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Overcoming:

This word reminds me I’m not done, and may never be, with overcoming life’s obstacles. And that’s okay. That’s how we grow.

In January of 2025, I was diagnosed with osteoporosis and two intestinal bacterial infections. I was not in the mood to write, nor did I have the energy. But somehow, I felt a fiery nudge, a deep desire within me alongside these health challenges to keep going with my work. Most importantly, to get back to the young-adult novel I started almost 15 years ago. So, the journey began of writing about a childhood trauma. It was like peeling back the layers of an onion. The more I got into writing my story, the more I realized there was a golden nugget of truth about finding your voice and standing up for yourself and others in unjust situations. It would be a story to empower teenage girls to believe in themselves and to shine their light in the darkest places, no matter the obstacles. But I couldn’t do this alone. God was with me. Encouraging me day after day to turn my pain into a purpose while visiting endless doctors to help me find a solution to my health issues, and I knew it would be worth it.

Some days I just didn’t have it in me to write, but I did it anyway. My mom, who was also a writer, used to tell me: I don’t care if you’re tired, sick, or hungover, get your BIC (butt in chair) And she was right. It was on those days when I felt the worst that once I sat down to write, I felt better. I felt better because I powered through, I overcame the physical and mental blocks, and did what I knew I had to do: get those words on the page. I prayed a lot during this time. I took long walks in the snow and continue to feel my heart open to this story that much more.

Today, I’m thrilled to say that I’m 90% healed and just finished the first draft of this YA novel on February 25, 2026, during a blizzard. We can do anything if we believe we can and have faith in unseen forces at work on our behalf. I’m hoping to have a final draft done by mid-June.

Thank you to those who have been loyal subscribers. I appreciate you more than you know.

As always, please leave any thoughts, comments, or feedback.

Kate