Mya Kay | Updates

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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