Romantasy Author? I thought you were a weird tech-nurse.

I've built my career through hard work, constant learning and staying available until the work is finished —always improving, always verbally recognized for exceptional efforts, yet somehow always hearing that a 3% raise just wasn't in the budget. Eventually, I made it to VP-level in healthcare technology and lucky me, right at the rising influence of AI. Over 250,000 tech jobs have disappeared since 2022, and the uncertainty pushed me toward preparing for a significant career pivot.

But pivoting isn't simple when you're a forty-something registered nurse turned tech executive, with a family of seven counting on your stability. I spent countless hours with career coaches and resume writers, networking furiously within my industry to stay prepared. The stress built up relentlessly, until I started writing in the evenings just to cope. My early manuscript reflects my emotional turmoil vividly—I definitely put my characters through hell, mirroring my internal battles.

Then came the book retreat. A friend invited me to something I'd never heard of: a weekend gathering of women who loved fantasy literature. I went, unsure but hopeful, and found thirty incredible women who quickly became real-life friends. We climbed mountains, kayaked lakes, enjoyed amazing meals, and discussed books. For the first time in years, I felt genuinely relaxed.

I returned to chaos: discovering my direct superior—a C-suite executive—had been sabotaging my career, taking credit for my work, and isolating my contributions for years. It shattered my trust and confidence, plunging me into darkness.

But I leaned into my newfound friendships from the retreat, forming an invaluable support network. We created a book-focused Discord, travel together, and a few of us even began writing novels, supported by our collective critique and encouragement.

Today, the toxic leader was vanquished. I've been promoted, but trust doesn't heal overnight. I'm still negotiating multi-million-dollar deals and mapping workflows globally, but my heart has shifted. Now, I'm consciously choosing to prioritize joy and creativity, investing deeply in my writing.

This pivot is deeply personal and intentionally chosen. It’s a leap of passion—one that feels exactly right.