Growing Up Happy in a Lonely World

Highlights of the Book

📓 Playlists + reflections with every track
Each chapter includes reflection prompts alongside the music, inviting readers to pause, listen, and connect the story to their own.

🔦 For anyone who has ever felt invisible
A story for readers who learned to look “fine” on the outside while carrying more beneath the surface.

WHY I WROTE THIS

I wrote this book for the girl who thought she had to disappear to be loved.
For the woman who built a whole life in silence.
For the mom who didn’t know if she deserved another chance.
For the coach in me who knows every person carries a story they rarely tell.
And for my daughter—
so she never loses her joy
or forgets that the world was always meant
to make room for her light.

This book is my way of saying:
Here’s what it looked like to finally stop hiding.
Here’s what it felt like to become whole.
Here’s the proof that it gets better—
louder, truer, and more you.

Conversations & Connections
Real stories. Meaningful conversations. Genuine connection.

Inspired by themes from Growing Up Happy in a Lonely World: A Mixtape Memoir, these events create space for honest conversation about belonging, identity, resilience, mental health, relationships, and the experiences that shape us.

No performance. No pressure. Just authentic connection.

What to Expect

• A reading and discussion from the memoir
• Reflections on the songs and stories that inspired it
• Interactive conversation and audience participation
• Opportunities to share experiences and insights
• Book signing and meet-and-greet (optional)

Perfect For

• Book clubs
• Libraries
• Colleges and universities
• LGBTQ+ organizations
• Mental health and wellness groups
• Community organizations
• Conferences and retreats
• Employee resource groups
• Writing groups
• Individuals who want to write a memoir, but don’t know where to start (the introspective prompts will guide you.)

Popular Topics

• Growing up feeling different
• Loneliness in a connected world
• Identity and belonging
• Family dynamics and generational patterns
• Building resilience
• The stories we tell ourselves
• Finding connection through vulnerability
• Music, memory, and healing

Event Formats

Author Talk
A keynote-style presentation with audience Q&A.

Conversations & Connections Workshop
A more interactive experience featuring reflection questions, guided discussion, and practical takeaways.

Book Club Experience
A personalized discussion with book club members, either in person or virtually.

Why Organizations Host These Events

Participants leave feeling:

• Seen
• Less alone
• More connected
• Inspired to reflect on their own stories
• Equipped to have deeper conversations

Interested in bringing a Conversations & Connections event to your organization?

Let’s create an experience that sparks meaningful dialogue and lasting connection. Reach out to Nicole now Nicole@nmstrategy.com

Upcoming Events

• June 26, 2026 Conversations & Connections, This House of Books, Billings, MT 6:00 PM
• July 7, 2026 Tracks That Matter podcast kickoff, URL Radio (and other digital locations TBA)
• July 16, 2026 Conversations & Connections, Happy Place at Mayhem Marketplace, Mitchell, SD 4:00-5:30PM
• July 16, 2026 The Conversation Continues, The Depot patio, Mitchell, SD 6:00-8:00PM
• September 20, 2026 Private Book Club Event
• September 26, 2026 Mixtape for the Soul partner event with Ataraxis Yoga (where books, meditation, reflection and art collide) Daily Addiction, Williston, ND 6:00-8:00PM

What people are saying

I took a train trip with my boys right after school got out. Got to use it as an opportunity to your book. I absolutely loved it and getting to know you more through it so very much, Nicole. Thank you for sharing your story with and giving so much light to our world. You really are one of the best and strongest and bravest humans I know. ❤️

Hello my dear, just wanted you to know that I read your book when I got home on Saturday night. You did a beautiful job sharing your story. It was a very good read. I liked the style you wrote in. I felt so much compassion for little Nicole and so much sadness for what you went through. I know we both know that makes us who we are and you become a very beautiful soul making a huge difference in the lives of others. You are a warrior, I am so proud of you in all the things I learned about you and all the things that I already knew about you. I am excited for what life will bring you. I cannot even imagine what little Scout is going to teach you and what you will model for her. She is such a gift to you in reparenting little Nicole. You are doing such a great job.  Love your book, love you and love being a part of watching what is unfolding for you. Big love dear friend

I read your book. Literally one of my top 5. (And I have been reading books for 50 years). So well written and profound. Thank you!

Nicole, we have not met but I have heard some raving reviews from mutual friends. I started your book this week though I had pre-ordered and it’s been on my shelf. I am glad I wanted a bit. It is hitting a bit close to home. As a fellow queer person from rural ND, it is all hitting home. For about 20 years my life revolved around mental health treatment and deciding whether I was going to live or not. Accepting who I was and being okay with that was a big part in my recovery. I am glad, like the many lives you have touched through your work and your book, that you are still here. I am glad that instead of following through on your plan you saved another life which in turn saved your own. Sometimes things work out in mysterious ways like that. Our stories are similar in a lot of ways, more than I expected. I just wanted to tell you that I am glad that I finally read your book and it defiantly made an impact on me. Thank you for sharing your story and all that you do for our community, state, and nation.

Nicole – I am so proud of you and so blessed to call you friend. Your words were moving, honest, and profound. We all feel unseen at times. Thank you for sharing your story and reminding everyone that they matter. ❤️

So….this is awesome….the first few pages….I remember that girl that was always waiting at track meets, with all the spunk…..the energy that surrounded you….always smiling and having a great time….I smile at the memory yet feel “the lump” at the same time…..I can’t wait to continue to read. You are amazing.

Nicole, we have not met but I have heard some raving reviews from mutual friends. I started your book this week though I had pre-ordered and it’s been on my shelf. I am glad I wanted a bit. It is hitting a bit close to home. As a fellow queer person from rural ND, it is all hitting home. For about 20 years my life revolved around mental health treatment and deciding whether I was going to live or not. Accepting who I was and being okay with that was a big part in my recovery. I am glad, like the many lives you have touched through your work and your book, that you are still here. I am glad that instead of following through on your plan you saved another life which in turn saved your own. Sometimes things work out in mysterious ways like that. Our stories are similar in a lot of ways, more than I expected. I just wanted to tell you that I am glad that I finally read your book and it defiantly made an impact on me. Thank you for sharing your story and all that you do for our community, state, and nation.

Oh my gosh, Nicole. This is a gift you’ve shared with the universe. You’ve written such a beautiful and NEEDED book. We aren’t connected well enough for me to know this – so these are projections based on how I would feel – but  I see so much courage and vulnerability in sharing the stories that will make some people uncomfortable. You should be SO PROUD of yourself. In terms of specifics events, my own journey is more different from yours than it is similar, but looking past the specifics, there are so many ways in which you’ve made me feel seen. I literally felt myself holding my breath sometimes. It isn’t about the commonalities in the things that happened (except the crazy ex-wife, buts that’s a story for a coffee connection sometime), it’s in how I’ve felt as someone who didn’t fit the mold and constantly felt like I was failing to meet the expectations of who I was supposed to be. You have put to words the shame I’ve carried for decades. 

I’m not sure if your objective was to connect with readers whose journey had significant lived experiences similar to your own, but your words have transcended your lived experiences and offered healing and encouragement to anyone who has ever felt ‘less than’ for being different.

Your descriptions of memories really brought me to those moments.  I can feel, smell, and hear the messages written in the book (like your reference of smelling aqua net and coffee in church).  It was endearing reading about your grandparents and your love for them.  Encourages me to have that impact and relationship with my own grandchildren.  A relationship I never had with my own grandparents.

Your book was stunning. Not just in how it was written, but in how much truth and courage it carried. You gave voice to experiences that are so often buried, and it mattered more than I can say.  I am honored to know you☺️!  Congratulations!

Congrats on your book! It’s very heavy, deep, beautiful and inspirational!

Just finished reading your book, great read! Your book is a great reminder of why we should treat everyone with respect because we truly don’t know what kind of things they are going through. I had no idea of what you were experiencing. I think that anyone who reads your book can relate to some of your thoughts and experiences. Thanks for putting it in words!

Finished! Wow. I’m so proud to know you. That felt like a front row seat into what’s made you, you. 

I read a lot of memoirs and autobiographies and the format of this book is my absolute favorite. So easy to read, so much there without all the extra details that sometimes just fill a page but don’t add to the story. 

I read this book in beta from a few lenses: a published author who is looking for story and style, an independent publisher who is looking for grammar, formatting, font choices, and finally as a friend who is listening to learn with curiosity, open to her BEAUTIFUL, personal stories. This is the “p!nk concert” of memoirs to me: unique in its delivery, with a musicality to its words, funny and tragic, and with an opportunity for the reader to grow with the writer Nicole.

I loved it! Raw and real! Such an honest book for all and a great example for Scout and so many others!

I’m not a writer or great at communicating since my twin was born with half my brain! But if I were to come back to this world and request one gift it would be to be able to communicate as good as you!

I’m finished. Wow. It’s unlike any book I’ve read. I felt like I was reading your diary at times and then you were making me think with your reflection questions. I will never hesitate to send a drink or an order back again! That was like a punch to the gut, eye-opener of a reminder that we deserve want we want! 

I wish I had the perfect words to tell you how proud I am to know you, how happy I am you are still here, how sad and mad I am at some of the things you endured and survived, and how lucky I feel to be just a blip in your story. 😊🤗

There are lines in there that blow my socks off. I’ll see if I can get some more pages in on Sunday. Nicole seriously some of the writing. Wow

I am almost finished! Hoping to have it wrapped up tonight or tomorrow night! If I’m being honest, I don’t even have the words yet. I promise I’ll come up with them and provide all the feedback but I’ve never read something like this. It is truly amazing!

Oh my goodness—-yes! I read it the same day! So beautiful…..so raw and real…..what a gift you are giving the world by speaking your truth. I see you and love you! 💖💖 It was great read…..I found myself, laughing, tearing up and shaking my head yes all in the same paragraph. I can’t imagine how healing that was for you to write. I know I have said that before but I am so proud of you for sharing your story. 💖💖

Okay so I don’t know where to start other than I read this in 3 nights, which is saying something for someone who has the attention span of a goldfish. It had me in all of the feelings. I love how it doesn’t let you linger in one emotion. It has you crying one minute, giggling or smiling in the next. I like the format and the reflection sections. I even took some notes on self reflection. Definitely many relatable tracks. One of the other things I appreciated was the discussion on being present. I find myself getting caught up in the daily routine and stress and not being present. Something I need to work on. I’m glad you made it through and have become the person you are, true to yourself. I appreciate the strength to share and open up and it will definitely reach others. 

I hurt not knowing what you sat in silence with for all these years.

I love the format so much! 

I knew things were and have never been easy for you. But it breaks my heart I didn’t know it was ever that bad.  I hurt not being there for you or you feeling I could be your call somebody.  You have always been a reason for me to keep living. Honestly tears and emotions don’t come easily for me lately. I am sure because of my meds… but I will tell you, this broke me. Tears flowing and heart aching. Thankfully I have also seen the growth from the silence. I love who you were and who you have become. You have always been the one person I know is always there just a call or text away. Thank you and I love you more than you will ever know.