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I came back to Philly from Atlanta in the summer of 2023, depressed. Not because anything bad had happened — but because coming home didn't look like what God said was next. I had expectations. I had plans. And none of them looked like this.

But within three weeks of being back, I watched God use me to help others heal while I was still trying to tend to my own wounds. It wasn't planned — me coming home. But it was needed. And I'm learning that those two things are often the same.

While I was...

I've been sitting on this excitement for a while, and now I finally get to let it out.

The Essence of His Soul is officially featured in an Xpresso Tours Book Blitz, running April 4–8, and that means bloggers, bookstagrammers, TikTokers, and Facebook communities are spending an entire week introducing this story to readers who haven't found it yet. To say I'm grateful doesn't cover it.

But before we get to the celebration, let me tell you what this book is really about.

Essence Taylor is a woman...

Writing dialogue that sounds natural is one thing. Writing dialogue that reflects faith, family dynamics, and real-life tension without sounding cheesy? That’s something else. One of the best examples comes from Chapter 2 of my Christian romance novel, Storms of Love.

Here are 4 tips inspired by Ellie and Monét’s phone conversation—two sisters navigating life, love, and everything in between.

1. Don’t Over-Explain. Let Tone and Emotion Carry the Weight.

When Ellie calls Monét, we’re dropped into...

If you’ve been wondering how to write a Christian novel—or you’ve Googled how to write a great first chapter—you’re not alone. Starting your book can feel overwhelming. There’s pressure to get it perfect, to introduce your characters, hint at the plot, and keep readers hooked... all without saying too much too soon.

The truth? Whether you’re writing a Christian romance novel, a contemporary faith-based story, or just the book that’s been on your heart for years, your first chapter matters. But...

You ever read a first chapter and feel like you’ve met someone in real life? That’s how I felt re-reading Ellie’s opening scenes from Storms of Love.

So, just for fun, and for all my fellow writers who want creative ways to explore character voice, I sat down for a quick Q&A with Ellie McNeal. (Okay, yes… I created her. But trust me, she talks back like she’s real.)

Me: Ellie, girl. First things first—how are your feet?

Ellie: Tired. Still tired. But listen, that’s the price of excellence....

Mya Kay: Ellie, thanks for sitting down with us! To start, what’s one thing about you that surprises people?

Ellie: Honestly, I think people are surprised I’m still hopeful when it comes to love. After everything, you’d think I’d be jaded, but my faith keeps me believing there’s a plan for me. Waiting on God isn’t always easy, but it’s worth it.

Mya Kay: Speaking of waiting, how do you handle the internal struggle when you feel lonely or discouraged?

Ellie: That’s the real test, isn’t it? I...

Readers don’t fall in love with your book because of the plot. They fall in love because the story makes them feel that way. That’s why the emotional heartbeat of Chapter 1 is just as important as the opening line.

In Storms of Love, Chapter 1 drops readers into the chaos of a hot film set—and into Ellie’s world. She’s brilliant, tired, under pressure… and then she literally bumps into something unexpected. A man. A moment. And a magnetic shift.

But here’s the thing: it’s not just what happens—...

Writing can be a beautiful yet challenging journey, especially when you want your work to be more than just words on a page, but a true expression of God’s purpose. As a writer myself, I’ve learned that creativity isn’t just about discipline or talent. It’s about tuning into God’s Spirit, committing to the calling He’s placed on your life, and also knowing when to step back and rest.

In my Writer’s Devotional, I dive deep into three key spiritual practices that help writers stay connected to...