I’ve always dreamed of writing a novel. Over the years, I’ve started several but never finished any of them.
I don’t have any remnants of those barely-started stories, but a couple of years ago, I decided it was time to write a book for real.
My first attempt was a crime novel with a captivating introduction, plenty of action, and some colorful language. I ended up getting stuck—as usual.
But this time was different. I had been getting to know Jesus and had started going to Him with any issues I’d run into.
So, one day, I asked Him, “Where does this story go from here?” And a thought that wasn’t my own said, “Write about Me.”
“Umm, excuse me? How exactly am I supposed to do that? My story is a true crime novel, full of things I have no idea how to turn into a Jesus story.” (These were now my thoughts.)
I waited for a response, but there wasn’t one.
Isn’t it like God to tell you something but not map out the whole plan for you?
Eventually, I realized I would have to scrap what I had written and embark on a story about Jesus. This is now the journey I have been on for over a year.
This November, which happens to be National Novel Writing Month, I’m stepping back from regular blog posts to dive into the NaNoWriMo challenge, which encourages writers to complete a 50,000-word first draft.
It’s an exciting chance to focus on my novel as many other creators embark on their journeys.
I won’t be aiming for the full 50,000 words but rather the 30,000 I need to complete my first draft.
Putting this in writing feels almost regrettable because—let’s be honest—30,000 words is still an ambitious goal!
But in truth, there’s no way to lose here.
Writing even a little more than I would have without this challenge is a victory.
I’m excited to share more details about this novel with you, though it feels incredibly vulnerable.
I’m finally pursuing this dream that I’ve had since childhood, but doubts creep in—can I really do this? Am I even any good?
These questions haunt me at times, but I feel ready to share this story because I have a good sense of where my story is going and how I hope it will make readers feel, even if all the details aren’t pinned down yet.
So, without further adieu, let’s take a look at synopsis of my work in progress (WIP):
In Vain
As the holidays approach, Laura’s life begins to unravel. Recently fired from her job, she numbs her frustration with late nights and empty habits. Reluctantly, she accepts a temporary role at a local homeless shelter. Haunted by her father’s abandonment and her mother’s accident, Laura has long abandoned her dream of becoming an artist, settling instead for a life that feels safe but empty—a stark contrast to the hopeful young woman she once was.
At the shelter, Laura meets people who challenge her guarded heart, including Theo, the shelter’s compassionate director, and Patricia, a resident with a resilient faith. As Laura navigates new connections and personal loss, she finds herself questioning the self-sabotaging walls she’s built over the years. Through moments of raw honesty, unexpected friendships, and the transformative power of surrender, Laura begins to rediscover what hope and purpose can look like—even as she faces her toughest obstacle yet.
From the start, this novel felt like it belonged in the fall. I am not sure why, but a line that kept showing up in previous drafts finally found it’s home in this one: “The autumn leaves crunch beneath my feet…”
As the story progressed, it naturally moved toward Christmas.
I envisioned it as a cozy story, but it also reveals the unique struggles that come with this time of year.
While this book takes place during the holiday season, it is gritty and raw, with real deep moments of suffering and tragedy.
What I am trying to say is— it isn’t just a fluffy, feel-good novel, but it’s about searching for peace in life’s harder moments, and the holidays are a perfect backdrop for that journey.
Ultimately, set against the backdrop of a season meant for gratitude and renewal, In Vain is a heartfelt story of healing, hope, and finding love even when you don’t feel worthy of it.
This book will take you on a challenging life journey with Laura, where suffering meets hope.
Writing this book has been beyond difficult, and I have been leaning on the grace of God to guide me.
I now realize all those unfinished books were due to not knowing how to write a story.
I never realized the story can’t just go how I want it to, which sounds crazy because I’m the author, but it has to follow what the characters would do.
I have rewritten my outline countless times and may keep re-doing it until I feel the story does what it needs to do.
I have learned so much from this way of trying to become an author – Just throwing myself in there! I think it’s the only way. I finally feel like my story is taking shape, and it just goes to show that persistence pays off. I am finally falling in love with this story!
I’m pouring everything I have into this book, but I still have not completed the first draft.
I could almost cry thinking about that, but I’ll get back to working on it instead.
Your support and encouragement mean everything to me, and I hope my journey inspires you to dig into a dream or passion of your own.
Maybe there’s a hobby you’ve set aside or a goal you’ve been meaning to reignite.
If you feel called to explore your creativity, you might enjoy Creative Expression on Faith: A Poem on a Generation in Search of Lasting Hope, where I explore creativity as an act of faith and hope.
Let’s take this season as a reminder that it’s never too late to pursue a dream that God has put in your heart.
It’s exhilarating to share the details of this novel with you, and I can’t wait to provide you with more updates.
I would love to hear your insight into novels around the holidays. Do you love them or hate them? What is your favorite holiday movie or book?
For the first time, I’d love to hear your thoughts on the blog! Leave a comment below or connect with me on socials.
Again, I will take the rest of November off to focus on my word count.
I pray I will have a positive update when I return.
Talk to ya’ll in December!
Have a happy and blessed Thanksgiving.
I am proud of you for following your dream!
May you and your family have a blessed Christmas!
Hello! I hope you’re having a great day. Good luck 🙂