Through Thick and Thin

When I wrote my first novel, The Blessing of the Celtic Curse, I created a vibrant group of six friends who call themselves The Tribe. This group is loosely based, and I do mean very loosely, on the friendships I formed during my high school and college years. While in the process of publishing that first novel, I realized that each of these six characters had their own unique stories waiting to be told. This revelation sparked my decision to develop their stories into a series titled The Saints of Savannah.

I came up with a plan. I would keep a strict timeline—Research, Write, Publish—aiming to have each book meticulously finished and wrapped up with a neat ribbon within a year. But that old phrase, If you want to make God laugh, tell Him your plans, holds true, and things don’t always go as we plan.

I was personally going through a hard time while writing my latest novel, The Light of Deception. My dad passed away, and it broke my heart. I realize how blessed I am to have had both my parents until I was in my 50s, but to put it bluntly, it wrecked me. As a writer, I draw from personal experiences and channel those emotions into my work. Yet, I can honestly say it’s incredibly challenging to craft an upbeat love story while navigating the depths of grief.

But something beautiful happened through that sad time: I became surrounded by love. The things I’ve been writing about—my close-knit friend group and our supportive Savannah community rallied around my family, providing solace and comfort. I was given a first-hand reminder of the strength of long-term love and the importance of being present for one another in both joyous moments and times of hardship. 

So, I’m here to tell you, while my stories may be fictional, the bonds of friendship and family at their core are undeniably real. They are rooted in the authentic connections that fill our lives and help us persevere through challenging times. In the end, writing is not just about the stories we tell but the experiences that shape us and the love that sustains us. 

Thank you for being part of this journey with me!