Bestselling author Nicolle Pierce was born in Dallas, has a bachelor’s degree in marketing from Tuskegee University and is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. She is an account executive, motivational speaker, and licensed real estate professional. She currently resides in Houston, where she is finishing the sequel to The Sacred Sermon.
The Sacred Sermon play is scheduled to start touring in 2006.
The Panther sat down to interview the author before Tuesday’s forum and book signing.
The Panther: What inspired you to write?
Pierce: I started as a hobby, sometimes I did it as leisure. I just kept it up and made it into a career.
The Panther: Is the play of The Sacred Sermon in production?
Pierce: No, it has been delayed until 2006. I was not prepared for the overwhelming response from the novel, it is still in the works.
The Panther: What would you say to inspiring authors?
Pierce: Keep at it. If you want to get a book published there are going to be people to help get it published. Keep reading and gain exposure by continuing to write.
The Panther: As an author what has been your finest moment?
Pierce: Making Essence’s best sellers list.
The Panther: What would you say to encourage more blacks to read?
Pierce: Start with little things, the paper, magazines, maybe the pictures will inspire you to read articles. Find topics that interest you.
The Panther: Why do you think blacks don’t read?
Pierce: I think blacks do read. There is a higher population of blacks that don’t read. Now priorities are not as they were, now the focus is on bling, and hip hop and not on literature.
The Panther: Anything to say to PV students?
Pierce: Being a grad of Tuskegee I am very impressed and proud to be here, you put out good stuff.