My Novel Idea

So I did one of the scariest things I did in my writing career since 2018. I signed a contract for a new RomCom releasing this spring! Gulp! My first book took me 7 years to write. My last book took 6 months. And I’m going to write and publish a book in 2 months along with 7 other fabulous writers.? You betcha! And it all began with a little layover in OKC.

I was meeting my multi-published, award-winning writing friend, Angela Ruth Strong, in OKC for her work layover as a flight attendant and conversation naturally gravitated towards books. One thing led to another, and I started thinking about a new book idea based on my frustrations with dating culture and dating apps all these years after my divorce. The female lead I had down. It was easy. She was a compilation of me and all my girl friends, and our dating frustrations and mishaps. But what about the love interest?

As a follower of relationship and dating coaches on social media and an avid reader of all things self-help, especially in the area of personal transformation, I thought “wouldn’t it be fun to have her meet with a matchmaker?” Truth be told, I actually had a free session with a high profile dating coach on zoom. It was a very interesting experience telling my dating history to a professional stranger and hearing his thoughts and suggestions for me (which you’ll have to catch snippets of in my upcoming novel.) Did I end up hiring the dating coach? No. Am I still single and frustrated with dating in general? Yes. Which is why I thought “What a perfect subject for a RomCom!”

That night Angela and I started brainstorming about all the crazy dates my main character could go on and who she might fall in love with. That’s when I knew… it was the dating coach aka The Love Doctor. I had my characters, and knew what drew them to each other. Both were tired of the games people played when it came to love. Bingo! I had my theme. 

I don’t want to give away any spoilers, so suffice to say that both characters struggle with being authentic in relationships in different ways and for different reasons, just like all of us do, especially when we try to impress other people or hide who we really are for fear of rejection. And while on one level, this draws my characters closer together, their different relationship attachment styles is what keeps them apart. 

Brené Brown, one of my favorite authors/speakers/humans said it best, “Vulnerability is the birthplace of love, belonging, joy, courage, empathy, and creativity. It is the source of hope, empathy, accountability, and authenticity.” 

All of which I believe is the foundation for a healthy love relationship. So in this RomCom, I approach the subject of dating, especially online, the inauthenticity that often shows up, and how attachment styles play out in relationships.

Other questions I explore in my novel amidst the comical dating disasters and mishaps…  

💞Why is vulnerability a four letter word?
💃🏻🕺Why do people play dating games?
🙄Why is it easier to pretend problems don’t exist rather than work on them with your partner?
❤️‍🩹❤️‍🔥How can people heal from past trauma and move towards healthier relationships in life and love? 

I’ll be sharing more about my process, some sneak peeks, and contests through my newsletter, but you can expect the book to hit the shelves in May! Thank you, friend for being part of my writing journey!

I’ll leave you with the wise words of Brene Brown, “Authenticity is the daily practice of letting go of who we think we’re supposed to be and embracing who we are.” – The Gifts of Imperfection And that’s basically where my story begins. I hope you’ll join me on this adventure!