📖 Welcome to my unfiltered space. Here’s where I step outside the pages of fiction to share the truths, the lessons, and the inspiration behind the stories. These are my unscripted chapters. 

Reinventing Myself — Just Like Renee

In my book Finding Renee, Renee decided she had had enough of the corporate world — the backstabbing coworkers, the outdated and micromanaging boss, and the complete lack of work-life balance. It was no longer acceptable. It was time for a change. A change that would alter her life forever.

 Renee loved making jewelry for herself and her friends. To her, it was relaxing. To her friends, it was revolutionary. For years, they encouraged her to step out on her own, but like many of us, Renee wasn’t ready to accept that kind of change. She knew her job was physically demanding and emotionally draining. She didn’t have the energy or the time to turn her hobby into a business.

 But the day came when Renee took the “jump.” She turned in her letter of resignation—but not before taking a one-hundred-thousand-dollar loan from her retirement fund. She used two weeks of PTO as part of her resignation and gave herself some much-needed “me time,” knowing it would be a while before she had another break.

Andrea’s Journey-

My story is different from Renee’s. I didn’t walk away; I was laid off. I wanted to return to the corporate world—to my high salary and familiar structure—but the more I looked, the fewer interview invitations I received.

 For months, I searched. I knew I had done well in several interviews—some even went to second or third rounds—but none resulted in an offer. And during that time, something unexpected began to happen. I kept having new ideas for my writing and my brand.

 I started dedicating time after my job hunt to building my author brand. I woke up earlier to work on it and stayed up late perfecting designs. I created a website that looked like I had hired a professional. Then I stepped outside my comfort zone and started sharing content on social media.

 Even now, I don’t see what I’m doing as more than a hobby—yet. Becoming a full-time author will take hard work and, in my case, God’s favor. But I can feel that He’s shifting something within me.

The Process -

To be noticed by people outside your circle of family and friends takes patience, consistency, dedication, faith, and creativity. Growth doesn’t happen overnight.

 I decided that sharing pieces of Finding Renee could help spark interest from readers who’ve never heard of my book. I added a link to a free chapter in my Instagram bio, LinkedIn, Facebook, and on my website. I don’t know if it’s working yet, but it’s a start.

Be Ready — Don’t Get Ready - 

There’s a gospel song I love called “He’s Preparing Me” by the late Daryl Coley. It begins, “He is preparing me,” and tells how God prepares us for things we can’t handle right now.

 That message encouraged my soul. I realized I wasn’t just waiting for an opportunity—I was being prepared for one. Every time I uncover another step I need to take to build my brand, I see how God has been giving me the gift of time to get ready.

 I am reinventing myself—through preparation, through faith, and through speaking truth to my power. I will be a successful writer and businesswoman.

 My journey isn’t just beginning; it’s already in motion. I’m simply in the preparation stage for success.

💌 If you’ve ever felt called to reinvent yourself, know this: you’re not behind. You’re being prepared.

📖 Read a Free Chapter of Finding Renee  

Delayed But Not Denied

After months of pain and setbacks, I can finally say—my body is healing, and so is my spirit. Have you ever faced an injury or illness that felt endless—just as you begin to heal, another setback arrives? That was my reality.  After recovering from surgery on my right Achilles tendon, my left foot gave way to the same pain a year later. Fear, anger, and frustration overwhelmed me—I wanted life to feel normal again.

 When you’re used to being active and suddenly stop, the absence of endorphins can weigh heavily on your mind. Depression set in. In that dark space, I discovered something that brought me light—writing. At first, it was poetry. Deep down, though, I always dreamed of drafting a novel, yet I silenced myself with doubt. I’m not smart enough. Not educated enough. Not talented enough.

 One morning, as I prepared for work, I cried as I prayed. God’s voice was unmistakable: I wasn’t using my talent. That moment brought clarity. I made a promise to Him—to use the gift He gave me. I began to write, and for six months, He blessed me with words that healed.

 My second injury wasn’t a punishment; it was preparation. If I had been healed too quickly, I would have rushed back into old routines and missed the deeper lessons God wanted me to learn.  I discovered not only my writing, but also the world of self-publishing, branding, and business.

“What I thought was a delay became my greatest lesson in trust.” 

This journey taught me patience, trust, and the truth of Philippians 4:19:
“And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.”

Speaking it into Existence

When you repeat the same thing over and over, you may get your wish. We don’t expect our lives to be turned upside down through the process.

 We may say, “How long”?

As long as it takes.

The process may feel like a punishment to you, and you may feel discouraged during the process, and you will feel alone. I encourage you to hold on and be encouraged.

You aren’t meant to see the process, but God shows you that he hasn’t left you and is working in your favor. You may not see His progress; however, those on the outside can see. Whatever the case, trust the process, be patient, and seek only His face.

You will have others who can’t see the process and may suggest you change the path for something more visually acceptable--staying in your comfort zone, giving instant relief.

Don’t let those who only see the trees but not the forest, push you to move without God’s will.

Keep in mind that no weapons formed against you shall prosper.

I promise you this one thing: if God is working the process, praise Him, glorify His name, and be still and know that God is God.

“Truly I tell you, if anyone says to this mountain, ‘Go, throw yourself into the sea,’ and does not doubt in their heart but believes that what they say will happen, it will be done for them.” – Mark 11:23