Posts

Thought of the Day: It’s Not Your Fault

  By J.E. Nickerson   Sometimes, no matter how hard you try to be there for someone, your words just don’t land. Not because you failed. Not because you didn’t care. But because they’re tired. Stressed. Overwhelmed by their own storm. And it hurts — deeply — when your love meets a wall instead of a heart. But hear this: It’s not your fault. You showed up. You gave. You tried again. And that matters. It’s okay to feel worn out when love feels one-sided. It’s okay to need rest, too. Let this be your reminder:  even the strongest hearts need room to breathe. If today has left you feeling unseen, give yourself the grace you would give someone else. You’re allowed to need care, too. For more reminders like this, explore my books or visit the blog. If today has left you feeling unseen, give yourself the grace you would give someone else. You’re allowed to need care, too. For more reminders like this, explore my books or visit the blog. 📚 And if you’re new here, I’m J.E. Nicker...

How to Create a World for Your Characters

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  By J.E. Nickerson  We all live in a familiar world of our own making—our homes, our neighborhoods, our routines, and the people we hold close. Just as you have a world you’re at home in, the characters in your books need a world that feels natural to them, too. Whether you’re writing a standalone story or a series that follows the same characters, building a world around them helps readers connect. A strong setting grounds your characters, deepens your plot, and makes your story more memorable. When I was writing the  Eddie and Freddy’s Adventures  books, I started by imagining the world from Eddie’s perspective—a little boy with endless energy and curiosity—and his puppy Freddy. Each story takes readers through a day in their life, weaving in interactions with Eddie, his mother, other family members, and new characters introduced across the series. It feels natural to readers because they’re watching a Eddie move through a world that fits him. ⸻ What I Learned Abo...

💡Thought of the Day Jun 18, 2025💡

  I take full responsibility for my health and wellness. Even if others don’t understand my routine or lifestyle choices, that’s okay. What matters is that I stay committed to self-care and consistency. By showing up for myself every day, I build the energy and strength to show up for the people I love. Your WordPress plan may be full — but your creativity doesn’t have to be boxed in. Download this free checklist and free up space in just  5 easy steps . 📚 And if you’re new here, I’m J.E. Nickerson — children’s author and inspirational storyteller. You can check out my books  here  or follow me on  YouTube  for more inspiration and encouragement on this writing life.

5 Evening Affirmations for Writers: Reflect, Reset, and Reignite Your Creativity ✨🖋️

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  When you’re finally finished with the day’s work and you are ready to unwind, it might be hard to turn off your writer’s mind and allow your body to relax and transition into your evening routine. Sometimes it might feel as though you haven’t worked enough on your project to earn a rest. But resting isn’t something you earn, it’s an essential part of your writing journey. One of the best ways to unwind and show yourself care is to calmly rehearse these 5 affirmations for writers.  Evening affirmations help you release self-doubt, celebrate small wins, and reset your mind for a new day of storytelling. Whether you wrote one sentence or ten pages today, these affirmations are designed to support your journey as a writer—gently, truthfully, and powerfully. Here are five evening affirmations to speak over yourself before you rest: ⸻ 💤  1. “I honor the words I wrote today, no matter how many or how few.” Every word is a step forward. Progress is not always measured in page ...

Why Writing at Night Might Be Your Secret Creative Weapon

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By J.E. Nickerson Ever noticed how the quietest hours—when the world is winding down—can be the most creatively charged? Sure, I usually write early in the morning, especially after a good workout when my mind is fresh and focused. But there’s something magical about those late-night writing sessions. When the house is calm and the distractions fade, creativity has a way of slipping in through the silence. Finding Your Late-Night Writing Flow What gets me into that creative zone? Music. But not the upbeat daytime playlists. I’m talking about lo-fi chill beats, mellow instrumental soundscapes—something soft that sets the tone without stealing the spotlight. That gentle rhythm helps me slow down and focus, whether I’m editing a blog post, outlining a book chapter, or updating my author site. If you’re a writer, content creator, or even just someone trying to sort through your thoughts, the right atmosphere makes all the difference. Late nights offer the perfect backdrop for...

The True Measure of a Meaningful Life

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J.E. Nickerson  What Does It Really Mean to Be Successful? When people think of how to become successful, many imagine a high-paying job, a stacked 401K, or a growing investment portfolio. While financial success is valuable, it doesn’t always equal a fulfilling or meaningful life. Success means different things to different people. For some, it’s about wealth and recognition. But for many others, success is about emotional well-being, spiritual growth, and strong, lasting relationships. The apostle Paul even warned against chasing money so much that we lose what truly matters. In today’s fast-paced world, it’s easy to measure success by what we have — but real success often lies in who we are and how we connect with others. The Power of Relationships Genuine, healthy relationships are often the foundation of a truly successful life. Investing time in people — supporting them, encouraging them, and being present — leads to emotional and spiritual richness that no dollar amount can ...