Nicole Pyles is a writer living in Portland, Oregon. Her writing has appeared in Sky Island Journal, Arlington Literary Journal, The Voices Project, The Ocotillo Review, and Gold Man Review. A poem of hers was also featured in the anthology DEAR LEADERS TALES. Her short story, “The Mannequin of Lot 18,” was nominated for Best American Science Fiction and Fantasy for 2024. Since she’s not active on social media very much, stay in touch by following her writing blog at World of My Imagination.

Nicole Pyles Primary Bio as of 2024

The Mannequin of Lot 18

All was not well at Hawk Eyed Advertising. For the fifth time this month, Gillian Parker watched someone walk out of the small office in the back in tears.

You Spelled Carrot Wrong

Lauren gasped, the loud knock on the window sending shock waves through her like she had been electrocuted. Terrified, she wondered for a moment if he had found her. 

I’m Not Home Yet

Inside the damp dark office,
The workers wanted the party over with,
But their leaders gathering in the front
With their foolish, fiendish grins,
Hadn't even begun to celebrate.


Dear Leader Tales

I recognize them, he thought. The feeling hit him so hard that it was like he was swimming in his seat. Focus, he told himself. He should never have accepted those extra hours at the office. 

We’ve Been Here Before

It's like the circus with clowns
And the flying trapeze.
Except it's only the pink elephant
In the room with you and me.


The Pink Elephant

Walk down here with me.
We’ve lost it again.

Selected work