- What inspired you to become an author?
As an athlete, and even in my professional pursuits, it’s been a lonely climb. I never had a lot of people to guide me along the way. While I have been successful, I have committed myself to doing what I can to ensure those I can help are supported, encouraged, and empowered on their journey. Along with that, I work with a lot of athletes and competitors, and often, those who help them are not committed to assisting them holistically the way that I am. My passion and frustration have led me to write to and for them.
- When did you first realize you had a passion for writing?
It was organic; I was coaching small college basketball in St.Louis, the job did not pay great, and I was so broke that I had nothing but a bed at my apartment. No couch, TV, Bluetooth speaker, or anything else to entertain me. Being that I was broke, I could not go to movies, lounges, or anything else that cost money. At the time, I was not much of a reader or journaler, but there was a Barnes & Noble nearby. To get out of my apartment, I went there; I purchased a cup of coffee from the Starbucks inside and read books because it was free. Since I didn’t buy them, I would bring a spiral notebook and take notes since I could not write in the books. I used to go there whenever I had free time, and through that, I developed a passion for reading and writing. It began with me just taking notes of what moved me. Then it evolved into providing my commentary on what moved me, and eventually, I began to journal on my own. It was not until years later that I realized I had a talent for writing.
- What has been your biggest challenge as an author?
Overcoming self-doubt, blocking out distractions, and being patient and kind to myself
- Who is your biggest writing inspiration?
Maya Angelou for how she encouraged and empowered the oppressed, African-Americans and women specifically. As someone who feels called to encourage underdogs, the people I write to are often overlooked, undersupported, undervalued, and disrespected, just as her audience frequently was. Rick Warren, his book, The Purpose Driven Life, changed my life, and my first book, God X Basketball, my intention was to be a Purpose Driven Lifestyle book specifically for young, hip-hop cultured athletes. John Gordon, his books develop excellence in leaders which is what I strive to do. In addition, my biggest writing inspiration is my audience, those I write to; there aren’t many books written to and for them, which is why, by and large, they are not avid readers. They inspire me to reach them and transform their lives.
- What book are you reading right now?
- The Bible, always!
- Rick Warren’s Daily Devotionals
- Jesus Calling
- Made For This Moment, Madi Prewett, Trout
- What sets your book apart from others in the same genre?
I write to competitors, and being that I’m still actively in competitive athletics, I am one of them. I am fighting the same battles they are. Most often, an athlete or coach writes a book, or a writer writes a book for competitors and athletes. I am a hybrid of both which is rare and why I feel I can connect to my audience.
- How do you beat writer’s block?
1) Spend time with the audience I am writing to and just observe and listen
2) Workout and listen to my underdog playlist
3) Rest; if it’s late, I’ll stop and call it a night; if it’s during the day, I’ll take a 20-30 min power nap.
- What do you hope readers take away from your writing?
While it’s difficult, they have what it takes to overcome.
- If you could describe your writing journey in three words, what would it be?
Outside the box!
- What advice would you give to aspiring authors?
Write! There’s clarity on the journey. “The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” The first step is the hardest; take that step and keep stepping. Even if you don’t know what specifically you want to write, write anything and write frequently. Apporach writing like a sport. In sports, there’s a pre-season that prepares you for the season. An athlete knows their first few pre-season workouts won’t be great, not because they don’t have the talent, but because they have yet to get into “game shape.” Writing is the same in that regard. When you first begin, chances are it’s not going to be your best work, but it’s not that you lack the talent; you, like any of our favorite athletes, must get in “writing” shape! Once you whip yourself into shape, your writing will be stronger, and you will write more efficiently.
- What made you choose Lucid Books as your publishing partner?
The attention to detail, professionalism, talent, communication, and organization. Once my project was in production, I was relieved of all the stress that comes with writing a book! I tell those that want to write a book to consider that it’s your name on the cover; if you chose the cut corners with the production of your book, that’s a permanent stain on your name. With that said, I know that my book will positively represent my name when working with them, which gives me the peace of mind to put all my effort into my writing.
- Where can we find you when you’re not busy writing?
Reading and studying the Bible, Training, mentoring, or watching basketball. Creating content in my podcast studio. Working out. Listening to live music on a rooftop and smoking a cigar. I’m a foody, so somewhere eating good food with great people!
13. Where can we find you on social media/website?
@Cultureordie on Instagram and X, @hopecoachnick on TikTok
ABOUT THE BOOK:
God x Basketball: An Athlete’s Playbook to Navigating Life with God’s Word
As you develop your relationship with God, you will learn that while basketball is a lifestyle, it’s not life. God is.
God x Basketball is a book of basketball-themed devotionals that accepts readers where they are and encourages them to continually strengthen their personal relationship with God.
God x Basketball will help you:
– develop Christ-led character on and off the court.
– discover a deeper purpose through your role in sports.
– allow God to lead you through the peaks and valleys of life and sports.
– use basketball as a vehicle to support you in your faith walk.
– place God first in your life.
Readers will learn that their talents should never compromise the continued development of their Christ-like character, which is the spirit in which basketball was invented.
Knowing what to do in the game is one thing. Know what to do in life is another.
