Why did I start my writing journey a little later in life?
I never really dreamed of becoming an author. As a young adult, I sometimes thought about writing a book, but I didn’t imagine myself as a published author—or even a successful one. Back then, I didn’t think I had the talent, and I certainly didn’t have the passion or drive it takes to make writing more than a passing hobby. It was always a “maybe one day” dream, tucked away in the background of my life.
Instead, I focused on school and work. I earned two degrees—neither connected to writing—and stepped into a career. Then came marriage, children, and eventually divorce. Writing stayed on the back burner while life demanded all my energy.
Still, every now and then, the thought of writing would come back. I’d even pick up books on how to write a novel or get published. But honestly? It all felt overwhelming. I had so many ideas for stories, but they were always unfinished. I could picture an opening scene or a character, maybe even a glimpse of the middle, but never the ending. And without an ending, I couldn’t bring myself to start.
The truth is, the timing just wasn’t right. Between working, raising kids, and holding together a struggling marriage, there wasn’t any space left for me to write. My life was too busy, too noisy, and too chaotic. Writing requires focus and a bit of quiet, and I simply didn’t have either.
That started to change a few years after my divorce. My eldest was preparing to leave for college, and suddenly the pace of life shifted. It was just me and my youngest at home, and for the first time in years, I found myself with a little extra space—mentally, emotionally, and even physically. It wasn’t a lot, but it was enough.
And then, out of nowhere, it happened. The story of Lucifer and Bella popped into my head, almost like a movie playing in my mind. This time, it wasn’t just pieces of a story—it was the whole thing. The beginning, the middle, the end. It was a little messy at first, but it was all there, and I couldn’t stop thinking about it.
At first, I just wanted to write their story for myself. But as I kept writing, something shifted. I realized how much fun it was, how freeing and exciting. Writing gave me a place to escape to, a world of my own making. Before I knew it, I didn’t just want to finish the story—I wanted to share it.
That was my “aha” moment. For the first time, I had the determination not only to write but also to publish. And if I was going to do it, I wanted to do it right. That meant taking the process seriously—hiring a writing coach, working through edits, and putting my best foot forward.
Looking back, I think I had to go through all those earlier seasons of life before I was ready. The chaos, the challenges, the waiting—it all brought me here, to a place where I could finally create. And when the right story came along, I was ready to say yes.