We thought you might enjoy reading Nicole's answers to some of your most frequently asked questions.



What exactly is “Fresh Brewed Life?”

Fresh Brewed Life began as the title of my first book, but it has developed over the years into a way of living life with the express intention of making it as full and rich as possible; like a great cup of coffee.  Fresh Brewed Life is about staying awake and paying attention to life instead of sleepwalking our way through it, trusting that nothing is wasted, even our pain and sorrow. In every experience in life there is always something to be learned and opportunities to grow in the midst of our joys and challenges. Living a fresh brewed life is about finding hope in the midst of the daily grind.

Where does Nicole get her sketch ideas?

Actually, the better question might be, where don’t I get ideas?  I’ve always got my journal with me, and I’m constantly writing things down.  Many things spark my imagination and generate ideas for new material—newscasts, books I read, my devotional time in the morning, and my friendships. I’m often inspired by the “little” things happening around me; things other people don’t readily notice.  I love going to movies and concerts, plays, and sporting events. All of these “stock my creative fish pond,” and when it’s time to write, there is plenty to draw out. Sometimes, there’s too much and the harder task becomes narrowing my focus.

I’m just curious, what is the difference between a “skit” and a “sketch”?

Probably nothing except my aversion to the term “skit.” I grew up doing skits in the backyard with my sister and our friends, and so I think of them like improvisations that happen when someone dresses up in clown clothes and does something with peanut butter. Since that is pretty different from what I do (hopefully), I don’t usually use the term with regard to anyone’s work (short or long) that is sustained by a compelling character and supported by a written script.  I prefer the term sketch because it is an artist’s term for a more quickly drawn portrait that is easily accessible to its viewers.  A sketch is not a masterpiece like an oil painting or a great watercolor, just a good glimpse of something the artist wanted to show.  I think that comes close to describing what I do.

Is Nicole available for special events?

First of all, thanks for the interest.  With my busy schedule, I'm not always able to accept many
additional commitments. However, its not impossible - and we'd love to consider how we can serve your event now or at a future date. Email us here for more information or contact Premiere Speaker's Bureau at 615-261-4000.


Does Nicole accept ideas for dramas from other people?

Not only do I accept them, I welcome them.  I really enjoy hearing other people’s ideas for creative pieces. Without fail, I want to encourage individual creativity. I write my own material, so I don’t solicit scripts to perform, but I love getting ideas or suggestions for new sketches.  Some of my scripts have come from someone saying, “Have you ever thought about writing something on…”   Sometimes their ideas simply confirm something I’ve wanted to write about, and sometimes they are ideas I’ve never thought of or they are from a perspective I hadn’t considered.  Some people say, “There are no bad ideas,” but I disagree.  Plenty of ideas are bad, but they are still very important—crucial, in fact—to the creative process, and I welcome them, even my own.   When I encounter what I consider a bad idea, I feel encouraged that I’m one idea closer to a good one.

Will Nicole read my script and let me know what she thinks?

Unfortunately, time doesn’t usually permit me to do this. 

Are Nicole’s scripts available for purchase?

Yes, but not all of them.  We have created a place in our store where you can browse the scripts and then purchase them as downloads.  There is a title and a description of each sketch, but some of the pieces I’ve performed over the years are not there.  We are working on adding more scripts to the site over time.  Hopefully the one you’re looking for will be there! 

Can I perform Nicole's script at my event?

Yes, but copyright permissions are granted to perform my dramatic material to amateur groups or individuals only. Any performance by a professional group or individual requires written permission and maybe be subject to a one-time use license fee. Please feel free to contact us with any questions!


How did Nicole get started in drama?

I mentioned the skits in the backyard, and that was definitely my beginning.  I have loved drama ever since I can remember.  I grew up watching Lucille Ball and Carol Burnett and I loved the way they used comedy to bring hope and lightness to people’s lives.  I started performing at high school competitions and then went on to study Speech and Theatre at Samford University.  After college I started writing original drama to perform in schools, churches and even nursing homes!  What an experience that was. While the venues and the sizes of the audiences have changed, I’m still doing pretty much the same thing I was 20 years ago, and loving it!

How do I get started performing drama?

Right where you are, right now, start today.  That is all there is to it, and then you’ve gotten started.  Pick today, or a day soon, and mark it the day “that you began performing drama.”  So many people that I talk to think they need to go somewhere or be discovered by someone in order to perform, and that is simply not the case.  If you want to perform, you just have to begin to do it.  Everything else will come, or not, as a result of this first decision to begin.   Procrastination takes many forms and often leads you to think you’re doing something just because you have a desire to do so.  Wanting to be an actor or involved in the arts and actually doing something toward that goal are completely different.  I would much rather see one average performer out there working hard than have ten conversations with actors who think they would be good if someone gave them a chance.

Has Nicole been divorced?

Yes, sadly, I have been divorced.  I was married for almost 14 years, and after several years of counseling and a year of separation, I made what was the hardest decision of my adult life.  I’m grateful for the years, and for the life lessons those years held for me.  My broken childhood and difficult marriage were the genesis of Fresh Brewed Life, and despite the pain, I wouldn’t trade them.  But I’m also incredibly grateful for the life I have today and for the amazing friends and family, as well as the deep faith, that sustained me through those excruciating days. 

Since my divorce many years ago, I’ve been in a quiet and focused season of my life.  It’s been difficult to talk or write about my divorce, other than in my journal, so I haven’t. It was tragic, not to mention humbling, beyond words to see my marriage end despite my best efforts to the contrary.

What is Nicole’s favorite breakfast cereal?

Well, I like to think that people can ask me anything, so I’ll give you the scoop (pun fully intended) on my breakfast routine.  I used to eat more cereal than I do now.  These days I usually have a cup of coffee (or three) along with a Zone bar.  But when I do eat cereal, I have to divide my favorites into categories:

All around favorite: Blueberry Morning
My favorite as a kid that I still eat on occasion: Captain Crunch with Crunchberries
One I’m learning to eat for obvious reasons: shredded wheat

Does Nicole have children?

Yes! Roy and I are proud to announce a brand new addition to our family. Abigail Riley Newman joined our family on August 30th, 2009. Elliot loves being a big brother. We are all doing wonderful. Please be sure to check the site for photos of our new little one. We feel so blessed in this season of our lives.


I just finished reading Fresh Brewed Life, and I don't want the experience to end. What else can I do to keep going in my journey?

I love that question and the desire that is fueling it.  Living a fresh brewed life is definitely habit forming!  When you begin to rouse your sleepy soul and start paying attention to life, there is a great fear that you’ll fall back into sleepwalking again.  But don’t worry; knowing what you know now will help you recognize the warning signs.  We have designed some elements on our site to provide some suggestions and even resources to keep you “percolating.” Check out the Message Board section on the home page, and visit the Fresh Brewed Life Study Guide discussion. There, you’ll see that we have a place for you to begin to dialogue about connecting with a group. It’s a great idea to stay connected to other women who are finding hope amidst the daily grind. Take the opportunity to go back and re-read Fresh Brewed Life every few years, and stay devoted to your journaling so you can taste your life twice. I wish you the very best, today, and always. Nicole



If you have a question you'd like to ask Nicole, click here.