About Nanci

Nanci ~ Author of “More Precious Than Gold”

Since  graduating  from  Cleveland  State University  with a degree in promotional communications,  writing  projects  have found  Nanci.  She’s  written  many things including   press releases,   website  copy, blog  posts,  brochures,  and   fundraiser materials. As a versatile writer and creative being, she’s  also enjoyed writing creative things too like restaurant reviews, greeting card copy, poems, and song lyrics. To add to her credits Nanci’s  also been a ghostwriter,  director   in   corporate communications, a contributing writer for Northern Ohio Live magazine and now the author of her very first book, Fresh Hope … Cleveland.

Fresh Hope … Cleveland allowed Nanci to combine her writing and design skills with her love and concern for others. It also allowed her to use her college training in Individual & Family Development to shape the contents of the book. Filled with healthy and creative ideas for your life, “Fresh Hope” brings together all sorts of resources from the community. It also brings you wisdom at a time when you may need it most. Yet woven deep within the heart of the book lies the real story. Nanci acquired all this information in an effort to survive five difficult years filled with many personal issues including breast cancer. But don’t let that fool you, the book’s not about cancer. Fresh Hope … Cleveland is all about what’s available right in your own backyard. It can also help you tap into your own inner resources as well as help you to learn more about your most important resource: a relationship with God.

“It’s the perfect book for people who need help right now due to the poor economy. But really anyone can benefit from the things in the book. Writing Fresh Hope … Cleveland reminds me daily that God’s plan for our life is perfect and complete.  He knows what He has created us to do.  And of all my jobs, I feel this is the one that best fits my abilities.”

Before Fresh Hope … Cleveland Nanci worked in marketing and corporate communications in health care. She also taught language arts for three local school districts.

Nanci has three wonderful nieces who live in Seattle, Washington. Fresh Hope … Cleveland is dedicated to these three inspiring young women.

Author Biography

Alone, broke, and unable to work, five years of difficulties made Author Nanci J. Gravill stronger and wiser. As a writer with a “helper” type personality and social work training, Nanci feels blessed to share what she learned during those times in her new book Fresh Hope … Cleveland. It brings help and hope to the fine people of Cleveland, Ohio, where she lives—and to you.

More About Nanci

Did you always know you wanted to write?

My first memory of really wanting to be a writer was in 6^th grade. One day a week our teacher always had us copy and write poems off the board. Then we had to write our own poems. I loved it! I seemed to always get A’s and writing descriptive things just made me so happy! It was then that I knew I loved words. At that same time I said I’d grow up to be a poet. The last 38 years of my life have certainly come very close to that writing all kinds of things! My poem Sisters won an award about ten years ago.

What else do you like to do besides write?

I love to walk in the park, make handmade greeting cards, and try new recipes and restaurants. I love music especially jazz. I also studied voice for a number of years so my hope is that I’ll be able to spend some time creatively in that direction sometime soon God willing! When I have spare time (not often enough now) I like to read.

How did Nanci become an author?

Initially I went to Kent State University to study nutrition. I changed majors a couple of times while there. I changed my major one last time after injuries from a bicycle accident kept me home for a long while. Long story short, I switched colleges and headed to Cleveland State University and finished my degree in Promotional Communications.

I really never thought much at all about being an author even though I started writing a novel about 22 years ago. I just did what I loved to do and did it to the best of my ability. I got great experience writing in public relations for the American Red Cross while in college. After I got my degree a lot of different writing projects came my way. When managers and vice presidents knew I had good writing skills and loved to write so they put me to work! When doors opened at companies to be a ghostwriter, director in corporate communications, and contributing writer for Northern Ohio Live magazine, I said “yes!” Then after all my difficulties with breast cancer and losing everyone, I found I had something worthy to write about and I had a great desire to write a book. Besides all that, I just wanted to use my gifts and talents at that point. I give God all the credit for my accomplishments, abilities, and the fact that I have something helpful to give others in my new book Fresh Hope … Cleveland. I believe God changed my direction in a dramatic way many years ago while in college. He got me headed me down the right path. The Bible says, ‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the LORD, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. – Jeremiah 29:11.

How did Nanci become a Christian?

In college at 17-years of age I heard about having a relationship with God through Christ. Apparently at that time I did not fully understand what that meant. I went to Bible study for many years and saw little to no growth. But finally I realized during treatment for breast cancer in 2004 – 2005 what sin was and why I needed a savior. Then it was clear why I needed a savior – why we all need a savior. At that time I rededicated my life to Christ. I have been growing ever since. Life is never dull and I am living way beyond all my old insecurities and fears. Christ came to give us an abundant life. That doesn’t mean I don’t have challenges –I do. But with God in the center of my life I don’t worry and I know everything will work out. I am enjoying my life more and becoming more the person I was meant to be!