Mya Kay | Updates

The War in His Heart - Chapter 1 (Unedited Sneak Peek)

Mya Kay — Sun, 31 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

The War in His Heart

Chapter 1 – What Remains…

Warren turned into the cul-de-sac slowly, his heartbeat racing. The Philly skyline was beginning to go from orange to deep blue, as daylight slipped away. He rode slowly past the beautiful, single-family homes, trying to take in the unique architectural design of each one. He loved his neighborhood in the suburbs of Philly. It was far enough from the crazy city life, but close enough to hit up the hood that had the best food and nightlife. The closer he got to the house, his heart palpitated quicker. He pulled into the garage, taking his time turning off the engine. Waiting a few minutes, he finally got out and walked slowly into the home, shutting the door with what little energy he had left. Closing his eyes, he took a deep breath. He could still smell her scent throughout the house whenever he entered. He hadn’t sold it because it just didn’t feel right to give up the home they worked so hard to build together.

As he fully entered the house, he took in the black and gold accents that flowed throughout the home. The crème and black dining room décor was one of her favorites. They’d picked out the matching artwork that was perched on the walls and the kitchen, which was one of her favorite spots to hangout. The kitchen still held memories of her famous French toast and chicken apple sausages that she made from scratch. His mouth watered at the thought of one of her morning meals that he’d wake up early for. Before he could continue reminiscing, reality set in as he threw his keys on the table by the front door.

Today was one for the books. Between the back-to-back meetings discussing the upcoming NFL season and the changes his team wanted to implement, not to mention his daughter’s mother calling him about the pictures she was posting on Social Clique, Warren was drained. He grabbed the mail and walked back toward the kitchen. Before he could make it all the way into the kitchen, he heard her voice.

“Warren, you promised,” Nadine said, her voice quivering. “Yet, here you are again, putting football first.”

Warren flinched. “Really, Nadine? You always say that, but that’s never an issue when you’re shopping or buying your mother something new. Don’t complain about the life you prayed for.”

When he heard her gasp, he knew he’d hit below the belt. He fell silent, as her breathing got heavier over the phone.

“I can’t believe you just said that to me,” she responded, her voice a few octaves higher than it was before. “I never needed your money.”

He took a deep breath. He didn’t want to say anything else that he would regret. “Baby, listen. Let’s talk about this when you get home. We both need to cool down.”

“Fine.”

Shaking the memory out of his head, Warren hurried into the kitchen, grabbed a salad out the fridge then sat down at his dining room table. Before he could pray over his food, his phone rang. He had no energy for a business call right now, but he wanted to be able to relax tonight without interruption. Taking his phone out of his pocket, he winced when he saw the name. Daylen? He answered quickly.

“Baby Girl,” he said, confusion in his voice. “What’s up?”

“Hey, Dad,” Daylen said. “I’m sorry again about the picture. I didn’t mean to upset you.”

Warren pushed the salad back a little, then leaned forward on the table. “Baby, I’m not upset. I’m disappointed that you thought you had to post a picture like that to get some boy’s attention. What’s going on with you?”

There was silence for a few seconds.

“I’m not trying to stress you out. You have enough on your plate.”

Warren swallowed, stuck on how to respond to that. He pulled the salad closer, fidgeting with the edge of the plate. He felt the weight of his tongue against his teeth.

“What do you mean I have enough on my plate? Daylen, you know you come first.”

She sniffled. “I know, I just hate bothering you with stuff that’s not that important.”

“Whoa, whoa. Where is this coming from?”

“Since Nadine died, I just try not to bother you with little things. I figured Mom could handle the boy stuff. You know. So, you can stay out of jail.”

Warren forced a little smile at her attempt at a joke, but his heart returned to beating fast at her previous statement. “Daylen, you can call me if there’s a bug in your room, and I’ll come kill it for you. Don’t ever think you can’t talk to me because I have stuff going on.”

Silence. He heard her moving around. “I just know you miss her.”

Warren took a deep breath. He did. A lot, but he’d made it a point to make sure Daylen didn’t feel the sting of that. Maybe he wasn’t doing enough.

“Baby, do I make you feel like you can’t talk to me?” he asked. His heart was lodged in his throat as he waited for the answer. No, God. Please don’t let me fail her, too.

“Not really, I think I’m frustrated because Mom and I are having issues and I don’t get to see you as much as I want to,” Daylen responded.

Warren let out a sigh of relief. That, he could deal with. “Baby, listen, when we go out for our next daddy-daughter date, we can come up with a schedule that’s good for both of us. How’s that sound?”

“I’d love that, but…”

Her voice trailed off. “But what?”

“Can we not make it sound like your job?”

Warren cringed inside. It was a habit for him to say ‘schedule’. It was a part of his everyday language, but he didn’t want his daughter to feel like she was something being penciled in.

“Deal. But can you make me a promise?”

“Sure,” Daylen said, sounding like her upbeat self again.

“Don’t ever let me off the hook. I better not ever hear you saying you thought something wasn’t important to me. Whether its bugs, boys or books, I’m here. You hear me?”

He heard her sniffle. “Deal. I got your back.”

“And I got yours. I love you, baby girl,” he said, trying to maintain his composure. “More than anything in this world.”

“Love you more, Dad,” she said. “I gotta finish my homework, but I promise, I’ll text you later.”

“You better. Be good.”

Warren choked back tears as he hung up the phone. He whispered a quick prayer then dug into his salad. When he bit into the first piece, a vision of the wrecked cars flashed across his mind. He remembered the tears stinging his eyes as he approached the scene. He remembered the smell of burnt tires and oil. Another bite—he saw the EMT’s pulling bodies out of the other cars as he frantically searched for his wife. One of the bodies they pulled out made him hurl on the side of a totaled vehicle. He had to build up the courage to continue to the vehicles up front. Another bite—he saw himself rushing to the hospital, only to be told that she was gone. When he didn’t see her at the scene of the accident, he thought that was a good sign. A sign that maybe she was in surgery, but he was too late. He placed the fork down and shook his head, as if clearing it. Looking down at the salad, he pushed it back gently, afraid of what another bite would bring.

This had been happening on and off for the last five years—he’d have random flashbacks of the accident and the aftermath. After it happened, he went to grief counseling for three sessions, then he moved on, considering his pastor’s counseling sessions as the only ones he needed. But now, he was stuck. He’d been feeling a nudge in his spirit for the last several months that he needed something else. It wasn’t just about the accident. It was about everything. He knew he was hiding behind football, and he knew that his pastor’s counseling had only helped him on the surface. His father, Gregory, was a therapist. He knew what he would need when he held Nadine’s hand in the hospital room for the final time but feared gripped his heart. In his mind, healing meant letting her go completely, and he wasn’t ready to do that.

Swallowing the phlegm that had begun to build in his mouth, Warren’s eyes traveled to the archway that led into his living room. The ornate, gold mantelpiece that sat above the fireplace caught his attention. The brass urn caught his eye first. Then the trophy. Frowning, he walked closer, biting his bottom lip as he reached out to touch the urn. How could his greatest loss sit next to his greatest win? He took a few deep breaths, touching the trophy with his other hand. Trying to force a smile, his eyes went back and forth, taking in both moments that had changed his life.

That conversation that continued to come back and haunt him was the last time he’d heard her voice. He looked at the trophy and urn again. He cringed as he thought about how he wished he could turn back the hands of time and change the entire conversation. Life wasn’t supposed to be this way. Losing his wife in a car accident just six months after his first Super Bowl win was devastating to say the least. It was his last year as a quarterback for the Philadelphia Lions and what he thought would be the time of his life, retiring and traveling with his wife, ended up being the biggest heartbreak he’d ever experienced. Instead, he spent the next year clearing out Nadine’s belongings and trying to survive the deep cuts of grief every time a holiday or her birthday came and went. Even Daylen, his sixteen-year-old daughter, couldn’t provide the joy he once knew just taking a glance at her face.

Now, as he stood looking at the vessel that held her remains and the trophy that held his heart, he knew he had a decision to make. Taking one last look, he turned and headed back to the dining room. He’d been wrestling with the decision for over a year now, but he knew what he had to do. He knew he could no longer hide behind the sport he’d become one with. He was one of the highest paid football coaches in the league and while he’d help take the Lions to the Super Bowl several more times, he had to be honest with himself.

His relationships were suffering and so was his heart. That’s why he knew he had to walk away from football. For good. It was the only way to truly let God give him the fresh start he so desperately needed. Grabbing the salad, he dumped the rest down the garbage disposal and headed upstairs to his office. The letter had been written for months. He just had to print it. The longer he put it off, the longer the pain would constrict at his heart. The thing he loved the most since he was six was now pulling on parts of him that he wasn’t willing to give to anyone, except God. He had to keep his soul intact.

Sitting down at his desk, he went to open the file folder where the letter was saved. His mind drifted again. There was something else gnawing at him. It was something Daylen asked him when they first talked earlier that day about the picture. She asked him if he would ever get married again. While he hadn’t thought about it much, he realized that there was a part of him that yearned to feel a woman’s touch again. He was only thirty-seven, so there was still a chance. He knew it would take some time, and it was certainly not something he cared to think about now, but lying next to emptiness for the last five years had been tough. It wasn’t even about sex for him – it was about the intimacy he missed sharing with a woman. Late night pillow talks, cuddling while watching cheesy romcoms and being able to share his heart in a safe space. That’s what he missed.

Taking a deep breath as he opened the word document, he read it over one more time, then hit print. As the printer worked, he looked at the picture of Nadine that sat on his desk. It was a picture from their first date after he proposed. He couldn’t imagine loving like that again, just to have it snatched away. Tears welled up in his eyes as he grabbed the letter off the printer, then placed it on the keyboard. He would turn it in by the end of the month. Grabbing the photo, he moved his thumb along the frame. When he looked back down, the first line of the letter made his heart skip a beat.

Dear Coach Samson,

It is with deep sorrow that I announce my official retirement from my position as Quarterback Coach for the Philadelphia Lions. This time, I’m sad to say that I’m leaving football for good…

***

Khadijah finished her last mile on the treadmill then hit the cool down setting. As she slowed down, she grabbed her water and took a few sips. Once the five-minute cool down was over, she hopped off, then headed upstairs. She closed the basement door and headed to the kitchen to make a smoothie. Placing the ingredients in the blender, once the mix was to her liking, she poured a cup then walked toward the living room. Sipping on the smoothie, she allowed the pineapple and mango flavors to swirl around in her mouth before swallowing. She was still in love with the beautiful orange, brown and yellow décor of her three-bedroom townhome in Manayunk. She knew when she moved back to Philly that this was where she wanted to settle down. Sitting on her floor, she turned the worship music up on her phone.

She’d been jamming to a new Christian hip hop artist she discovered a few weeks ago. It made her work outs powerful and kept her from going back to the trap music that she usually worked out to. She still listened to secular music, but she had cut back quite a bit. Halfway through her smoothie, she looked over at her entertainment center. The corner of a book sticking out caught her eye. It was her childhood photo album. Crawling over to it, she grabbed it, then sat back against the couch. As she flipped it open, the first picture caused a lump to lodge in her throat.

Swallowing slowly, she kept turning the pages, breezing past photos of her late grandmother. She stopped when she came across a photo of her grandmother and mother. Both were long gone, and this picture made her long for them even more. She didn’t remember much about her mother, other than her sweet smell whenever she would pick her up. Her grandmother had been the one that reared her, and she recalled more about her than anyone in her family. Her mother was killed when she was three and she’d never known her father, Ivan Lewis. All she knew was that he was a military man with another family who decided she wasn’t worth anything more than the few nights he had spent with her mother.

When she was about to close the album, another photo caught her attention. She didn’t even remember adding it to the album. As she looked at the eight pairs of eyes staring back at her, her hand reached for the tattoo on her right forearm. A chill ran up her spine as she reminisced on the times they had shared. The Renaissance was etched on her skin for life, but she left that part of her past behind when she first moved to Savannah, Georgia. While she’d been back in Philadelphia for the last seven years, she still wanted to forget that part of her past.

She went to therapy just to be able to do so. While she knew God had given her a fresh start and her healing, growth and businesses were evidence of that, she couldn’t shake the feeling that somehow this part of her life would always try to wreak havoc on her future. She knew she could remove the tattoo, but the pain she’d caused so many families would never be able to be erased. She was the bait girl, and they were the guys who grabbed the money from the rich men she had lured into dating her. Thinking about it made her sick to her stomach and she could feel the smoothie trying to make its way back up.

She slammed the photo album shut, pushing it away from her. Grabbing the smoothie, she jumped up and headed back into the kitchen. She rinsed the rest of it down the drain, then placed the glass in the dishwasher. As she leaned against the counter, she stared out the kitchen window at her pool. She imagined herself jumping in it and coming back out the water, free of everything that weighed her down. When she got baptized ten years ago, that’s how she felt – like everything had been washed away.

Somehow, the residue from her days running with her former squad kept returning—whenever she walked through a new door of opportunity, or whenever she spoke to the youth here in the city. It was like the spirit of the people she used to run with, and her actions stayed with her, no matter how much she had turned over a new leaf. Letting out the breath she’d been holding, she wondered if it would ever end. She’d already experienced great levels of pain—losing her mother and grandmother, not knowing her father, and getting arrested a few times. She was mentally tired and just wanted to enjoy her new life without restrictions. While she was able to move about physically, it was the emotional and mental prison she couldn’t seem to escape.

***

Khadijah walked over to the African History section of her bookstore and added the new books that just came in. Hailey, her assistant, had already scanned them into the system, making it easier for her to handle the new inventory once she arrived. Finishing up, she noticed some dust on the shelves. Walking over to the register, she grabbed the duster that was behind the counter, then went back to clean the shelf. She was particular about things being in order and staying clean. She was still shocked that she owned a bookstore, a childhood dream of hers that had come true almost a year ago.

Even with Radiant Hughes, her nail polish brand, being a seven-figure company and recently signing a deal with Melrose Retail for distribution, her bookstore had been a dream that she never thought would happen. It brought her a joy she couldn’t describe. It was the same joy that would meet her whenever she opened a new book or her late grandmother took her to the library. Fresh books meant a fresh place to escape. She would imagine the characters in the book being her own family, especially the mother and father. Now, she could escape whenever she wanted, only now, she wouldn’t have to return the books.

“Hailey, I think I’m going to head out early today,” she said, after the customer Hailey was ringing up left. “We only have a few weeks left before the one-year anniversary party, and I have quite a bit to finalize before the big day. Will you be okay?”

Hailey smiled, then flagged her off. “I got this. Can you please stop being so dismissive about your accomplishments? You’re celebrating the one-year anniversary and your new deal with Melrose Retail for the nail polish. Enjoy your moment. Take a bow. All that good stuff.”

Khadijah chuckled. She was ecstatic. Very. Sometimes she showed it and other times, she just basked in the reality that her life was going well, and she didn’t have to worry about someone snatching this away from her.

“I am. Trust me. We’re going to have a blast, and I will definitely be showing off.” She held her hands out to Hailey. “This color hasn’t even been put on the shelves yet. Trust me, I’m coming in swinging.”

They both squealed as Hailey admired the beautiful light green color with the blue iridescent glow.

“Are you bringing a date to the event?” Hailey asked.

Khadijah raised an eyebrow as she looked at Hailey. They had never talked about her personal life. “What made you ask me that?”

Hailey shrugged. “I mean, this is a big moment. I know you’re private, but I had to ask. My plus one is a man.”

Khadijah softened her facial expression. “No, it’s okay. I’m just surprised because we don’t talk much about dating. You can ask. There just ain’t much to tell on my end.” She looked at Hailey quizzically. “As for you, do you like said man?”

Hailey smiled. “I do. A lot,” she said, grinning. “And as for you, maybe you’ll meet somebody there.”

Khadijah scoffed. “It’s a bookstore event. I doubt I’ll find somebody that’s my type.” She squinted at Hailey. “Do you know something I don’t?”

Hailey laughed. “No, no. I don’t know. I guess I’ve watched you work so hard and put so much into your businesses and even mentoring me. You deserve love, too.”

Khadijah could appreciate that she didn’t say, “you deserve happiness, too,” which people often equated to finding love. She was shocked at the direction the conversation had taken, but she certainly wasn’t upset. She hadn’t dated much since she’d been back in Philly, mainly because she wanted to stay focused on her healing and her business. Now that Hailey had brought it up, she realized just how dry her love life was.

They chatted a bit more about the event, then Khadijah left. Hopping in her car, she rested her head against the headrest before starting the engine. She breathed in the scent of Clean Linen and cinnamon. As she melted into her dark brown, leather seats she thought about her life over the last twelve years. How she’d gone from living a nightmare to living the life of her dreams. She asked God to get her out the life she was living, and she promised Him she would get it right. She started the car and smiled. Turning on the radio, she chuckled as Tori Kelly’s Dear No One came blasting through the speakers. What were the odds Hailey would mention love and the minute Khadijah stepped into her car, one of her favorite artists would be singing a love song? Maybe God was up to something in her love life after all. As she adjusted her mirror, she started the engine and pulled out of the parking lot. If He was, she hoped this time, it would be a love just like Tori Kelly was describing.

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The War in His Heart - Cover Reveal

Mya Kay — Tue, 19 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

She walked into his space without saying a word… and he hasn't been the same since.

Introducing The War In His Heart — a slow burn romance filled with tension, drama, and faith.

Warren and Khadijah's story is coming June 2nd, and I need y'all ready.

Check out the synopsis below:

After losing his wife five years ago in a car accident, Warren’s life has drastically changed. Every day he feels the emptiness in his home and in his heart. Even his career as one of the top quarterback coaches in the league is no longer fulfilling. The one thing keeping him grounded and focused is his faith in God, and his sixteen-year-old daughter, Daylen.

Until he meets Khadijah Hughes — a sassy entrepreneur with a dark past. There’s no denying the attraction, and even though love is the farthest thing from his mind, he can’t help but take her business card when she offers it.

When his therapist suggests easing back into dating by building a friendship first, Khadijah immediately comes to mind. As the two draw closer, the naysayers get louder. Khadijah’s past starts tracking her down, causing Warren’s pastor and friends to attack their love.

Can Warren and Khadijah’s new romance weather the storms of judgment — or will Warren shut down the war in his heart by giving up on love before his faith in it can be restored?

Best described as Kim Cash Tate’s Hidden Blessings meets Though I Stumble, The War in His Heart gives hope to those looking for love after loss.

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God Flipped the Script

Mya Kay — Sun, 5 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

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 in Atlanta, I had been doing deep work in therapy. And somewhere in the middle of that work, I learned something that cracked me open: you find out if you're actually healed when you're confronted with the same situation that sent you to therapy in the first place.

Coming home was that confrontation.

And what I found was a little girl who still needed tending to. Grieving her felt like dying. But I had to let her go — without her own version of healing, for now — because the grown woman was here. And she could handle what the little girl couldn't.

That grief was real. It was necessary. And it was holy.

Then Mother's Day 2024 happened.

My mother handed me a card. I have no children. And something shifted in me in that moment — because I realized I had a choice. I could embrace what she was saying. Or I could try to force her to see what I had always needed.

I chose to receive it.

What made that possible is that our relationship had already been growing — slowly, powerfully — over the years. My mom has always been my best friend, even in the seasons when I was quietly nursing my wounds. But that card moved things to a different level. A deeper one.

She's noticed the change in me. She's said so. She's told me I've taught her things. And we've had the kinds of conversations I used to wonder if we'd ever be able to have. That's where the Mother's Day cards — two years running now — come from.

Then a clip of Dr. Sarita Lyons at Jackie Hill Perry's "Glory" conference in 2023 hit my timeline, and what Dr. Sarita said wrecked me in the best way: that while you're healing, "God can use you to meet your mother and minister to her in a way you didn't think you'd be available to because of your pain."

I felt that in my bones.

Because that's exactly what happened. I didn't set out to give my mother wise counsel. I didn't plan to become someone she learned from. But healing changed what I had to offer — and it changed the way I offered it. Not from frustration. Not from why am I the one doing this. From a place of something that finally felt like freedom.

That's why I am so anticipating Dr. Sarita's new book, Honor Thy Mother: How to Grieve, Heal, and Make Peace with Your Mother Wounds (August 2026, WaterBrook Multnomah).

This book is for the woman who's still healing. The complicated one. The one who loves her mother and grieves her at the same time.

It's for me. And I have a feeling it's for you too.

📖 Pre-order the book here. Save this post and share it with someone who needs it.

Ya Girl in Wholeness,

Mya Kay

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The Essence of His Soul Is Having Its Moment — And You're Invited

Mya Kay — Sat, 4 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

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 on a mission. As the owner of Taylor Made Music Group, she doesn't have time for distractions — and she certainly doesn't have time for a basketball player with a dimpled smile and way too much confidence. But when Shane Bishop walks into her life inside a coffee shop in Old City Philadelphia, something shifts. Not immediately. Not easily. But undeniably.

What begins as a cautious friendship between two preacher's kids becomes something neither of them planned for — a God-ordained love story tested by family secrets, industry pressure, resurfacing relationships, and a devastating incident that threatens everything they've built.

This book is for the women of faith who are tired of choosing between a love story and their values. You don't have to compromise here. The Essence of His Soul gives you the romance, the tension, the healing — and the God in the middle of it all.

And right now, you can win a FREE copy.

To celebrate the blitz, I'm giving away 5 free eBooks. The giveaway is live all week — enter the link below, and share it with someone who needs this story.

[Enter the Giveaway]

Buy a copy to give away to a friend or sister in Christ!

Ya Girl,

Mya Kay

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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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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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