I’ve been asked more than once about the stories I write, and each time I’m reminded of why I tell them. Whether it’s through my adult redemption novels or my YA series, I’m driven by one simple belief: If even one person walks away from my book looking at the world—or someone else—in a new light, then I’ve done my job as a writer.

To me, that’s the true power of storytelling. It’s not just about entertaining readers or crafting a compelling plot; it’s about offering a mirror to the world we live in—one that reflects not just the shiny, perfect parts, but the messy, complicated, and often painful ones too. In every character I write, I aim to show that we aren’t born broken, despite the struggles we face.

We all stumble. We all fall. But we also rise. No matter the genre—whether it’s adult fiction or YA—the most powerful stories are about characters who go through hard things and come out the other side stronger. Their growth is a reflection of something much larger: the human condition.

Take my characters, for instance. In my A Star Cycle series, you meet a young woman named Alex, who is just beginning her journey. She’s lost and unsure of herself, but as she steps into the unknown, she learns to trust her instincts and discover the strength she never knew she had. Much like many of us at pivotal moments in our lives, she finds that the road to growth is not linear—but it’s always worth it.

Then there’s Latifa, a woman at the end of her career as a stripper, grappling with identity and redemption. Latifa’s struggle isn’t just about leaving a painful chapter behind; it’s about reclaiming her sense of worth and recognizing that her past does not define her future. She embodies the theme of redemption by choosing to see herself differently and opening herself to the possibility of change, despite the scars life has left her with.

Ultimately, my stories are about connection—human connection. Whether it’s Kiki from Where the Stars Can Find You, a young girl realizing she’s more than what she sees in the mirror, or Alex learning to embrace her own voice, or Latifa fighting to redefine her sense of self after years of struggle, these characters are us. We’ve all been there, or known someone who has. Through their struggles, we find the courage to face our own.

If my writing can help even one reader see themselves or someone they love in a new light, then I know I’ve succeeded. These aren’t just stories of redemption—they are stories of humanity, of courage, and of hope. They show us that everyone deserves a second chance. That falling down is part of learning to rise again.

I write stories because I want readers to feel something. I want them to feel seen, understood, and—most of all—worthy. I hope that when someone finishes one of my books, they don’t just remember the plot or the characters; I hope they think, She’s like me. And in that moment, maybe they realize that even with all our imperfections, we all have value.