Welcome to The Lucky Nib!

I’m Nicola, an Irish children’s book illustrator and author. I live in Bristol with my partner Gavin and our black and white cat Ody.

I grew up in rural Offaly, a childhood steeped in superstitions and stories. When I was six, I took all our tea towels outside and placed them under the hedge in our back garden because my cousin told me that the fairies needed them. It seemed like a reasonable request. My Ma was not amused.

I have been illustrating and writing for over 10 years. My latest book series is Bertha & Blink with Little Tiger Press. I also work as a children’s bookseller in a lovely local independent bookshop.

So what’s the story with this newsletter?

I like the idea of having a cosy corner of the internet that I can make my own and share snippets of work and daily life.

I will be sharing:

News and what I’ve been up to.

Current interests and hyperfixations. (At the moment, it’s Tarot.)

Pictures of my cat.

Things I’ve made/foraged/grown/found.

Navigating life (or not) as someone with ADHD.

Books I’ve enjoyed. (I’m a part-time bookseller.)

Desk/studio tours and work in progress.

Whatever takes my fancy.

If you like illustration chat, cat pictures and random waffle, come on in! I’ll stick the kettle on.