We’re looking forward to introducing you to Lydia Nightingale. Check out our conversation below.
Lydia, so good to connect and we’re excited to share your story and insights with our audience. There’s a ton to learn from your story, but let’s start with a warm up before we get into the heart of the interview. What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
I’m getting married soon! My wedding date is September 27th, so depending on when you see this article, I may be a married woman already. I’ve been with my now-fiancé Michael for almost three years, and I’m so excited to spend the rest of my life with him. He’s shown me what love is supposed to feel like after a pretty tumultuous time in the dating pool, and he is extremely supportive of my creative work.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hello! My name is Lydia J. Nightingale, pen name L. J. Nightingale. I’m an author, actor, and public historian originally from Troy, NY who’s currently based in Rochester, NY. My pay-the-bills job is an Executive Assistant to a Dean; I also teach public history at the same university. My debut novel “Drawn”- a historical romance adventure set in 1950s NYC- is currently available for pre-order and will be released on November 18, 2025. It will be the first in a trilogy of books, and I’m already working on Book 2!
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. Who saw you clearly before you could see yourself?
I got my Bachelors in Theatre Arts Performance at SUNY New Paltz what feels like a lifetime ago. I did well in the program overall, but always sensed that there were inhibitions I just couldn’t shake. One of my professors, Mr. Paul Kassel, taught my Acting 2 class. Near the end of the semester, he wrote an assessment of my work that was something to the effect of, “I feel like you have just a little bit further to go- I can’t wait to see you UNLEASH!” He saw my potential years before I did. I think I’m finally experiencing that unleashing, and I’m so glad he (and others) believed in me!
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
“You are the strongest person I know.”
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. Is the public version of you the real you?
I think it’s pretty close to the real me, sans occasionally anxiety. People are constantly saying to me, “You have so much going on, you must be having the time of your life!” I do have a lot going on, and I am very happy about it! I just need to know when to take a step back and let myself decompress so I don’t get overwhelmed.
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. What do you understand deeply that most people don’t?
I understand how abysmally low depression can take a person, and how incredible it feels to finally surface from that and have a nice, normal day.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://linktr.ee/ljnightingale
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ljnightingale/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lydia-nightingale-820b311b/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lydiajnightingale/
Image Credits
Aimee Kuiper (photographer and cover artist for “Drawn”)
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