Nicholl McGuire Media Publications

Thanks so much for your support!  May you stay safe this holiday season and have a great year!

Tips on Writing Creative Nonfiction Stories and Feature Articles by Nicholl McGuire

If you're thinking about writing a creative nonfiction story or article, there are a few things you should keep in mind. 

First, your piece should focus on true events. This means that you'll need to do some research to make sure your facts are accurate. However, don't let the research process overwhelm you – remember that you're telling a story, so the most important thing is to keep your reader engaged. You can see an example of this when you read my work, “Say Goodbye to Dad” which has a variety of experiences fatherless daughters and sons have incurred but also there is research to explain personality disorders and unhealthy relationships.

Second, while it's important to stay true to the facts, don't be afraid to inject some creativity into your writing. After all, the whole point of creative nonfiction is to tell a fascinating story that will captivate your readers. So don't be afraid to use literary devices like similes and metaphors to bring your story to life. This had been done in my poetry anthologies: “Floral Beauty on a Dead-End Street”, “Laboring to Love an Abusive Mate,” “Laboring to Love Myself”, and “Spiritual Poems by Nicholl.”

Third, make sure you have a clear focus. creative nonfiction stories and articles can be about any topic, but they should always have a central theme or message. Once you've decided what you want to write about, brainstorm some ideas and think about the best way to structure your piece.

Finally, don't forget to edit and proofread your work before you publish it. Even the most well-written story will benefit from being read aloud and from a second pair of eyes – so ask a friend or family member to read over your piece before you hit "publish." By following these tips, you can be sure that your creative nonfiction story or article will be captivating and enjoyable for readers.

Get started working on your book today!  Start with an easy-to-use platform that I have partnered with Bookemon.  The set up is quick.  You are able to use templates to create your work and the turn around to print is reasonable. You can also create audiobooks!  Learn more by clicking on the image below.  

All the best!

On Writing About Yourself

"I was thinking..." the start of a statement like that and it puts everyone on notice.  Yes, thinking can be dangerous to anyone who chooses to act in fear rather than love.  I choose love and have been choosing love when I write for decades contrary to what any critic would like to think!  I love victims, survivors and victors.  I have trouble loving enemies that is why I lean on God since he commanded we do so. This is why it is a must that I tackle any work I produce with God in the plan, because any other way I would then consider myself a fraud.  I don't agree nor do I support that kind of foolishness!

Maybe it would be easier for some of you reading this blog post to draw out your personal truths by doing the following: writing a song, singing, drawing, painting, dancing, acting, producing a play or traveling.  Whatever you choose to do, don't leave this world without being honest with yourself and those around you!  

Let's start with a little self-examination, shall we?  Prior to you reaching out to me or someone else to possibly tell your story, consider the following:

1) What do you want the world to know about you and why should they care?

2) Who are you really trying to help?

3) Why should we listen to you?

4) Will you approach the work ready to pay to create it, cry as you reflect on past memories, beg someone for a second chance, borrow from those who don't mind sharing, avoid the temptation to steal from those who put their time in..., are you sincerely ready to complete what beckons you to share?

5) How about who or what is it that inspires, motivates, and moves you to love them, and once again, why should we care?

6) When do you plan to pen, speak, or type your work and how might you stay motivated in completing your work?

7) What if you knew you were going to die tomorrow would all the hope to create your work really be necessary?

Part of knowing whether you are in fact honest with yourself and others is to interview yourself.  You will soon discover that you aren't ready just yet, but your getting there.  So go back to doing what makes you feel comfortable, isn't that what typically happens anyway?  Whatever it is that keeps you distracted from tending to what really matters and that is what your soul is telling you.

The reason why most people don't really commit to writing a book or any creative work that exposes them (although they desire to) other than those laughable excuses, "I'm too busy" or "I don't know what to write about," is they know they can't be honest with themselves or anyone else!  Those excuses, depending on who is saying them and how they are saying them, are funny to me, because I know they make plenty of time prepping food for a holiday gathering where stuffing faces is a requirement and I know they have some idea of what to talk about, because they sure know how to talk themselves out of doing things that might leave them feeling vulnerable or talk about what others are doing that they are not!  Therefore, there is still time for some individuals to figure out what they would like to leave behind for us all, but not so much for the many hard-hearted (even in my own family.)

People aren't getting any younger and so the clock of life continues to tick.  The thought of why you made certain life choices and not others gets buried.  Why you do what you do is never explained.  Who you really are when there is no makeup, wig, or nails polished...?  What you really stand for when no one is interviewing you?  When did you stop striving for that one dream and picked up a career instead?  Why you married who you did and did you ever plan on being a parent?  

A lot of people will check out of this world never telling us how old they are, who their parents are, the secret life they have lived, how broke they really are...we will learn from kinfolk or strangers, we will learn something in their passing that would have been better said had they told that above ground.

When you write or create something about you, let it be honest, straight from the heart!  Be vulnerable share your regrets, faults, and other weaknesses just as much as you share your achievements!  Social media is encouraging false narratives to be told for many people.  Let me help you write an honest life story in your very own words!  Begin your journey with me today!  We will go over your book idea and as your book coach, I will be there to encourage and advise for a reasonable rate.  Simply send an email to:nichollmcguire@yahoo.com with, "I need a book coach" in the header.

Most recently I decided to finally share a chapter of who I am, not in the traditional fashion of nonfiction books filled with challenges and wisdom like what I have already written (I have 17 self-published books now), but simply showing my story in stillness and peace I have found during my family moves.  I started out in Pennsylvania; however, I have lived in Ohio, Georgia, Colorado, California, Illinois and have visited my share of states. 

I didn't build upon any of my creative works by diving right in; rather, I started my writing quests in stillness then the words came.  In order to visually see what I am talking about and wear one of my timeless gift items, check out my new shop, "Stillness Gifts" here. I will be periodically adding more products soon.  Feel free to like, share, and purchase these eye-catching items today!

Nicholl

   

When Mothers Cry Author Nicholl McGuire Radio Interview with Host Chris Moore

Spiritual Wisdom - Life is Too Short

Exciting times ahead whether good, bad or otherwise!  Get ready for serious life changes all around.  What you see now in media, is only the beginning of more to come.  From wars and mayhem to major businesses laying off dedicated employees from around the world, one will need to have a plan of action to weather the storms!  If you are a person of faith, you need only to rely on your God, but for others they will have difficulty trying to comprehend the castatrophic events that will come their way.  

I have seen and witnessed people trying very hard to run from life troubles using addictive drugs and alcohol to cope while others are immersing themselves in a variety of jobs and hobbies.  However, the events that beckon you to take ownership and work through them will not continue to be put off or away.  You must do something!  As some wise counselors have told us time and time again, "Life is too short!"  It truly is!

When I think back on my own personal and professional life challenges, I marvel at how far I have come with the help of kind souls and an awesome God, but I also realize that my existence is but a minute in time, and before long, I will join the many others who have left this world.  Our reunion on the other side will be magnificent--one of rejoicing and celebration!  When you walk with your personal savior, there is no doubt about your relationship with Him and the perfect world that awaits far beyond this one!  

More and more people are recognizing that there is more to mind and body as they sit in quiet and deep mediation.  They realize they are compromised of a spirit that surpasses all man-made reasoning that embodies a Creator who wants nothing more than to connect with the lost souls of man, woman and child.  How awesome would it be if flawed human beings would humble themselves before the great I Am and finally commit their lives to Him!

Although this blog has typically been about my work online and the services I provide to businesses, I periodically share spiritual wisdom and personal faith to remind those who have spent much time running the rat race while forgetting the one who got them the job or business in the first place!  There is more to life than just money, cars, homes, travel, education, networking events, customers, and paying growing bills!  Have you heard from your Creator lately?

I think of the many professionals I have connected with over the years.  We had lively discussions about the spiritual condition of people and how might they be better at communicating their concerns, living out their spiritual callings, and overall being the new and improved human beings they desire to be.

Lately, my sincere prayer has been that the world will experience the years of peace as promised in the Holy Bible before destruction comes.  I also pray that all might come to know Jesus before they close their eyes.

Back to work....until next time.

Nicholl McGuire