About The Owner

Nikki Haffner is a storyteller on a mission. A Black, queer woman and published novelist based in British Columbia since 2017, Nikki understands that writing is both a vulnerable act and a powerful tool for human connection. Her journey as a "student of story" began in a home defined by literacy; raised in a circle of powerful matriarchs and parents who were all avid readers, Nikki was essentially raised between the pages of books. 

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This lifelong immersion in narrative took root early. By age eight, Nikki was already bridging the gap between reading and writing—tutoring neighborhood children in literacy by day and acting as a sounding board for the "stories" written by her Momma Vicki. These foundational experiences instilled in Nikki a deep respect for the "unsung" manuscript and a drive to help others master the craft she saw practiced so passionately throughout her childhood. 

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In 2021, Nikki solidified her place in the literary world with the publication of her debut novel, Pytiria, the Immortal, which has since reached readers globally. As the founder of The Gilded Quill, she combines her BA in Psychology with her background in podcasting and project management to help authors navigate the journey from initial spark to final publication. From psychological character development to strategic narrative consulting, Nikki’s work is a testament to the transformative power of a well-told story, helping the next generation of storytellers find the courage to finally call themselves authors.