Daily Inspiration: Meet Nicole Loy

Today we’d like to introduce you to Nicole Loy.

Hi Nicole, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
If you were to have asked me when I was a child what I wanted to be when I grew up, I would have confidently stated ‘author.’ I loved to write – stories, reports, poems – you name it, and I was writing it. At some point in college, however, I felt compelled to choose a more “practical” career path. And while the dream of being an author lingered, it was always on the back burner. Then, a few years ago, I realized that the only person who could move that dream from the back burner to the forefront was myself. And that required me to learn how to be vulnerable with my writing, with the learning process, and with publishing. But I am so happy I did. Diving headfirst into your dream is so fulfilling.

My debut picture book, Saving Sir Stud Muffin, released October 29, 2025, and my second book, There’s a Bad Guy in this Book, released April 29, 2026. Both books are humorous, interactive stories for ages 3-7. Each story encourages the reader to respond to prompts and interact with the pages. They both break the fourth wall, meaning that the main character in each story speaks directly to the reader. They are such fun, read-aloud stories that bring laughter and excitement back into reading.

In the six months since Saving Sir Stud Muffin released, I’ve visited 20 schools. It is so rewarding to hear the kids’ reactions to each page. And I’ve learned that these books keep even the most fidgety kids engaged. It’s been such a blessing, and I hope to continue writing books that kids and their grown-ups love.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The entire experience has been such a learning process filled with uncertainty. The biggest struggle so far, however, has been learning how to market the books. About 15,000 new picture books get published each year – navigating how to get mine to stand out has been tough.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
My books aim to make reading more engaging for families at a time when reading for enjoyment is declining.

According to a recent Nielsen study, only 40% of parents with young children said they enjoy reading to their child and just 32% of elementary-aged children said they choose to read for fun. My interactive stories can help bring some of that excitement back. When kids can talk to the characters, help solve the problem, and laugh along the way, the story becomes something they experience – not just something they hear.

Can you share something surprising about yourself?
I love partnering and collaborating with others. If there is a way my books can offer mutual support to someone else’s company, organization, or brand, I am all in.

Pricing:

• paperback: 9.99
• hardcover: 19.98

Contact Info:

• Website: https://hurrybackbooks.com
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nicole.loy.3