Today we’d like to introduce you to Niki Lenz.
Hi Niki, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I have always loved books. One of my earliest memories was of walking to the local library with my mom and being allowed to pick out as many books as I wanted. I always loved writing and and making up stories, too. But I never thought of being an author as a real job that an adult could have. When it came time to go to college, I decided that since I loved books and kids that I should be a teacher. I taught Kindergarten for six years, and then decided to stay home with my first baby.
Being a stay at home mom was the hardest but best job I have ever had. But sometimes it could be lonely and downright boring. So when my babies would nap, I would write. I started out writing short stories, then pictures books, and then one November I tried writing my very first novel and I was hooked.
It took many years of writing before I got my first book published, but it was truly like a dream coming true.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
There have definitely been more struggles than smooth road on this journey! The world of publishing requires tough skin. I spent years being rejected by hundreds of agents after submitting more than five manuscripts. Once I signed with my amazing agent, Kate Testerman in 20217 the first book she tried to sell for me didn’t sell. It took six years and more than as many manuscripts before we got our first yes from Random House. Bernice Buttman, Model Citizen was published in 2019 and appeared on many state library awards lists, including the Mark Twain list.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I have published two books for middle grade kids (ages 8-12). Bernice Buttman, Model Citizen (2019, Random House) is about a girl who is a bully that is trying to change her meanie ways. The Stepmom Shake Up (2020, Random House) is about a girl who tries to sabotage her single Dad’s dates. I think the thing that readers love about my books is the humor and heart. There are going to be some pranks and potty humor, but there is also going to be a good message and some meaningful moments.
How do you define success?
I actually laughed when I read this question (How do you define success?) because honestly, I have no idea. I used to think if I could just have one book published that I would feel like a success. Now that I have two real books out in the world, I can tell you that I still don’t really feel like I am a success. So I guess the real answer is being able to make something that you love and share it with others is the most satisfying part of being an author. I love to go to schools and talk to kids about books and writing, and interacting with fans of my books is always really fun.
Pricing:
- Signed and personalized copies of my books are available from my website www.nikilenz.com for $15
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.nikilenz.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/smile4niki/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NikiLenzAuthor/
