In 2004 Persimmon Memories, a nostalgic essay by Sylvia Nickels was included in the anthology, Rocking Chair Reader-Coming Home. Almost everyone can relate to the feeling of "coming home," whether it is a literal journey back to the town where a childhood was spent, or reconnecting with people who somehow drifted out of everyday life. This was the theme of Persimmon Memories for Sylvia was born and raised in Georgia's red clay country, but has lived in East Tennessee for many years.

The first series of its kind, The Rocking Chair Reader evokes the feeling of sitting in a rocking chair on your front porch and reminiscing over stories of a simpler time.

Sylvia maintains two websites and a blog, Post Oak Chronicles. Her publishing credits are listed and several of her sample columns are showcased on her Ramblin Scribe pages and though her other website focuses more on family she keeps her Writing Galleria there.