ABOUT THE NOVEL — IN VAIN

A Story in Progress

I have always loved stories, especially the quiet and emotional ones that invite reflection and help us see ourselves more clearly.

For a long time, writing a novel felt like something I admired from a distance.

The idea stayed in the background because it never felt realistic or attainable.

Now, by the grace of God, I find myself writing the very story I once thought was out of reach.

How This Story Began

For most of my life, writing a novel felt more like a daydream than a real plan.

When I first worked up the courage to try, the story I imagined was loud, dramatic, and ultimately hollow.

I did not yet have a strong enough reason to finish it.

That changed when I met Jesus.

Rather than asking me to write overtly about faith, He invited me to tell a story about real people carrying real pain and finding real healing.

A story where God is present long before the characters recognize Him.

A story that could speak to both believers and those who might never pick up a Christian book.

That was the moment writing stopped being a hobby and became an act of obedience.

I am writing this novel not because I feel fully equipped, but because I felt called.

I am trusting God with the process and with whatever fruit comes from it.

If this story draws even one person closer to Him, it will be worth it.

Learning Along the Way

This is my first novel.

I am learning as I go, including craft, pacing, discipline, and patience.

Writing alongside full time work and motherhood means progress is often slow and imperfect.

I used to measure success by speed. Now I measure it by faithfulness.

Most of this book is written in the margins of everyday life. Nap times, late nights, car lines, and the quiet moments God makes room for.

I trust that this story will unfold in His timing. He has never rushed me before.

The Heart of the Story

In Vain follows Laura, an aspiring artist whose life feels increasingly out of her control.

When she unexpectedly accepts a mural job at a homeless shelter, she becomes woven into the lives of people who challenge her understanding of identity, purpose, love, and God.

At its core, this story is about:

  • feeling lost and searching for meaning

  • carrying shame and learning to release control

  • resisting help and slowly choosing healing

  • discovering quiet hope after a long season of ache

It is a contemporary and emotionally grounded novel with faith woven subtly throughout.

The spiritual themes are revealed the way they often are in real life, slowly and clearly in hindsight.

The Mood

If this story had a texture, it would feel like:

  • grey city mornings

  • quiet worship in the background

  • coffee shops and late night questions

  • paint stained hands

  • warm light on old brick buildings

  • journals filled with unfinished thoughts

  • slow burn connection

  • community showing up unexpectedly

Tender. Honest. Reflective. Hopeful.

Where I Am Now

I am currently writing the first draft.

Some days the words come easily.

Some days they do not.

Either way, I show up with what I have and trust God with the rest.

This story is still becoming what it is meant to be, and I am grateful you are here so early in the journey.

Follow Along

If you would like to follow the process, including drafting, editing, setbacks, and breakthroughs, I would love to have you with me.

You can find updates through:

  • my blog

  • Instagram and TikTok at @setaparttogether

  • my email list you can join HERE.

Thank you for being here. Truly.