing, but that is the beauty of being a writer. When you’re gifted, you’re gifted. You don’t have to be educated if you are naturally talented. You do, however, need to sharpen your skillset and enhance your craft, which I have done via writing workshops and different courses. But in the end, even if you don’t set out to pursue writing, as shown by my own life experience, it can pursue you.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
At this stage of my career, I have surprised myself by the works I’ve created and how my businesses have evolved. I never dreamed I could write an entire novel, yet in April 2023, I released my debut novel When Love Wins.

I’m in awe of the doors that have whipped open as a result of me saying yes to purpose. In writing this novel, I discovered my ability to create meaningful dialogue that impacts this culture and generation while at the same time offering hope and encouragement. Pouring my all into this piece was a huge commitment resulting in travel, interviews, focus groups, beta readers, a year-long editing process, on top of marketing/branding/promo, as well as a stellar book launch. Whew! I’m so thankful for all who have cheered me on and supported me on this journey of being an established indie author.

What sets me apart is not just the ability to infuse spirituality in relatable urban cultural topics, but the drive I have to build my writing career as a sustainable business. There are many talented writers and artists that we never hear about because they lack the administrative foundation and business mindset to position their work to be known. I am blessed because I have both this mindset and phenomenal artistic creativity.

I acquired my business background by attending both Miami University and Baldwin Wallace University. Back then, we didn’t have entrepreneur programs, so my natural leadership skillset, coupled with my education, were vital for all my businesses to thrive. Initially, I leaped into entrepreneurship waters via ABN Bookkeeping LLC, where I offered bookkeeping and tax services. I then continued my journey as an indie author and expounded upon it by opening ND Miller Publishing, a hybrid publishing company. We aid aspiring authors in publishing their long-awaited manuscripts.

It has been a slow unfolding of purpose that I am in awe to witness! There were many challenges along the way because when you walk in purpose, you can only see the next step in front of you. Even if you have an inkling, you don’t see the top of the staircase, the ultimate destination, as Martin Luther King Jr. advised. You have to, by faith, take the next step to get there.

Amidst personal losses, unexpected trials, and a lot of rejection for your work, you must keep going. I was able to keep going because of my faith and community. I’ve had to humble myself when my drive and vision were great, but my career was at a standstill. I had to learn that a “no” right now was a “yes” in the future. If God was saying “no” to one thing, it was because He was saying “yes” to something else; I just had to wait for it. I want others to know that you can be successful as an independent author and artist.

As an indie artist, you may have to work twice as hard crafting your art and then positioning it to be seen by the world, but it is possible and even more rewarding. The most challenging path is always the most rewarding path. Even if it hurts right now, take the harder path. You will develop in character and mindset to be able to steward and manage a larger platform. Your future self will thank you!

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Cleveland is chock full of amazing things to do! I love plays, restaurants, bars, little eateries, anything fancy, LOL. During a weeklong stay, I would take a friend to visit the Playhouse Square. We could catch The Wiz on its way to Broadway! Eat at Amba, Lulo, or one of the other chic restaurants in Hingetown. If they’re into the club/lounge scene, we can hit up Rebar or Sylk’s. We can do Motiv Café, Unbar, or Roasted Tremont for a nice little latte. For great wine, we can have our very own tasting at 2You Wines, drink at The Hanger, dine at Michael Angelo Winery, or order a bottle from Magna Wine Boutique and enjoy it at home. We could catch a comedy show at The Improv or Hilarities. Breath in great art at 78th Street Studios, the Cleveland Museum of Art, or Worthington Yards Art Gallery. If there’s a concert in town, it may be at the great Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, the House of Blues, the Music Box Supper Club, or even the Grog Shop. Cleveland is huge on sports and are loyal, avid fans! We would have to hit up a Browns or The Guardian’s game at the Cleveland Browns Stadium or Progressive Field. There is a plethora of open mics that lace the city. Home to a host of networking events and conferences, Cleveland is sure to satisfy your culturally social tastebuds.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My community has been the lifeline to my success. We all face hard things. For me, every difficult season of life has been filled with love, support, encouragement, faith, and hope from each member of my community. Special shout out to my spiritual sisters who have demonstrated steadfast love and commitment on a 20-year journey.

Website: https://nicoledmiller.com/, https://whenlovewins.love/, https://ndmiller.pub/

Instagram: @htohb, @ndmillerpublishing

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ndmillerpub/

Twitter: @nicoledmiller

Facebook: facebook.com/htohb

Youtube: https://bit.ly/46OBUOX

Image Credits
Photographer Steven Jackson of Alien Eyez Photos: https://alieneyezphotos.com/