Mya Kay | Updates

Philly Book Signing

Mya Kay — Thu, 12 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Mya Kay will be joining Booked in the shop on Thursday, February 26th at 7:00 pm to celebrate the 10th anniversary edition of her book Fumbled Your Heart, featuring a brief reading followed by Q & A and signing.

Booked is located in Chestnut Hill at 8511 Germantown Avenue, Philadelphia, PA. 19118.

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How to Write Meaningful Dialogue that Reflects Real Life & Real Faith

Mya Kay — Sat, 14 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0000

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 a conversation that feels like it’s been happening for years. You don’t need backstory in the dialogue itself. Their tone tells you everything. The sighs. The sarcasm. The hesitation. Let your characters’ voices carry their emotional weight.

2. Let Faith Feel Organic, Not Forced.

Ellie’s faith shows up when Monét asks how she’s stayed pure and hopeful. She doesn’t preach. She shares honestly: "I just trusted His promise... I think the fact that I focus on pleasing God, versus me seeing it as deprivation has helped." This kind of dialogue resonates with readers who want characters to be real about their spiritual journey—flawed, but faithful.

3. Use Back-and-Forth Rhythm to Build Relationship

Notice how Ellie and Monét interrupt each other, switch topics, laugh, and push each other’s buttons? That’s real sibling energy. Don’t make conversations too tidy. Let the rhythm be a little messy, like real life.

4. Use Conflict to Show Growth, Not Just Drama

The tension between Ellie and Monét isn’t just there for entertainment; it reveals how each woman is changing. Ellie chooses patience over pride. Monét wants to be loved but is unsure how to trust again. Through their words, we see their flaws, faith, and forward movement. Let your dialogue do more than fill space; let it move your characters forward.

Want to read the scene for yourself?

You can find the full excerpt in Chapter 2 of Storms of Love. Grab it here: Storms of Love

Ya Girl,

Mya Kay

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How to Write a Great First Chapter (Especially If You’re Writing a Christian Novel)

Mya Kay — Sat, 14 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0000

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 it doesn’t have to be stressful.

Let’s break down what makes a powerful first chapter—using my upcoming re-release Christian romance novel, Storms of Love, as a case study. Check out my first chapter here so you can see how I infused these tips:

1. Start your story with action, not explanation.

In Storms of Love, we meet Ellie working on a movie set in Los Angeles. From the first line, readers are immersed in her world. Instead of overloading the reader with backstory, we drop them into her everyday hustle and let them learn as they go.

2. Reveal character through what they do and say.

If you're writing a Christian book, your characters’ faith should show up in subtle, natural ways. For Ellie, it's in the way she affirms young Zoe with a “Black girl magic” mantra, handles disrespect with grace, and stays rooted in excellence. No sermon required, just authentic behavior.

3. Tease, don’t tell.

Your reader doesn’t need to know everything in chapter one. Give them a reason to keep turning pages. The scar on Ellie’s neck, her exhaustion, her no-nonsense attitude—these all hint at deeper things to be revealed later.

4. End with connection or curiosity.

Your first chapter is a handshake. Invite readers into the journey. Ellie literally bumps into the love interest—Jeremiah—and by the end of the chapter, we know there's something there. It’s enough to keep readers invested.

If you’re serious about writing your Christian novel, whether it’s a romance like Storms of Love or the faith-filled story God has placed on your heart, you don’t have to figure it out alone.

Sometimes what you really need isn’t another generic writing tip. You need clarity. Strategy. Honest feedback. Accountability. And someone who understands both craft and calling.

That’s where coaching comes in.

I work with aspiring and developing authors who are ready to stop circling their story and finally write it, with confidence and purpose. Whether you’re struggling with your first chapter, stuck in the messy middle, or unsure how to shape your faith thread naturally into your plot, we’ll create a plan that fits you and your vision.

If you’ve been wondering how to write a Christian novel that’s powerful, polished, and spiritually authentic, let’s talk.

Click here to learn more about working with me for one-on-one coaching. Your story deserves to be written well—and you don’t have to do it by yourself.

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Storms of Love Sneak Peek

Mya Kay — Thu, 12 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Chapter 1

April

Ellie placed her water bottle back down and wiped the sweat off her brow, catching it before it rolled down her face. If someone didn’t come and do something about the air conditioner, she would be forced to re-do twenty-three heads filled with curls, wigs, and lace fronts. She watched closely as she finished the last ringlet on Zoe, an actress who had been a pleasure to work with since this whole thing started a few months ago.

“There you go, Zoe,” she said, forcing a smile. She glanced over at Keenan, the assistant director, moving around on set, setting up fans as they waited for a technician to come and fix the air. Taking a deep breath, Ellie closed her eyes and re-opened them, hoping that this wouldn’t be the way the rest of the day would go—fans blowing hair all over the place, causing extra work for her.

“What about the color? You promised,” the cute, squeaky voice said. She looked down to see Zoe pouting.

Raising an eyebrow, Ellie gave Zoe a stern look and placed her hand on her hip. “I promised if the director was okay with it, I would do it. Remember?”

Zoe giggled, unleashing her five-year-old innocence that Ellie knew was just a front. She would ask again for sure. Ellie slowly picked up the pink hair spray and sprayed a light amount on one of Zoe’s long curls. Her curls were so beautiful and natural. Ellie loved making sure her hair didn’t lose its natural curl or flow. She was too young for color and certainly too young for extensions, but Ellie appreciated that she would try to press the envelope—much like she did when she was a child.

“Zoe, didn’t I tell you that your hair was already magical? You don’t need anything extra. What did I say last week?”

Zoe had her eyes scrunched closed, but she opened one eye, peeking out at Ellie. Bending down, Ellie put her face directly next to hers.

“Let’s say it together.”

“My black girl magic is beautiful without anything extra,” Zoe sang as Ellie mouthed the words.

“That’s right,” Ellie said, taking another long swig of her water as Zoe jumped down out of her chair. “Can you let Nina know you’re done while I re-do Hailey?”

Hailey barely let Zoe respond before she hopped in Ellie’s chair. “Isn’t there some pins you can put in it to keep it from dropping again? Who knows when they’ll get the air back on?”

Ellie continued staring at Zoe.

“Yes,” Zoe finally said, walking back over to hug Ellie’s leg. Ellie rubbed her back, hugging her back, then watched as she ran off, forgetting set rule number three—no running on set. There weren’t many children that had been assigned to the romantic comedy, but there were enough that the director and producers daily stressed the liabilities if someone had an accident on set. At the sound of Hailey clearing her throat, Ellie snapped out of her thoughts and picked up her flat irons again.

“Okay. To answer your question,” she started as she grabbed a section of Hailey’s hair, “I can put a few pins in the back, but the front will have to stay. I don’t want there to be any dents in your hair when they yell ‘action’.”

Rolling her eyes in the air, Hailey pulled her bathrobe tighter and looked at Ellie in the mirror. “I doubt he knows enough about hair to even care. But, whatever.”

Biting her bottom lip, Ellie continued curling away at Hailey’s hair. She knew if she responded, she would say something smart. She’d gotten plenty of the ‘divas’ on set together since filming started. She wouldn’t be bossed around, not to mention, this was her first time being the hair lead on a major film production. Hailey and the rest of the actresses who thought they could walk in and demand anything had another thing coming if they thought Ellie was going to take orders from them. Her check had been signed by Fox, and that was who she would listen to.

The director and one of the producers had even congratulated her on her ability to multitask, take directions, and navigate the bourgeois attitudes that came with the territory. Smirking as she finished up Hailey’s hair, she thought back to her grandmother’s words the first time she had a fight in school, ‘You’ve got your mama’s hands and your father’s temper’. Of course, at a now refined thirty-four, the idea of fighting repulsed her—her reason for turning down the three reality shows that hit her up before she got this job—but the stern, straight-shooter, no chaser approach she carried never went away. It never would.

“All done, lady,” she said, putting the last of the four pins into Hailey’s hair. “You look great. Go get ’em.”

Hailey touched her hair, admiring the re-do in the mirror. “Your skills are certainly undeniable. Thanks, Ellie,” she said, getting up and walking away.

Before another person could jump in her chair, Ellie leaned over to Veronica, one of the other stylists who was re-doing her third head. “Roni, I need a bathroom break. You good?”

“Girl, go ahead. You’ve been here since four a.m. Let’s just hope by the time you get back, the air will be blasting,” Roni said, cracking her gum.

“Yeah. Fox better get it together. It’s been two hours,” she responded, hurrying over to the ladies’ room.

Checking her cell phone as she walked over, she cringed when she saw what time it was. Her feet were already hurting, and the pain was making its way up to her back. She couldn’t believe it was only nine. Noticing the text from her sister, Monét, Ellie hurriedly texted her back that she would call her when she was done. As she came out of the stall, she glanced at her own hair in the mirror. It was coming out of the messy bun for the third time today. Fixing it, she pulled a few strands out on the sides so she could curl them when she got back to her station. As she washed her hands, her phone went off again.

Her laughter filled the bathroom as she read her sister’s text: Make sure you tell Denzel I said hi. Ellie had never met Denzel. He wasn’t even working on this film, but it was a running joke between her and her sister since she landed her first movie a couple of years ago. Monét figured she would run into him one day, and since you just never knew when that would be in Hollywood, she sent the same text every day. No matter how old it got, Ellie laughed. She knew that even when she got back home to Philly, Monét would be expecting a full report about the shenanigans on set, even if Denzel wasn’t there.

“Ellie, there you are,” Lacey, the executive producer said, grabbing her hand as soon as she stepped out of the bathroom. “The air will be back on in an hour. Some kind of fuse blew with everything running at the same time. We have two more heads that need to be redone, ASAP. Jean is having a hissy fit.”

Ellie cut her eyes at Lacey as they hurried back over to her station. So much for me putting a few curls in my own head, she thought. The hustle and bustle of set life was something she’d gotten used to, even if that meant you had to stop mid-pee to take care of someone’s needs. That didn’t happen today, but she chuckled at the thought that it had happened to someone, somewhere in Tinseltown.

“Hailey was already re-done,” she said, rounding the bend to the hair section. She glared at Hailey sitting in Roni’s chair. “Roni, I need you to focus on the new heads we have to re-do.”

“It’s just a curl, Ellie. Relax,” Hailey responded.

Lacey walked over to Hailey, her arms crossed and frustration dripping off her face. “Hailey, you’re done. We’ve discussed this. You aren’t the only person on set.”

Hailey opened her mouth to respond but closed it quickly when she saw Zoe watching her. Slowly, Hailey got up from the chair and turned to face Ellie. “It was just a curl,” was all she said as she hurried off.

“Roni, never again. Please don’t let Hailey punk you into doing her hair,” Ellie said, trying to regain control. “Everyone, can we pause for a second?” she yelled out.

As everyone stared at her, she continued. A few stylists kept going.

“We do not, and I mean do not take direction from the actors and actresses. I gave clear instructions for what the director and producers wanted, with images attached. Re-dos are fine as needed, but please be sure that we have done everyone at least once before doing a re-do,” she said, taking a deep breath. “Lastly, please remember to follow the scene sequence I handed out. These two lovely ladies are about to film their scene now, and Hailey still has at least an hour before she films her first. Got it?”

A few “yes, ma’am’s” circulated the room, while others simply nodded. Veronica walked over to her.

“Sorry about that,” she said. “Sometimes it’s easier to oblige Hailey and get her out my way.”

Ellie gave a light smile and squeezed Veronica’s shoulder. “Not on this set. She’ll be fine. Can you do these two now, please?”

Veronica nodded somberly as one of the young ladies sat in her chair. Ellie appreciated that Veronica wasn’t as mouthy as some of the other stylists. As she took in the fifteen other stylists with her eyes, she could see the scowls and pursed lips among the ones who didn’t like being told what to do, especially by someone who didn’t have as much industry experience. But her experience wasn’t the issue for most of these stylists and she knew it—her black skin and her age was. But no matter what, she stood her ground running the set the way she had been asked… and she would continue to do so.

***

Ellie slowly walked to her car, letting her messy bun fall completely. If it weren’t for her car coming closer and closer in sight, she would think she wasn’t moving—that’s how numb her feet were. She thought about the long, hot bath she would take when she got back to the apartment. As she unlocked her car, she breathed a sigh of relief, grateful that the studio had provided her with a huge tub in the apartment she occupied while she was in L.A. It was her favorite part of the apartment, where she spent most of her time when she wasn’t sleeping. The busy schedule allowed for no cooking, which she had been dying to try out since she saw the stainless-steel appliances and the island stove.

Thud. As soon as she heard the sound, she was scared to turn around. She could tell by how quickly she opened the door and by the sound, that the damage was going to be an eyesore. She slowly turned around and bent down to look at the dent she’d caused to somebody’s passenger door. Looking around, she tried to find a reason for it to be their fault, but they were parked perfectly in the lines. She was the one who had parked closer to the left line than she had intended, and now she had to pay for someone’s damage. Whoever that someone was, she’d have to leave a note. As she got back into her car to find a piece of paper, her eyes landed on the gentleman walking toward her. He was talking away on his phone, barely paying her any attention.

She was getting ready to look back down when she noticed he was getting closer to her… and the other car. As soon as she heard the doors unlock when he stuck his hand out, she knew he was the driver.

“Shoot,” she said to herself before bossing up and stepping back out of her car.

She waited for him to hang up before saying anything. He was about to get in his car when she yelled out.

“Hey,” she said, surprised that he hadn’t seen her. I guess my hair really does look a mess, she thought.

“Hi,” he said, finally looking at her. That’s when she saw them—his deep brown eyes and how gentle they landed on her.

“Uh, I think I’m going to have to write you a check,” she said, looking down at the dent.

He half-smiled as he walked around to his passenger side. “Ouch.”

He walked back around to the driver’s side then back to the passenger side, then to the driver’s side again.

“Okay, okay,” she said, throwing her hands up. “You’re making me dizzy. What are you doing?” she said, flinging her keys in her front seat. “It’s just a dent.”

“I’m trying to decide how much I should charge you,” he said. The smooth baritone sound dripping from his vocal cords almost caught her off guard, but she wouldn’t be distracted. She couldn’t be. Not this time.

Whatever was left of the smile she was wearing quickly faded then reappeared when she noticed the smirk on his face. He was teasing her.

“Relax,” he said, putting his hands up in defense. “I don’t know if I like you when you’re not smiling. I’ve already seen it a few times today on set,” he continued. “I don’t want any trouble, ma’am.”

She shook her head lightly as she brushed a few strands of hair behind her ear. “You’re working on Get Out Love? I don’t think I’ve ever seen you on set before.”

She wondered how she could even miss him. His milk chocolatey skin was glowing in a way that she’d never seen a guy’s skin glow before, but his skin matched perfectly with those eyes. As he walked back around to the passenger side of his car, she noticed his build, which wasn’t too bulky, but he definitely worked out. He leaned against the door to look at her. Ellie moved back a little so he could have some room.

“So let me guess,” she started, “you were watching me snap my fingers and roll my neck, demanding that the stylists act right before they’re all blackballed from the Hollywood scene and classified as has-beens for the rest of their career?”

It was his turn to smile. “What’s so crazy is I’ve seen it before. This industry can be brutal.”

He looked behind him at the damage again. She waited patiently, willing her breathing not to show how nervous she was.

“Don’t worry about it,” he said. “It’s fine. It’s just a dent. I don’t think you did it on purpose. Or did you?”

She laughed, letting out her breath at the same time. “I didn’t. But I can’t not give you something. I would be pissed if this was my car.”

He shrugged. A dinging noise caught their attention, and he looked inside his window at his phone lighting up.

“I better get that,” he said, turning back to her. His mouth moved, but his body didn’t.

“I tell you what,” she said. “Will you be here tomorrow?”

“Yes, ma’am. You bringing me lunch tomorrow?”

She crossed her arms, amused at his assumption. But it was the least she could do. She knew that dent would cost him at least $700 to fix.

“I can certainly treat you to lunch tomorrow, but you have to promise to call it even—wait. What is your name?”

They both shared a laugh as they realized that they’d been talking without exchanging the bare minimum.

“Jeremiah. Jeremiah Lewis.”

She took his extended hand. “Ellie McNeal. Nice to officially meet you. Are you a producer or someone that works for Fox directly?” she inquired.

She knew he wasn’t an actor, and she had already met all the directors and other producers, but it wasn’t unusual for a film to have multiple producers. She’d worked on sets where there had been up to ten.

“Let’s just say I’m an executive producer. I just prefer not to be seen.”

She opened her car door and sat inside, quickly starting it and turning the air on. As she rolled down the windows, she squinted. The Los Angeles sun was still blaring at six thirty in the evening.

“Yet, here you are,” she said, clearly having fun at this point. She’d forgotten all about her tired feet and her bath just that quickly. If it hadn’t been for the sun kissing her skin, she would’ve gladly stayed a few more minutes.

“A silent investor who had a meeting today and wanted to see how his money was being spent,” he quipped.

“Touché,” she said. “And come through, Mr. Businessman,” she continued, snapping her fingers at the same time. Her Philly-bred mannerisms were baring themselves.

Clearly, he’d picked up on something. “Where are you from?” he asked.

He watched as she put her sunglasses on and connected her phone to her charger. He was trying not to look at the scar on her neck or the cross tattoo that rested against the back of her earlobe, both seeming very intriguing to him. He definitely had been mesmerized by her cute, girl next door looks, which he preferred any day over the modelesque women that often tried to get his attention.

“Philly.”

Chuckling, he leaned a little closer to her window. “So am I.”

“Really?” she asked, removing her sunglasses. “I just bought a home in Plymouth Meeting.”

“And I just bought one in Lafayette Hill,” he said. “I should’ve known you were an East Coast baby with the way you hustle on set,” he said, smiling. “So we’re on for lunch tomorrow?”

“We’re on for me to buy your lunch tomorrow,” she said.

He walked around to his driver’s side, laughing.

“I guess I’ll have to take it,” he said, starting his car and rolling down his windows before getting completely in. “Be safe, Ellie McNeal.”

“Will do, Jeremiah Lewis,” she said, waving at him.

As he rolled his windows back up, she waited a second before rolling hers up. A few minutes later, she pulled slowly out of the studio lot. Looking in her rearview mirror, she looked to see if he was pulling out too, but he wasn’t. Turning her attention back to her driving, she picked up her phone and turned on H.E.R’s latest album, letting the smooth tunes take over her thoughts that had already been running a mile a minute.

She wondered who he was and why she felt so drawn to him when she’d just met him. Was he checking out my scar? she thought. God, I can’t afford to be distracted in this season, but… he was cute… very cute. And he wasn’t wearing a ring. She continued driving down Sunset Boulevard, curious about the man who she bumped into today. Suddenly, she couldn’t wait to get back on set tomorrow.

End of Sneak Peek

I hope you enjoyed this sneak peek of Storms of Love. I’m excited to be re-releasing this novel on September 9th! Be sure to lock in the date, but for now, click to enjoy the playlist that goes along with the novel. Check out the full synopsis to Storms of Love below.

Synopsis for Storms of Love

Ellie Rae McNeal is a talented hair stylist and rising entrepreneur from Philadelphia, living her dream on a Hollywood film set. For the past four months, she’s been head stylist on a major romantic comedy — but it's not the A-list actors who’ve captured her heart. It’s Zoe Mattison, the spirited five-year-old cast member who climbs into Ellie’s chair with sass, sweetness, and a growing bond that stirs something unexpected in Ellie’s soul.

Then comes Jeremiah Lewis — sharp, grounded, and quietly successful. A seemingly random fender-bender in a parking lot brings them face-to-face. But this isn’t just a meet-cute. Jeremiah and Ellie share more than a connection — they share history, faith, and a city that shaped them both. What starts as a wink and a promise for lunch turns into something much deeper.

As the months unfold, Ellie begins to realize: Zoe and Jeremiah aren’t just passing characters in her story — they may be divine appointments. But love isn’t coming easy. It’s peeling back years of guarded emotions, exposing childhood wounds she’s tried to ignore, and confronting her biggest fear — receiving what she never had: unconditional love.

In Storms of Love, faith collides with fear, and love crashes in like a storm — not to destroy, but to heal. Will Ellie embrace the answer to her deepest prayers, or will she let fear push away the very people God sent to restore her?

Ready to purchase? Grab it here: Storms of Love

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Fumbled Your Heart turns 10!

Mya Kay — Thu, 12 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0000

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Philadelphia-Based Novel Fumbled Your Heart Celebrates 10-Year Anniversary with Special Edition Release

PHILADELPHIA, PA — Ten years after its original debut, the novel Fumbled Your Heart returns in a 10th Anniversary Edition, reaffirming its message of love, faith, and healing, while centering Philadelphia as the emotional and moral heart of the story. While much of the plot unfolds in New York, the characters’ identities, values, and resilience are deeply rooted in their Philly upbringing, making this a story that belongs to the city as much as to its readers.

“I wanted to write a story that revealed the heart of Philadelphia through the eyes of teenagers who refuse to let stereotypes define their city,” says Mya Kay. “For them, the love and lessons gained from relationships and family matter far more than the negative narratives often portrayed in the media.”

The novel follows Jezzy Watson and Trent Rucker, childhood friends turned high school sweethearts whose lives diverge after a prom-night heartbreak. Jezzy grows into a top sports agent, and Trent becomes a star athlete for the New York Giants. When their paths cross again ten years later, they are forced to confront unresolved pain, hidden trauma, and the possibility of forgiveness.

“My prayer is that readers see the ‘Jezzy’ and ‘Trent’ in their own lives,” the author adds. “The young man who may come from a two-parent household yet still craves emotional support, and the young woman who has endured trauma and is searching for healing. Their Philly roots shape who they are, how they love, and how they fight for their faith and future—even when life takes them to New York.”

The 10th Anniversary Edition, releasing Saturday, February 14th, includes a newly added foreword reflecting on the novel’s decade-long journey and its continued relevance today. This edition marks the third and final introduction of beloved characters Jezzy and Trent to readers.

Originally released on February 11th, 2016, Fumbled Your Heart continues to resonate with readers drawn to stories rooted in faith, emotional accountability, and honest portrayals of love and loss.

The 10th Anniversary Edition will be available on Amazon and on the author’s website www.writermya.com beginning February 14th.

Reader Note: This novel includes references to sexual assault. These moments are handled without graphic detail and are part of a larger story centered on healing, faith, and restoration.

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Meet Ellie McNeal: The No-Nonsense Hairstylist from Storms of Love

Mya Kay — Wed, 11 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0000

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. If I’m gonna do hair on a major film set, people better leave camera-ready and feeling like Beyoncé’s cousin.

Me: We love the energy. Now about that little car situation… what really went through your mind when you saw that dent?

Ellie: I was hoping Jesus would come back before that man reached his car. But no. Instead, He sent me someone with deep brown eyes and an even deeper voice. Distracting much.

Me: Ha! What’s your real first impression of Jeremiah?

Ellie: He was smooth, but not in a corny way. Confident. Funny. The kind of man who sees everything but doesn't feel the need to say it all. That’s dangerous in the right hands.

Me: Whew. Okay. Pivot. You're a woman of faith, but you’ve clearly got your boundaries. How do you stay grounded on chaotic sets?

Ellie: My Grandma used to say, “You can’t pour hot oil on everybody who tries you.” So now I sip water, pray under my breath, and remember that I got a purpose that can’t afford pettiness. That—and I remind myself whose check I cash.

Me: Final question: What would you tell women who are chasing dreams in rooms they weren’t always invited into?

Ellie: Show up anyway. Be excellent. Let your work speak before your mouth does. And know this: you don’t need to shrink just because they’re uncomfortable. Make them stretch.

Ready to dive into the series? Storms of Love is available here.

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Get to Know Ellie: A Character Interview on Faith, Fear & Finding Love

Mya Kay — Tue, 3 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0000

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 journal a lot and pray. Sometimes, I have to remind myself that feelings aren’t facts. Just because I feel a certain way doesn’t mean God’s promises aren’t still true. I try to talk through my fears instead of stuffing them.

Mya Kay: What’s something you keep hidden from most people?

Ellie: I don’t talk much about how much losing my mother, not having a relationship with my father and family struggles have shaped me. It’s like this quiet weight I carry. But it also makes me who I am—stronger, more compassionate, and driven.

Mya Kay: How does your faith play a role in your day-to-day life?

Ellie: It’s everything. Even on set, when things get crazy, I remind myself God’s got the final say. My grandma, Grandma T, really instilled that in me growing up—Bible, prayer, and ginger ale. (Laughs) That’s my foundation.

Mya Kay: You’ve got some quiet moments where you think a lot. What’s usually on your mind?

Ellie: Mostly, I wonder about the future—what God has planned, who He’ll bring into my life. And there’s this pull I feel when I’m around Jeremiah, but I’m still figuring out what that means.

Mya Kay: For writers reading this, how do you think interviewing a character helps bring them to life?

Ellie: Oh, it’s huge! When you get inside their head, ask about their fears, dreams, and what they’re not saying out loud—that’s where the real story lives. The stuff beneath the surface makes readers care.

Mya Kay: Lastly, what advice would you give your younger self?

Ellie: Trust God more, stop trying to control everything, and don’t rush the journey. Also, keep your heart open — you never know how He’ll surprise you.

Want to go even deeper into what makes a character like Ellie connect with readers? Be sure to check out my earlier post on “How to Write Scenes That Stir Emotion.” Together, these two resources show how the words your character says and the emotions they suppress work hand in hand to create depth.

Whether you’re plotting your next novel or just getting to know your characters better, don’t skip this step. Sometimes, it’s the quietest voices that speak the loudest to your readers.

Ya Girl,

Mya Kay

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From Page to Pulse: Writing Scenes That Stir Emotion

Mya Kay — Mon, 2 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0000

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—it’s how it feels. Let’s look at how you can layer emotion into your early scenes to hook readers on a deeper level.

📖 Scene Breakdown from Chapter 1:

“She was getting ready to look back down when she noticed he was getting closer to her… and the other car. As soon as she heard the doors unlock when he stuck his hand out, she knew he was the driver. ‘Shoot,’ she said to herself before bossing up and stepping back out of her car.”

This moment hits for a few reasons:

Unexpected disruption: Ellie’s day has already been long. She's sweaty, tired, and just wants a bath. So when her car door hits someone else’s, tension spikes—and the reader feels that rush of panic.
Small stakes, big emotion: It’s just a dent, but it becomes a chance for vulnerability, accountability, and connection.
Voice + reaction: “Shoot,” “bossing up”—these word choices reflect Ellie’s personality and emotional resilience in real time.

💡 Writing Tip:

The best emotional beats happen when your character’s guard is down. Right when Ellie’s ready to crash, the unexpected (Jeremiah) shows up. That tension—between exhaustion and curiosity, irritation and attraction—is the pulse of the scene.

When writing your own opening chapter:

Build the setting with friction (heat, pressure, deadlines).
Let your character snap or stumble in small ways.
Let emotional layers reveal themselves through reactions, not exposition.

🎯 Pro Tip:

Every chapter doesn’t need a car dent or flirtatious banter, but it does need a shift. Ask yourself:

What does my main character want at the beginning of this scene?
What unexpected thing disrupts that?
What emotion lingers as a result?

📝 Writer’s Journal Prompt:

Think about your first chapter. What’s the emotional climax of that scene? Is it a quiet unraveling? A subtle smile? A realization?

Write a paragraph where your main character reacts, but without dialogue. Let us feel their thoughts in their posture, their breath, their pace.

Final Thought:

You don’t need high drama to stir deep emotion. In Storms of Love, it was a dented car and a dented plan—but Ellie’s heart? Stirred. And so is the reader’s. That’s the power of emotional layering.

Are these posts helping my fellow writers? Let me know.

Ya Girl,

Mya Kay

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3 Powerful Spiritual Practices Every Writer Needs: Receiving, Commitment, and Rest

Mya Kay — Sun, 1 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0000

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 God throughout their process. Here’s a sneak peek:

1. The Power of Receiving

It’s easy to get stuck in our heads, trying to force the “perfect” sentence or idea. But God often speaks to our spirits in ways our minds don’t immediately grasp. The Holy Spirit is our Helper, guiding us and bringing to remembrance all that Jesus taught (John 14:26). When you lean into your spirit and trust His downloads—even if they don’t make sense right away—you open the door for divine creativity to flow through you.

Try this: Before your next writing session, spend a few minutes praying for God to help you receive His wisdom, not just your own ideas.

2. The Power of Commitment

God is a finisher (Philippians 1:6), and because we are made in His image, we are called to be finishers too. Writing a book or project can get tiring, and it’s tempting to jump to the next shiny idea when the going gets tough. But the breakthrough happens when you push through the mundane and keep your eyes on the purpose God has for your work.

Try this: Write down unfinished projects and ask God to reveal what’s holding you back. Commit to finishing what He’s placed in your hands.

3. The Power of Resting

Even God rested after creation (Genesis 2:2), setting an example for us. Rest isn’t a sign of laziness; it’s a vital part of the creative process. Rest allows your work to “work” for you — giving your mind and spirit space to receive fresh revelation and renew energy. Fasting, taking a day off from your project, or simply being still before God can unlock new insights that push your writing forward.

Try this: Create a weekly rest rhythm. Use that time not to hustle, but to simply be with God.

Ready to take your writing to the next level, spiritually and creatively?

These three practices are just a small part of what you’ll find in my full Writer’s Devotional. It’s designed to help you lean fully into God’s guidance while you write, so your work can truly be His.

👉 Purchase Writer's Devotional

Remember, God didn’t just give you a story to tell—He’s also with you every step of the way, providing wisdom, strength, and rest.

Ya Girl,

Mya Kay

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