Cathey Nickell, Children's Author and School Speaker

Texas author with an artsy message about writing, creativity and inspiration.

Cathey Nickell is Houston-based author and elementary school speaker. In 2017, her debut children's book, Arthur Zarr’s Amazing Art Car, was awarded first place by the Texas Association of Authors in the category of Children’s Picture Books-All Ages. To date, she has presented to more than eighty elementary schools and their students about writing, publishing and creativity. She is also the author of Yazzy’s Amazing Yarn—a first-place winner in the 2019 Royal Dragonfly Book Award (Picture Books 6+) and a finalist in the American Book Fest/Best Book Award. Cathey holds a journalism degree from Baylor University and a Master of Arts from Louisiana State University-Shreveport.

The most important thing the author wants readers to gain from her books:

I hope young readers are inspired to be as creative as possible in whatever they pursue. My children's books also focus on art, friendship and kindness.

Why the author is an authority on the subject of her books:

I began writing stories and making homemade construction-paper books as a child, and it is a hobby that turned into my life's work. After graduating from college with a degree in journalism, I became a newspaper reporter and magazine writer. Next, my career moved to the field of public relations where I worked in the corporate world for many years. Then, one day while driving through Houston traffic, I was struck with the idea to write a book for children about art cars. I don't drive an art car myself—well, not yet!—but I've always loved taking pictures of them and attending Houston’s annual Art Car Parade. Also, being a former journalist, my brain thinks in terms of stories. Fast forward to 2016, when Arthur Zarr's Amazing Art Car finally became a reality. Little did I know that I would soon be presenting my books in front of thousands of children throughout Houston and beyond. More story ideas have followed, and I launched another children's book, Yazzy's Amazing Yarn, in 2019. I continue to write every day, and I hope to release a middle-grade novel in the future. Writing and publishing books has been a wonderful adventure, and I'm loving every minute of it. Through my whimsical books and presentations, I spread an artsy message to children about writing, reading, creativity and inspiration.

Awards:

Winner in the Texas Association of Authors and National Indie Excellence Award, for ARTHUR ZARR'S AMAZING ART CAR (2016); First Place in the Royal Dragonfly Book Award (Picture Books 6+) and a finalist in the American Book Fest/Best Book Award for YAZZY'S AMAZING YARN (2019).

Website:

www.catheynickell.com

Social Media:

Facebook

Instagram

Twitter

Speaking Engagements and School Presentations:

My upbeat presentation can be personalized for your school. I use my two books to spread an artsy message about writing, publishing, and creativity. I draw from my experience as a former newspaper reporter and public relations professional to bring an inspirational presentation full of personal stories, writing/publishing tips, and “insider information” about my books. A favorite moment is when I show examples of the hand-made books I created and wrote as a child. I still have dozens of them! My main talk is appropriate for Kindergarten through 5th grade. I can also read the book to younger pre-K children and discuss the story's playful ABC theme. I can present to 6th through 8th graders by focusing more on book publishing and writing skills. And finally, a small-group writer's workshop could be developed to suit your school's individual needs. I can bring the field trip to your school. Art car drivers are thrilled to join me at my author visits. Once a calendar date is set, I can ask an art car friend if he or she is available. Finding a real art car in Houston is fairly easy, and I have also had success scheduling them in other cities. Discuss this option with me, and let's see what we can create.