Last updated on November 4th, 2024 at 06:13 am
After over three decades of teaching children to fall in love with reading, I found myself at a crossroads. My passion for books, stories, and words never faded, but I realized it was time to explore that passion in a new way. Teaching had been a deeply rewarding journey—helping young minds discover the magic of reading was an experience I wouldn’t trade for the world. But after years of nurturing others’ love for stories, I decided it was time to nurture my own.
The Spark That Ignited the Change
As a teacher, I constantly encouraged my students to follow their dreams, to be brave enough to chase after what made their hearts sing. Yet, it took me a little while to apply that advice to myself. Teaching had been my life for so long, and though it brought me immense joy, the pull to create something of my own was quietly growing stronger in the background.
During my years in the classroom, I found myself drawn to cozy mysteries and light-hearted romances—books that provided an escape into charming towns, quirky characters, and a world of warmth. After the chaos and challenges of 2020, I knew it was the right moment to make the leap from teacher to writer. In May of 2021, I stepped away from the classroom and toward the stories that had been waiting patiently for me to tell.
Embracing the Cozy Worlds
I’ve always believed that stories should bring comfort, whether you’re reading them or writing them. When I discovered cozy mysteries, I knew I’d found my genre. There was something magical about crafting stories set in charming small towns, where the tension is just enough to keep readers guessing but the world is still wrapped in warmth. The same held true for cozy romances—stories where love blooms slowly, surrounded by community and heart.
I wanted to write books that brought a sense of joy and comfort, the kind of stories you curl up with on a rainy day or when you just need to feel good. These genres were a natural fit for me because they mirrored the values I held close—family, friendship, a strong sense of community, and the belief that love and justice always prevail.
From Teacher to Storyteller
Being a teacher gave me a unique perspective on storytelling. I had spent years dissecting stories, explaining plot twists, and helping students understand the importance of character development. In a way, I was always a storyteller, helping my students piece together the threads of a good narrative.
When I started writing, I approached it with the same curiosity and excitement that I once brought to the classroom. Writing cozy mysteries and romances felt like second nature—I was weaving together my love of storytelling with my experience of connecting with others. Teaching had trained me to look for the heart in every story, to understand the importance of pacing, and to ensure that every twist and turn felt satisfying.
Inspiring Others to Follow Their Passion
The most important lesson I learned in my journey from teacher to writer is that it’s never too late to follow your passion. For years, I dreamed of writing my own stories, but life always seemed too busy. When I finally made the decision to pursue writing, I realized how much joy it brought me, and I wished I hadn’t waited so long.
If there’s one piece of advice I’d offer to anyone considering following their passion—whether it’s writing or something else—it’s to just start. The journey might seem daunting at first, but the reward is worth every step. Writing has opened up a new chapter of my life, one that brings both fulfillment and purpose.
As I sit down each day to write, I’m reminded of how lucky I am to spend my time doing something I love. Cozy mysteries and romances allow me to escape into a world of my own creation, and I hope my readers find as much comfort in those worlds as I do.
So, here I am—no longer just a teacher, but a storyteller. I’m excited to continue this journey, creating characters and stories that not only entertain but also bring warmth and a sense of home to readers. If my journey from teacher to author teaches anything, it’s that it’s never too late to chase after what you love.