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Nicola J Rowley

Author Nicola J Rowley

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Walton-on-Thames author

Successful Publication Day for James and the Birthday Balloon

by Nicola Jane Rowley

What an amazing publication day for my latest children’s picture book James and the Birthday Balloon.

After a flurry of activity, I’m delighted to say that within 24-hours the book was number five on Amazon.com‘s bestseller list in its category.

That’s no mean feat when you consider how much competition there is in children’s fiction and literature not only here in the UK but also worldwide.

A huge thank you to everyone who has downloaded the book and to everyone who has helped me produce it, including my wonderful US-based illustrator Samantha.

I should mention that there are a couple of days left to be able to get it for FREE, but then after that point, it will go back to its £2.99 price point.

Of course, I should mention that one of the biggest reasons to get the paperback edition is that you get a FREE audio version of the story narrated by the super lovely TV’s Dr Ranj (CBeebies Get Well Soon and ITV’s This Morning).

And for every hard copy sold I’m donating £1 to Evelina London Children’s Hospital to support the great work they do in providing care and life-saving treatment for children in south London and beyond.

Happy reading… x

Starting to Live Your Dreams and Throwing Caution to the Wind…

by Nicola Jane Rowley

It’s not always easy telling those closest to you that you’re throwing caution to the wind.

That you’re choosing a path they don’t necessarily approve of. That they don’t understand.

A pause, followed by a silence and then, “but what will you do, you know for money…”

And you try and tell them that it will be ok. That everything will work out. Because you know this is where you need to be. That every single thing in your life so far has been leading up to this.

But they still can’t quite grasp or understand where you’re coming from.

It’s called Faith.

And that path might not be the right one for everyone to tread.

But it’s right for me right now and I can’t wait to walk down it to who knows where.

And yes I could stay safe, working normal hours, feeling trapped, or I can choose to fly. And guess which one I choose…

And I haven’t even scratched the surface yet and I know that.

And there is part of me that doesn’t know how it will happen.

I don’t think we’re ever meant to know everything.

But my WHY is huge and it anchors me to everything.

The dream of writing, of creating and achieving what I always wanted to. When this calling first came looking for me aged seven.

Way back when I wrote my name on the sand and stood proudly behind it. Just as I’m about to stand proudly by the next thing I create.

I can’t wait to share it with you.

The second charity is on board, the second book is with the publisher, illustrations all complete.

And there’s more.

Another special calling for working mums who need to know there is hope and support and friendship out there.

When they are torn between both the job of nurturing their little ones and their day jobs. Mums like me who strive for balance.

And remain grounded through their very reason for being.

Each one of them. Absolutely amazing, albeit exhausted.

This is for them. A salute to some of the most incredible women I know.

Follow your dreams whatever they may be.

For we have one life, no dress rehearsals, so we need to shine.

So they too grow to be inspired and in turn go on to inspire others… x

PS If you’re a working mum and would like to join what will be a lovely supportive and inspiring FB group please email me and I’ll be in touch very soon x

Pinch me it’s really happening…

by Nicola Jane Rowley

This weekend I took delivery of the first copies of my debut children’s book, James and the Amazing Gift.

I can’t even begin to tell you how excited I was to open that first box when it arrived!

It’s been an extremely long journey to get here, especially as it was my childhood dream to write and publish a book. Now several years later, pinch me, it’s really happening.

This book is incredibly special to me, not least because it is about spreading happiness and positivity through a small act of kindness.

In James’ case, it is his gift of passing on a simple smile, that has a real impact on everyone he meets.

When my illustrator read the book for the first time, she said, “the world needs this message right now, more than ever.”

My partnership with UK charity Contact the Elderly came about after I volunteered at one of their brilliant tea parties in London. Before that, I’d never heard of the great work that they do.

When I mentioned that I would like to work in tandem with them to raise vital funds, it went from there. One pound from every copy sold, will now go to them.

Here’s to Friday’s publication date… x

Nicola J Rowley Hersham based children's author takes delivery of her debut book James and the Amazing Gift
Copies of James and the Amazing Gift arrive ahead of the publication date