Have you met the talented author of some of your favorite books? Ever wonder who goes around Morganfield and Sturgis carefully organizing and putting together the StoryWalk® each month during those warmer months? Caitlin Nikolai, a celebrated author and the driving force behind the StoryWalk® initiative in Union County, KY, has made significant strides in both the literary world and her local community. Her journey as a writer is as inspiring as the stories she creates. From calming her younger brother during thunderstorms with her imaginative tales to spearheading an innovative literacy project, Caitlin's passion for storytelling and community engagement shines brightly.
A Writer’s Journey
Early Beginnings
Caitlin’s journey as a writer began in her childhood. When thunderstorms frightened her younger brother, she discovered the comforting power of storytelling. This early experience laid the foundation for her career. Her publishing company, Boom Bam Boom Publishing, is named in homage to those formative stories, illustrating her belief in the power of narrative to uplift and encourage.
Themes and Inspirations
Caitlin’s literary works span both children’s literature and Christian adult books. Her children’s books, like the "You Draw" series, are designed to spark creativity by allowing children to illustrate the stories themselves. This interactive approach not only engages young readers but also empowers them to become part of the storytelling process. Her traditionally illustrated book, The Day Rainbow Lost His Colors, emphasizes learning and creativity. For her adult audience, Caitlin writes Christian books aimed at encouraging spiritual growth, with Enoch Walked with God: And you can too being a particularly proud achievement for its inspirational impact.
A Diverse Portfolio
Choosing a favorite work is challenging for Caitlin due to the diversity of her projects. Enoch Walked with God stands out among her adult books for its spiritual encouragement. Among her children’s books, Do You REALLY Know the Muffin Man? is a fun favorite, partly because it defied her husband’s skepticism, while The Day Rainbow Lost His Colors holds a special place for its traditional appeal.
The Writing Process
Balancing writing with raising two young children, Caitlin has honed a flexible writing process. She identifies as a plotter, needing a clear outline before diving into a story to avoid getting stuck. Her method of overcoming writer’s block involves switching between multiple projects, keeping her creative juices flowing.
The StoryWalk® Initiative
Inspiration and Creation
The StoryWalk® concept was not Caitlin’s invention but an idea by Anne Ferguson of Montpelier, VT. Caitlin stumbled upon it while researching libraries for a Route 66-themed book. The idea took root during the COVID-19 pandemic when she sought safe outdoor activities for her family. Her first StoryWalk® featured a locally illustrated story and quickly expanded, now featuring works by various local authors.
How It Works
A StoryWalk® in Union County involves children’s stories posted page-by-page in storefront windows or on doors, creating a walking trail of reading. Unlike traditional StoryWalks®, Union County’s versions are written specifically for the initiative, offering unique local stories. The route changes monthly from April to September, keeping the experience fresh for families.
Selecting Stories and Locations
Caitlin gives authors and illustrators freedom to create non-controversial, enjoyable stories. Initially, she personally sought business participation, but now businesses eagerly volunteer. The layout of each StoryWalk® is carefully planned for safety and accessibility, ensuring a seamless experience for participants.
Community Impact
The StoryWalk® has had a profound impact on the community, boosting business traffic and providing joy to both children and shop owners. Families regularly participate, and schools have incorporated it into their activities. The initiative fosters literacy, exercise, and family bonding, making it a cherished community event.
Promoting Literacy and Engagement
StoryWalk® promotes literacy by making reading a fun, communal activity. By involving local businesses, it strengthens community ties. Caitlin emphasizes that the success of the initiative relies on community participation, illustrating how collective effort can create something truly special.
Community and Literature
Literature’s Role in Community
Caitlin believes literature, like all creative expressions, enriches communities by fostering empathy, beauty, and self-expression. She sees it as a vital component of community growth and well-being.
Collaboration for Literacy
Local authors and businesses can collaborate in numerous ways to promote literacy. Caitlin suggests starting StoryWalks®, hosting book signings, engaging in school visits, and creating events that intersect business and literature. Such collaborations not only promote reading but also support local economies and build stronger communities.
Advice for Aspiring Writers
Caitlin’s advice to aspiring writers is simple: "Don’t. Give. Up." Leveraging the internet to connect with other writers and potential readers can be invaluable. Every writer has a unique story that someone will cherish, and persistence is key.
Memorable Reactions
Caitlin cherishes the community’s positive reactions to the StoryWalk®. From children excitedly reading stories to high school students engaging in interactive narratives, the initiative has created memorable experiences and encouraged young readers to become writers themselves.
Future Projects and Vision
Upcoming Works
Caitlin is working on her first Christian travel romance series and a new "You Draw" children’s book, After the Wolf, inspired by Little Red Riding Hood. She aims to continue blending creativity and storytelling to engage both children and adult readers.
Expanding the StoryWalk®
While there are no immediate plans to expand the StoryWalk® beyond Union County, Caitlin is open to future opportunities. She is also involved in a top-secret project that promises to bring exciting developments to the initiative.
Evolving Roles
As both an author and a community advocate, Caitlin sees her role as continually evolving. She aspires to encourage more children to write and express themselves, believing in the transformative power of storytelling.
Personal Insights
Influential Authors
Caitlin draws inspiration from a diverse range of authors, including Susan May Warren, Mandi Blake, and Emily Conrad. She also credits Clint Harp’s Handcrafted for inspiring her to pursue her passion for writing.
Community Interaction
Interacting with readers, especially young ones, is a highlight for Caitlin. She loves encouraging future authors and seeing the joy her stories bring to children.
Advice to Her Younger Self
Caitlin would tell her younger self to ignore the critics and follow her calling to write. Despite the challenges, the journey has been incredibly rewarding, and she believes in the importance of pursuing one’s passion.
Rewarding Moments
The most rewarding part of Caitlin’s career has been encouraging children to follow their dreams. She aims to be the supportive figure she didn’t have as a child, fostering a love for storytelling in the next generation.
Conclusion
Caitlin Nikolai’s journey as a writer and community advocate showcases the power of storytelling to inspire, educate, and unite. Her work with the StoryWalk® initiative and her diverse literary projects highlight her dedication to fostering creativity and literacy in her community. Caitlin’s story is a testament to the impact one person can have through passion, perseverance, and a commitment to enriching the lives of others through literature. She continues to inspire other authors like your publisher for example. She paves the way for us as authors to remember that anything is possible if we just "don't give up!"
For more information about Caitlin Nikolai and her work, visit CaitlinNikolai.com.
Check out the Facebook for the Union County KY StoryWalk® Here
