The Inspiration Behind My Novel
Every story begins with a spark—an idea, a moment, or a feeling that refuses to let go. For me, the journey of writing my debut novel started with a single, persistent thought that grew into something much bigger. In this post, I want to take you behind the scenes of what inspired my novel, how the idea evolved, and why I felt compelled to write this story.
The Initial Spark
Every writer has their "what if?" moment. Mine came during a cross-country drive from Oklahoma to Northern California to spend the 2024 holiday season with my brother and his family. As I logged hours on the road, I listened to audiobook after audiobook, including a Christmas contemporary romance set in Aspen, Colorado. The setting immediately transported me back to my childhood in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, and I found myself reflecting on what makes small resort towns such unique story settings.
I’ve always loved small-town romances, but the small town I grew up in is quite different from the ones typically found in novels. Jackson is incredibly remote, with a year-round population of roughly 8,000 people. Yet despite its small size, it’s remarkably cosmopolitan. Tourism and an influx of wealthy newcomers bring exposure to the outside world and access to high-end amenities. However, this also creates unique challenges. These resort towns are some of the most expensive places to live in the country, and a combination of rising costs and a lack of affordable housing often pushes out lifelong locals.
How the Idea Grew
On my return trip from California, I made a stop in Colorado to visit my aunt and uncle, who have lived just outside of Vail for the past 30 years. As we talked, I realized that Vail faces many of the same challenges as Jackson—locals struggle to afford to live in the same place where they work. Our conversation made me wonder: How would a small resort town setting shape a romance novel? The idea took root, and I couldn’t shake it.
On the final leg of my road trip, driving back to Oklahoma, my characters started to come to life in my mind. I was listening to Lyla Sage’s Wild and Wrangled when I started imagining a rancher in a ski town, struggling to keep his family’s legacy alive despite the rising costs of living. The question that intrigued me was: How would a multigenerational ranch fit into the social ecosystem of an up-and-coming resort town? Then, I asked myself—who would be the most unexpected love interest for a rugged rancher?
As a former dancer, I was drawn to the idea of a professional ballerina whose career had been shaped by a small town. I loved the way it subverted expectations, blending two vastly different worlds. As I brainstormed and researched, the story took on new depth. I found inspiration in the career trajectories of elite ballet dancers, particularly Isabella Boylston, and from there, the foundation of my novel took shape. At its core, my story centers on one question: What if a rancher and a ballerina got a second chance at love?
Why This Story Matters to Me
Writing a novel is a long and often challenging journey, but what keeps me going is my deep connection to this story. At its heart, my book explores themes of second chances, reconciliation, reinvention after tragedy, and forging a new path despite external challenges. More than anything, I want to create a story that immerses readers in a setting unlike any other and inspires them to find hope in difficult circumstances.
Lessons I’ve Learned So Far
Every step of writing has taught me something new—not just about storytelling, but about patience, discipline, and trusting the process. Some of my biggest takeaways so far:
Turns out, I’m a hardcore plotter.
That said, ideas evolve, and that’s okay.
Writing is both exhilarating and frustrating—often at the same time.
Inspiration alone isn’t enough—commitment and planning are what turn an idea into a finished book.
What’s Next?
Right now, I’ve wrapped up my character development and put together a detailed, scene-by-scene outline. I’m ready to dive into the thick of writing, and I can’t wait to share more about my process, my characters, and the world I’m building. If you’re interested in behind-the-scenes updates, be sure to subscribe to my newsletter!
Let’s Chat!
I’d love to hear from you—what books or stories have left a lasting impact on you? Have you ever had a "what if?" moment that sparked an idea? Drop a comment below or connect with me on Instagram!
