An Interview with Nicole O’Dell and her Daughters Natalie and Emily
Today I’m talking with Nicole O’Dell and her daughters Natalie and Emily. This mother-daughters trio writes an online advice column for teen girls called Girl Talk and have a brand new Girl Talk book that has come out of this experience. Talk about finding a way to turn life into an adventure! Check out this trailer for the book.
Welcome to my blog, ladies! I can’t wait to learn more about your journey. Congrats on the new book. Nicole, when did the Girl Talk Advice Column first start? Did Natalie and Emily help you answer questions from the beginning or did they come in to the project later on?
The column started in December 2009, and the girls were a part of it right from the start. The whole idea was to provide a format for teens to ask other peers about the issues in their lives, but also to have adult guidance as well.
It was a wonderful, important idea! You guys have answered so many questions. Where did the idea for the Girl Talk book come from, Nicole?
I got one of those magical emails from my publisher: “Hey, Nicole! We were thinking about making your Girl Talk column into a book. What do you think?”
Ahhh! Music to an author’s ears!
Ha ha. I’ll bet it was! Natalie and Emily, what went through your head when your mom told you there was going to be a Girl Talk book? Have either of you ever wanted to write a book?
Natalie: I thought it was a really cool idea, and a lot of fun. I thought it would be a cool accomplishment for me, and that it would help other girls, too. Writing a book isn’t really my thing… I mean, I didn’t really think that I wanted to be an author anything. I’m more interested in the part of the project that means I get to help people out. The fact that it involves writing right now is just the way God decided to use me. That’s cool with me.
Emily: I was like “Oh my goodness, I can’t believe I’m going to become a published author like my mom.” Writing is something I totally love to do. I don’t know if I want to do it full time, like my mom, but I do want to write more stuff.
When I was in fourth grade, I wrote and illustrated a book called The Girl on the Runaway Pogo Stick for a district-wide contest. I won! That was it for me; I wanted to write from that moment on. You know how it is with dreams though, sometimes we just think they’re too big and move on to something more “reasonable.”
Speaking of big dreams, Jill is going to be writing a monthly column on the Choose NOW Ministries website called “Jill Williamson: On Dreaming Big”. You’ll have to check it out!
Thanks, Nicole! I’m so excited to be a part of all the cool things going on over at Choose Now Ministries. There are going to be several new columns, so be sure to check the website for more information. Nicole, when did you decide to try writing books full time?
Even though I always wanted to write, I shelved those dreams for decades while I did the kind of work I thought was necessary. I also had kids, served in my church, studied the Bible, etc etc and didn’t spend a lot of time writing. But a few years back, 2007, I decided it was time. The passion had never gone away, and I wasn’t getting any younger. . .
Was it hard work, Nicole?
Yes and no. No in that things really fell into place easily for me. At the time, I had no idea how much that was true. Once I started joining groups and hearing other writers’ stories, I was humbled by the way things had come together for me. I knew it was a God thing!
What was your biggest obstacle as you learned to become a writer?
I’ve been very hungry to learn, and I know I’ve gotten better with each book. I’m grateful for the people who have poured time and energy into mentoring me along the way. Those early books of mine. . .well, they may very well be my biggest obstacles! 
Natalie, in your bio, I read that you might be interested in a career in culinary arts. What is your favorite thing to cook?
Right now, I’m kind of into baking. I like the cake decorating shows and the different artistic ways you can make baked goods and candies. I’ve probably moved away from that goal though. Call me a fickle teenager! Lol I think I’m leaning more toward a career in graphic design.
Emily, in your bio, I read that you might like to be a teacher. What is your favorite age of kids to be around? And what is your favorite subject at school?
I totally want to teach fourth or fifth grade! Kids that age are old enough to do cool stuff, but not so old they’re mouthy. My favorite subject is reading, writing, and English. My favorite teacher—Mrs. Tammen—is retiring this year and will always be my inspiration as a teacher.
You all give a lot of good advice in Girl Talk. I loved the book and highly recommend it to teen girls. (Click here to read my book review.) What advice would you give my readers who have big dreams and aspirations for their future?
Natalie: Go for it! Don’t worry about trying something and changing your mind—that’s okay to do. Also, don’t worry about failing. Everything you succeed at, and everything you really love, has the potential of failure. What if you never try anything? Just go for it!
Emily: The way I see it, every famous person, rock star, celebrity, sports guy, whatever—they all were a normal teenager just like us. Why can’t it be you? Or me? Just follow your heart and let God take care of the rest.
Nicole: I completely agree with the girls. Also, though, remember that God’s best for you is extreme living—whatever it is. Make that your goal.
Very wise words from all of you! Any real-life adventures planned for the near future? If not, what is one dream that you’ve yet to live?
Natalie: I’m going on my class trip to Washington DC this May. I’m exited to get out on my own a little bit.
Emily: Adventures? I want to be a dancer and have been taking classes. My big adventure for this summer will be my three-day recital and trying to stick some moves I haven’t gotten yet.
Nicole: I want to go white-water rafting on the Colorado River, zip line in Alaska, and hike the Appalachian trail. Plans? Nope. Someday, though!
Thank you all for taking the time to talk with me! And thanks for being willing to help others and let God direct your paths. I appreciate the work you do, and I know there are lots of girls who do too.
Thanks for having us here, Jill! Had a blast!!!
Nicole, Natalie, and Emily are giving away a copy of Girl Talk to one lucky commenter! So, if you want to get your hands on this beautiful, glossy book filled with godly advice, leave a comment and tell me why! Be sure and leave your email address as well, so that I can contact you if you win. You can also enter again by liking Nicole O’Dell’s Facebook Page and/or my Facebook Page. This is my first Rafflecopter contest, so bear with me as I see how it works through to the end.
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My name is Jill.
I'm a believer, wife, mom, youth leader, fiction addict, podcaster, superhero, and writer of really cool, weird books for teens.
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Thanks, Jill! And don’t you love that Rafflecopter widget??
I’m far, far from being a teenager, but I’ve been trying to deal with a young woman who is confused about her identity in Christ. I’m not even sure she has really made the commitment to Him. One problem she has is that she is confused about her sexuality and if she should remain a virgin. It seems virginity is a disease that needs to be cured. She needs some solid advice about dealing with her world. I’m praying for her, but she needs someone who has dealt with her problems to help her. This book seems to be an answer to my prayer for her.
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Looks like a great book! I need more advice in working with teen girls, so I’d love to get this book
Thank you.