How does a writer reach the readers of their work? Reflective writing is my guess. The best writers don’t just sit down and start pulling random events and things together and have it become something that people find interesting. It’s a process that often involves reflection on some event or moment from their own lives.

Most of my characters are based on people that I know. Some of the situations in the books I’ve written are things that either I or someone I know have experienced. Yes, a great deal of it comes from thinking about what would happen if, but more of it is from what just happened would make a great story for someone else to read.

I’ve been working on book three in the Road Beasts series I’m writing. This book is about Dr. Monroe Locke, a.k.a. Lion. It tackles some heavy-hitting things like physical abuse, depression, mental health, and addiction. These are all things that have affected my life in some way or another. While writing it, my God son died, and that sent me into a deep depression.

I have fought depression for many years, and there have been a few times when I was ready to leave this world, but I prayed for God to show me the way. I left it all in his hands. I’m still here, and I know it is because he has a plan for my life. As much as I wanted to die this week, I could not because there is a purpose for me.

At this time in my life, I feel that he is using me and the stories I write to reach others who may find some comfort or guidance from my words. Every time I have thought that I should stop writing and go back to earning a weekly paycheck, one of my readers has contacted me to tell me that they love my stories and encouraged me to continue doing what I love.

My God son was one of my biggest supporters, and the last time I thought of quitting, he said no way, Kimmy. You can’t stop now. This is just the beginning for you. You have to keep doing it because you are great, and someone out there is being blessed by your words.

Even if I only affect one person in a small way, it’s worth it to sit in front of my computer and type and create a world of magic where everyone falls in love.

Zay, Zay, I will love you until the end of time.