No More Lost Books (and, after 20 years+, no more HR....)
I'm a mid-career pivoter and I'm quite afraid to say it.
Yesterday I had the pleasure of attending an incredible launch event for @nomorelostbooks in a decadently plush lounge space at Kindred in Hammersmith, west London.
LOOK AT THE BOOKSHELVES, THE PINK SPACE AND THE BAR OF DREAMS.
No More Lost Books is the brainchild of Marketing Consultant Karen Campbell and Creative Director Lou Hamilton, and is nurturing a community to amplify authors and celebrate, support and inspire through in-person events in London.
This will ensure there are no more lost books.
I had the opportunity to connect with a lovely bunch of creative, friendly and inspiring women. Among them were already published authors and those - like me - with ideas brewing, but not fully developed yet.
I was especially inspired by Uju Asika, the author of “Raising Boys Who Do Better: A Hopeful Guide for a New Generation” and “Bringing Up Race: How to Raise a Kind Child in a Prejudiced World” and I loved hearing her talk about her writing and publishing journey.
As the mother of a seven-year-old boy, and considering recent events, Uju’s book is firmly on my to-read list.
It felt like a big step for me to go along to this event.
After dedicating more than 20 years to a career in HR (and juggling it part-time while nurturing my freelance writing business for the past seven), I've reached a pivotal moment.
After a particularly intense and challenging year, I’ve decided to embark on a new chapter in my career and leave the HR profession.
HR is where I’ve invested the majority of my professional life so far, the subject I studied for my degree and still holds a significant place in my work identity.
However, by making the leap, I can now dedicate more time to my genuine passions.
Writing and podcasting.
I think I'm known as a ‘mid-career pivoter’!
As I navigate this new, strange and mildly terrifying world and carve out an interim plan - while battling my imposter syndrome more fiercely than ever - the No More Lost Books event has been a brilliant source of support and inspiration.
Despite the nerves, the terror, A LOT of stuff to unpack from the last year and the financial worries that gnaw away at me, No More Lost Books and being in the company of such brilliant women has helped rekindle some hope and given me a real boost.
Right then. It’s time to dive in headfirst on my own writing journey.
One word at a time…
Well done Nicola, another fine piece of writing and good luck with the change of direction in your career. I’ve every confidence that whatever you decide to do will be successful. Love you, Dad x