When I was in high school, my father was the head of English.
We lived walking distance from school and one afternoon on our walk back home across the oval, we got chatting about my latest English results.
The results were ok but it wasn’t my best effort.
The reason? The exam involved writing a creative story. Not my forte. AT ALL.
In fact, Dad’s life lesson stuck with me that afternoon as we jumped the stainless steel fence and walked towards home.
“Niks,” he said, “write about reality, not fantasy. You write better when you stick to what you know.”
He’s probably surprised to know that I still remember those words. Probably doesn’t remember them himself. That’s ok.
Those words served me well in my choice of my first career. As a journalist.
They served me well in my second career. As a blogger (you can get the back story on my blog to business story here).
And I’m counting on them to serve me well in my third career. As an AUTHOR.
Yes, you read correctly. All going to plan, this time next year I’ll be getting set launch my first bookstore book.
I honestly still don’t quite believe it.
I’m not one who ever thought they had a novel in them (see above) but, since starting Styling You five years ago, I had hoped that one day I’d have the opportunity to author a book.
Well, that day has come.
As of yesterday, it’s official. I’ve signed a publishing deal with Hachette Australia.
The offer came through a few weeks ago at the height of my dastardly flu. I drank champagne anyway.
It was a once-in-a-lifetime moment. Those moments are mandatory champagne ones.
So, how did it get to that champagne moment?
The commissioning editor at Hachette (*waves* to Robert) bought my e-book, loved it, asked me to a meeting, asked me to submit a proposal and took that proposal to an acquisitions meeting. They loved the concept, it passed the number crunching, the offer was made and here I am just a couple of months later.
I’m really looking forward to get stuck in. It will be a handy, fun resource that looks as good as the advice contained within.
What does it mean for the content here on the blog?
Nothing, I hope.
I will still aim to post here each weekday but I may get a little help with the posts along the way. It may take a little longer to reply to comments but I will reply. Blogging is a conversation and I love that I get to start a few conversations each week.
If the schedule gets too much, you’ll be the first to know and I’ll adjust as needed.
My deadline is November 1 … but I’ve brought that forward by a couple of weeks so I can enjoy a girls’ week in Bali in October.
I think that will work better, anyway. I’ve always loved a tight deadline. In each of my careers.
Win a $1100 wardrobe
Now, you didn’t think this post would be all about me, did you?
Not a chance.
You’re the reason that I’ve even got to this point in my blogging career. Without readers, I simply don’t have a blog. Without a blog, I would not have got this opportunity.
So, together with my girlfriend Natalie Hanley, who owns Zambezee Boutique (Mooloolaba, Noosaville and online), we’ve got an amazing prize that will go to one very lucky reader.
One reader will win this capsule wardrobe – five of my favourite wardrobe items from Zambezee.
There’s a Johnny Was tunic (hello Nina fans), my fave Mela Purdie white shirt (featured here), my fave NYDJ (featured here), Verge cropped pants and a Samantha Wills ring.
Are you excited?
1. Johnny Was tunic $279| 2. Mela Purdie blouse $345 | 3. NYDJ jeans $219| 4. Verge cropped pants $179 | 5. Samantha Wills ring $69
THIS COMPETITION HAS NOW CLOSED!
This will be a random draw. Australian entries only, sorry. Entries open on Tuesday, July 22, 2013 at 6am (AEST) and close on Tuesday, July 29 at 5pm (AEST). The winner will be notified via email and his or her names published here. Full terms and conditions here. Zambezee Boutique will ship for free to the winner after selections are made via the Zambezee online boutique.
Good luck and thanks so much for showing up here – every day, every week or just when you feel like a fix! I so appreciate each and every one of you and look forward to taking you with me on this next exciting, dare I say use the “J” word … journey.
PS. Miss out on the big prize? Enter stylingyou at the Zambezee online checkout for a 10% discount.
PPS. If you’re a blogger and would like some tips on how to get your work noticed by a publisher, the very talented blogger and author Allison Tait wrote this post here on Styling You: Are book publishers looking at your blog? I can also highly recommend the writing courses through the Australian Writers Centre.
PPPS. If you’d like to follow along my book writing and publishing journey and be the first to know when pre-orders are available, plus have a say where and when book launches will be held, sign up here.
Comments 151
A humungous congratulations Nikki and so well deserved! I am so happy for you! 😀
Thanks so much Lorraine – you’re an inspiration to me! x
Congratulations Nikki! It’s a great blog. I have only recently discovered it because of Offspring. Can you believe that I really didn’t notice Nina’s wardrobe until this season and now I have become almost obsessed! Can’t wait till spring arrives. Anyway looking forward to seeing your book on the bookshelves.
I know that obsession well! Nina’s not my style every day but I do like elements of it for casual!
Congratulations on your book deal Nikki. I was originally drawn to your blog because I wanted to dress like Nina Proudman. Thanks to you I have learnt that I can just use parts of her style that suit mine. More importantly I am learning to build my basics and think long and hard before adding pieces to my wardrobe.
Keep doing what you do, looking forward to getting your book. x
Oh, thanks so much Sue. I’m glad you’ve been able to find your style through this blog!
Nikki, that’s absolutely thrilling news! I’ve been away at the snow for a week so it’s taken me awhile to catch up on my favourite blogs, including my favourite fashion/style blog. The gorgeous conversational tone you write in will, I’m sure, serve well to make your book stand out. Sounds like you have an exciting second half of 2013 to look forward to – I love that feeling of shivery anticipation, so enjoy every minute. And if I can help in any way (guest posts, etc), please yell. I would be honoured. x
Thanks so much Michelle – beautiful words and feel free to email me with some post ideas!
I couldn’t be more thrilled for you, Nikki. Not surprised in the least, it feels like it was always mean to be. Enjoy the process!! x
Thanks Bron, I will. Sleep is over-rated anyway!
Congratulations, Nikki! I’m really looking forward to the book.
Fantastic news – many congratulations! It’s not easy to get a book deal, so you can be very chuffed that you are constantly coming up with entertaining and helpful advice that’s spinning way beyond the blogosphere!
Oh Johanna, thanks so much that’s very lovely of you to say.
Congratulations, Nikki! Love your blog…love Nina and *herstyle* too. Just wish I had the bank balance to buy all her clothes. 🙂 Looking forward to more updates.
So excited for you Nikki!
Nikki, that’s FAN-bloody-TASTIC – ore maybe fanbloggytastic 🙂
Thanks so much Annabel!
Congratulations! I am so pleased I discovered you blog last year. My style was non existent after having two children but by following your style tips and product tips I am back to feeling confident. I love your Nina Proudman posts! Emma
Oh, thanks so much Emma … I’m glad you’re here too!
A huge congratulations, Nikki, that is a really big milestone.
Congrats!!!!!
I wonder if your Father was guiding you in a way, gently without telling you exactly what career to follow….sounds like a smart man.
He is a smart man … he wanted to guide me into anything but teaching … I come from a family of teachers!
Wow , wow & congratulations! Wow what a fantastic step on this ‘fashion obsession turned into a job’ journey. Wow what a great prize! & congratulations on the book deal! I can’t wait to hold it in my hands… I just think there’s something great about a good old fashioned book… Sooo excited for you Nikki!
Hope you’ll be at the launch, Dianne. Love that you started as a client and became a loyal reader. Thank-you!
Congrats Nikki!! Fabulous givaway! fingers crossed!
Congratulations! That’s fabulous news. Unfortunately, today hasn’t been as wonderful for me with some health issues putting a speed hunk in my life, but this competition looks like it could put a smile on my dial and perhaps help me feel ‘looking my best!’
Oh, I hope tomorrow will be better and fingers crossed for the comp!
What an amazing prize, fingers crossed. And congratulations Nikki! What an exciting time.
So exciting Alex – thanks for being a regular here!
Congratulations, that is fantastic news!
I think you will write a brilliant book, based on the content of your blogs, which are always spot on!
Cheers to you 🙂
Lovely words of support thanks Kat!
Great news, love your posts, especially anything to do with Offspring! Would love to get the book when it’s available! Well done :))
Thanks … hopefully there will be a launch or book signing near where you live!
OMGosh Nikki, that is awesome news! So excited for you to have this opportunity. Wow, can I say ‘I knew you when’? 😉
You’ll still know me! I’m not going anywhere!!
Congratulations Nikki!! This is wonderful news to return home to – I’m very happy for you! I love your quote “blogging is a conversation” – You’re onto it girl! xx p.s. I forgot to comment on your last post because I was distracted by BOOK DEAL…but yes I do love navy, in fact I wore it on top with my black metalicus tubeskirt for a birthday dinner last weekend 🙂
Thanks Julie … it would be pretty boring if it was just me saying my bit everyday! Thanks for being a regular!
Congratulations on the book deal!!! Great news indeed!!!!!
Nikki this is brilliant news! Well deserved too, you work darn hard on your site and brand xxpt
Thanks pt!
How exciting. I think we all want to have that one book in – its what dreams are made of. Huge congratulations!
Congrats Nikki
CONGRATS NIKKI!!!
good luck
Yay! So exciting. Can’t wait to buy a copy
Thanks so much Linda!
So excited for you Nikki! Can’t wait for your book! 🙂
Thanks Janet!
That is great news, Nikki. Congratulations! And what an inspiring story, well done you. Xx
Thanks so much Persephone!
A super, big congratulations, Nikki! xxx
Oh, thanks Bree … I think about you a lot, you know. You were one of my super early blogging inspirations xx
This is FABULOUS new Nikki!! Congratulations!! X
Thanks gorgeous girl … loving your US trip photos!
Well done Nikki, what an exciting new venture 🙂
Thanks Pippa x
Hi Nikki, I am a relatively new follower. You give great advice and make a real difference in the lives of your readers – I read the comments and ‘feel’ their inspiration and spirit! I LOVED your Dad’s advice and remember an English teacher giving me the same advice when I was at school.
You have helped this ‘retired’ pr girl take a good hard look at herself and get her A into G to get on and get back to work. I have had many personal trials in the last eight years and your light hearted but pointed blog really made me sit up and think that life is about less about fear and more about living for the moment and loving!
I look forward to your book and your updates – they really are so much fun.
Cheers
OH PR Girl, it is about living in the moment and loving what you do. Took me a long, long time to not only realise that but to make things happen. Good luck!
Oh my I love love love that blue top, only issue for me is im short and cant really pull off the longer lengths, feel it makes me look shorter lol any suggestions cause its gorgeous
Have the hem taken up as you would a pair of jeans or a skirt?
Congratulations Nikki, I love forward to hearing more about your “J” whilst writing. Please have a launch in Sydney.
I will keep everyone posted and yes, I think I’ll do a Sydney launch as well as Brisbane one … at the very least!
Congrats! I love reading your blog daily, and really look forward to your book too!!
Thanks so much Nicki!
That’s excellent news Nikki. Congratulations! And all the very best for the writing – although it sounds like you have mapped out a strategy that will work for you. And big thanks to Zambezee for their generosity in sharing your celebration 🙂
Thanks to you Kathryn for being such a loyal reader. Hope you’ll be at the launch next year in Brisbane!
Thanks Nikki, it would be great fun to come to the launch of your book!
Well done, you deserve it 🙂
Congrats Nikki- great news- I was just thinking the other day that I would love to give your e-book to someone as a gift, though I much more like the idea of a real, hold in your hands, lovely printed book- can’t wait! When is it likely to be available? Good luck and happy writing!
August 2014, Angie!
BRAVO!!
HUGE congrats to you and much deserved 🙂
I’m a bit confused, are you writing a novel or a “handy fun resource” which I take to mean a life and style kind of book similar to this blog?
The book will be non-fiction – style advice – as I said above, I’m no good at creative writing!
Congratulations Nikki!! So well deserved!! A x x x
Very very exciting. Congrats. Giddy with hope over the comp too 🙂
HOORAY!!!! Much deserved gorgeous woman. btw: I adore that blue shirt xx
Thanks lovely … and yes, that shirt is yummy. Have seen in the flesh and fabric is beautiful!
Congrats you deserve it ,I love reading your blog you write so people can understand fashion ,shape and where to get it .thank you so much
My pleasure, Noelene. Thanks for reading!
BRILLIANT news. Congratulations!!
Congratulations Nikki, I only discovered you and your blog a few weeks ago and I am now an addict! I wish you the best of luck and look forward to your book being released .
Welcome Rachel! We’re a friendly bunch so thanks for joining in!
great capsule wardrobe!
Congratulations Nikki. Can’t wait to get my hands on your book. 🙂
wow goodluck with the book how exciting!!!!
Love Love Love the giveaway!!! Just Gorgeous xo
Can’t wait for the book to come out – great competition too – I have all of my digits crossed xx
So very excited for you! Of course, it was only a matter of time…
Nikki I am so happy for you.
It is great to see someone who has such passion in what they do,who cares for their readers and always has time for them,get a wonderful reward.
Your book deal is a recognition of your talent and proof that father knows best :)x
Oh Deby, it is my passion … it took too many years to find it but now I have I know what people talk about when they say they love what they do!
Huge congratulations to you Nikki. I love your e book so I can’t wait to get my hands on a copy of this new project. I am sure it will be my styling bible. Thanks to you I am actually looking forward to choosing pieces out of my wardrobe to take with me to Geelong this weekend.
Oh good luck with the weather and what you’re packing this weekend. Thanks for being such a lovely supporter, Mindy x
Congratulations Nikki! Good luck with all the writing. May the words flow 🙂
I may never shut up!
Beyond thrilled for you Nik!
Wonderful exciting news Nikki. What an achievement!!
Congratulations Nikki! Such exciting times ahead for you. Enjoy + best of luck. Look forward to reading your fabulous words in a book! X
Thanks so much Ella!
Congratulations, Nikki, how exciting for you! I love your blog and really appreciate all your advice and ideas. I’m sure your book will be a huge success.
Thanks for those kind words!
Thats wonderful news Nikki and very well deserved. Love the story you told about your Dads advice:-). Can’t wait gor the book to come out. Telling allmy friends about your blog as Ienjoy it so much. Enjoy this exciting time!
Thanks for sharing the word Diane … I’m sure the year will fly until it’s released. NOT!
Congratulations and well deserved!
Congratulations Nikki! So happy for you! 🙂 x
Congratulations! I love your blog and am looking forward to buying your book.
Thank-YOU! And for reading!
Congrats Nikki – I am so happy and excited for you. Lots of hard work ahead but I know the effort worth it! If you book is half as good as your blog, you will have a best seller!! So so exciting!!
Oh thanks Kelly and thank-you for being such a loyal supporter x
Congrats Nikki. Such an exciting time for you. Enjoy it all
Thanks Caz and Craig, I sure will!
Congratulations, this will be one book I cant wait to buy. 🙂
YAY!! x
Congratulations Nikki, a hard copy book will be the perfect present for some of my hard to buy for friends. Best of luck with the process!!
I like to hear that – thank-you!
Congratulations – very awesome news!
I can’t wait – this is going to be the most fun – and the best book ever.
Love your support and love how you’ve got me to this point. THANK-YOU! Bring on the fun bit!
Wow! Congratulations & “Cheers” to you! SY readers will be doing their own happy dance, come launch day. And that giveaway…….pure Celebration!
I hope there’s a tonne of them at my launch/es! Thanks Marissa x
Congratulations Nikki! With this book you will inspire and change thousands more!
Oh, that’s so beautiful of you to say. I really hope so. That’s why I love what I do!
Congratulations Nikki! As always I’m feeling inspired by your blog, but it’s normally about my wardrobe and it’s in an unexpected way today.
I’m glad you’re inspired, Johanne … thanks for being a great supporter!
Well done! I hope you enjoy the process, and look I forward to the book.
wonderful news, congratulations!
Wow Nikki I am so so Happy for you ,I can’t wait to read your book,I much prefer a “real” book and I will be buying it for sure.Thank-you for being my favourite blogger and your Dad was right ,Congratulations.
Lovely prize ,I think this is my favourite ever!
Thanks Lisa, you’re a very loyal follower and I very much appreciate that support!
Sincere congratulations! Just the best news, I’m thrilled for for you and super excited about the book.
Thanks so much Louisa!
Wow – congratulations on the book deal and wow – what a fantastic prize. Looking forward to reading your book 🙂
It always makes my heart swell a little when I see news of a blogger getting a much deserved book deal. Thrilled to bits for you and really hope it is a smooth process even though it will feel like the longest pregnancy of your life Enjoy the ride. X
Sandra, I feel the same way. There are beautiful people like yourself, Kerri Sackville, Nicole Avery and Allison Tait who have pioneered the blog-to-book phenomenon. May there be many more to come!
how exciting, look forward to reading it. xx
Congratulations Nikki! How exciting! I cannot wait to buy your book.
Now, that’s what I love to hear!
Well done!!!!!
This is very exciting news. What a great journey you will have writing your book. Also what a fabulous giveaway! The clothes scream Nina Proudman + Styling You. Fantastic choices you have made!
Good luck!
Congratulations very exciting.
Quite a bit of good news flowing this morning. A Royal baby and your book news! Well done and many Congrats Nikki, So well deserved
Auspicious morning!
Congratulations Nikki, how exciting xxx
Congrats Nikki!! Fab news to wake up to 🙂
And a Royal baby?!
How exciting Nikki! Congratulations!
Congratulations! Its sure to be a hit – smart publishing company.
I’m very lucky they signed me!
Great news, Nikki! Was wondering what your fab news was you tweeted a few weeks ago and now we know! Thrilled for you. 🙂
That was the news! Needed to sign the contract first!
Congrats. Looking forward to the book. A great achievement.