Welcoming A New Year
Hi there! I’m Sabrina, a passionate storyteller who loves to write about fantastical romances that blend magical elements with contemporary and modern settings. As we settle into the last few days of 2024, I figured it was time, as an aspiring author, to kick off my official author website and blog.
You might think that, as a writer, it would be easy to come up with something to write about. But I can tell you—it’s surprisingly challenging to craft blog ideas as an aspiring author hoping to become published. I spend a lot of time wracking my brain, trying to decide what I want to say and what stories I might want to tell beyond the pages of my novel. As I welcome the new year, I’ve decided to start by sharing the story of who I am, my writing journey, and where I am today.
Over the past year, I spent much of my time finally putting to paper the story that had been bouncing around in my head for years. After several years of chronic health issues that culminated in a mental health crisis, I was determined to tell this story—no matter what. Using various writing processes and methods, I was able to complete my first draft.
A huge shout-out to my women’s writing group and some of my favorite people in my Write Practice writing cohort for their incredible support this year. And, of course, I must thank my husband who is my favorite person and my biggest cheerleader in this process. He may not understand why I choose to “torture” myself with writing, but he keeps the caffeine flowing, the kids quiet, and the electricity on. Without him, this draft wouldn’t have made it onto paper.
You might be wondering (or maybe not—but I’m telling you anyway): What is this story I’m talking about? While the title is still a work in progress, here’s the premise:
The story follows Coral Brown, a recent widow in her 40s with nearly grown children and a quiet house to herself. At the insistence of her cousin and best friend, she embarks on the big adventure of redoing her garden and back patio. After finding the perfect setup with help from a magical new garden shop, Coral, her cousin, and her best friend put the final touches on the patio, including a set of four crystals. To their astonishment, the crystals transport them to Moonstone Valley—a world born of their imaginations and inspired by childhood fairy tales told by Coral’s grandmother.
While Coral’s friends must return to the human world, she has no way home without the aid of the Queens of the Court of Elementals. Theo, a key figure in this magical realm, never thought he’d see Sylvie again. But when Coral and her friends arrive in his office, he can’t believe his eyes—and knows it means trouble. Torn between his duty and his enduring love for Sylvie, Theo must choose whether to keep his darkest secrets from Coral or open his wounded heart to her. Together, Coral and Theo must decide what they mean to each other, for the survival of both Isfirea and themselves hangs in the balance.
Blending fantasy, magical realism, romance, and cozy vibes, this is a story I’ve loved for many years. In the year ahead, I hope to share the inspirations behind this tale, along with my journey to refine and revise it for the world.
Until next time, keep reading, keep dreaming, and keep believing.