“What happens when your book—and your old self—both stand in the spotlight together?”
There’s something surreal about seeing your book as a finalist for a major award—especially when it carries a name you’re in the process of leaving behind.
When I walked into the ABLE Golden Book Awards, I See You was there as Nicole Logis. But I was there as Maree-Nicole—the woman I’m becoming, the woman I’ve fought to reclaim. And while I didn’t go home with a trophy, I went home with something far more valuable.
The Book That Got Me Here
I See You launched in March 2025 under the name Nicole Logis. That edition—the one recognized tonight—was written by a woman still finding her way out of the shadows.
It was my story, laid bare on pages, so that anyone trapped in the same darkness could find a way out.
Since then, I’ve been working on a new edition under my birth name, Maree-Nicole. That journey of reclaiming my name has already transformed me.
Tonight, I stood in that room as both versions of myself:
The woman who wrote the book—and the woman still healing from what inspired it.
That’s why tonight mattered—not for what I won, but for who I became.
The Real Win: Connection
I didn’t go home with the trophy. But here’s what I did go home with:
- Conversations with incredible authors who understand the power of words to change lives
- Connections with publishers who believe in stories that matter
- A room full of support from people who get it—who know that writing vulnerable truths takes courage
- Validation that this work matters, trophy or not
I met authors who have been where I am.
I connected with people who want to amplify messages like mine.
I felt seen by an entire community of storytellers who refuse to let important voices go unheard.
That’s the win. That’s what I came for.
What I See You Is Really About
As I sat in that room, I thought about what I See You truly represents.
It’s about denial.
We all use it—to protect ourselves from painful truths.
In relationships: “He didn’t mean it. He’s just stressed. It’s not that bad.”
As parents: “My child didn’t do that. You must have provoked them.”
About ourselves: “I’m fine. Everything’s fine.”
We use denial because the truth is too painful. But denial keeps us trapped.
I See You is about breaking through that denial—seeing the truth, naming what’s really happening, and giving yourself permission to heal.
That message doesn’t need a trophy to matter. It just needs to reach the people who need it most.
The Moment That Started It All
Since launching this book, I’ve heard from readers all over the world.
But one conversation changed everything.
A young girl looked at me and said,
“I wish I had this when I was younger.”
And I thought: I wish I had this too.
That moment birthed I See Me—a journal for teens navigating abuse, boundaries, and self-discovery.
Because if we can reach young people before the trauma deepens—before the denial takes root—we can spare them years of pain.
My mission is clear:
Get these resources into schools.
Teach young people about healthy relationships, boundaries, and their inherent worth before they need to heal from the alternative.
Tonight reminded me that this mission is bigger than any single award.
From Nicole Logis to Maree-Nicole
Standing in that room as a finalist under my old name while living as my true name felt symbolic.
The book that got me here was written by Nicole Logis—the version of me still fighting to be free.
The new edition I’m preparing will be by Maree-Nicole—the woman who made it to the other side.
Both versions of me matter.
Both versions of the book matter.
And tonight, both were honored simply by being in that room.
To Everyone Who Supported This Journey
To every reader who has trusted me with their story—I see you.
To every author I met tonight who shared their wisdom—I see you.
To every publisher who believes vulnerable stories deserve space—I see you.
To every person still living in denial, afraid to face the truth—I see you, and I’m here when you’re ready.
To every young person who needs to know their worth—I see you, and I’m fighting for you.
I didn’t win the trophy.
But I won clarity, connection, and confirmation that this work—this message—is exactly where I need to be.
And that’s worth more than gold.
With Love,
Maree-Nicole
Author of I See You (Nicole Logis) and I See Me
ABLE Golden Book Awards Finalist 2025
Celebrating Women Award Winner
Amazon Bestseller
If you or someone you know needs support, you are not alone.
Explore free healing audios and learn more about my work at
www.soulfulhypno.com.au/i-see-you
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