Hello, world! It’s been so long since I’ve written a blog post that I feel a nostalgic greeting is in order. Did I really not write a single blog in 2024?? While my words may not have made it to my website, I promise that my fingers were consistently flying across my keyboard. Let me share the journey with you.
2024: A Year of Stories Unfolding
The K’Luma Series Continues
Win We Shall was published in May 2024, and my heart still swells when I think about it. One of the most touching reviews I received recently was this: “The series has also been very impacting and encouraging. The posture of the characters has fortified my own.” This is why I write. Even if I never sell “a million copies” of the series, finding my raison d’être (reason/purpose) for writing in this first series is something I treasure.
(Quick author note: If you’ve read either of the K’Luma books, would you consider leaving a review on Amazon? Even just a star rating helps other readers find these stories of hope!)
The journey continues with Book 3, where I’ve drafted over 50,000 words, exploring two different points of view. This final book needs to capture the Mountain Kingdom (a picture of Zion) just right. While the perfect flow hasn’t emerged yet, I’m learning that sometimes the most important stories need time to mature, like fine cocoa beans in the Caribbean sun.
New Adventures Begin
Speaking of cocoa… A new story has taken root in my heart: a series about a 12-year-old Trini girl fighting to save her cocoa farm. What started as a middle-grade novel has blossomed into something even more exciting – The Cocoa Club, a potential TV series! Thanks to a notice from the Atlanta Writers Club about a screenwriting fellowship, Gordon and I spent the latter part of 2024 crafting our first TV pilot.
A Legacy of Love
To crown the year, I embarked on perhaps my most personal project yet: writing my Grandma’s memoir for her 90th birthday. Through countless midnight writing sessions, hours of recorded memories, and the invaluable support of my family and Mosaic Writing Group, we captured nine decades of history, faith, and love. The book is now at the printer, ready for its family launch on February 1st. (I’m on pins and needles hoping Grandma loves it!)
Looking Ahead to 2025
As Solomon wisely wrote: “We can make our plans, but the Lord determines our steps.” (Proverbs 16:9) Ultimately, only the Grace knows the way, but here’s what’s on the horizon:
The Cocoa Club Dreams
We’re taking bold steps to bring The Cocoa Club to screens everywhere. Whether through the fellowship or other paths, Gordon and I are committed to writing the entire series while seeking the right team to bring this vision to life. As I shared in my fellowship application:
“My long-term goal is to create compelling content across multiple platforms that serves as a beacon of hope in an increasingly chaotic world. While I began this journey as a novelist writing young adult and middle-grade fiction, I recognize the powerful impact that television and visual media have on young audiences. I aim to tell stories that ground young people in enduring values while igniting their vision for the future.”
Books in Progress
The Cocoa Club will exist in both TV and novel form – I’m currently revising the first book draft to align with our expanded vision for the series. And yes, Book 3 of the K’Luma series continues to simmer, waiting for just the right moment to reveal its full flavor.
Meanwhile, I’m celebrating alongside my fellow Mosaic writers as their stories develop and move toward publication. There’s something magical about being part of a community of storytellers, each weaving tales of hope and purpose.
Stay Connected!
Want to be the first to know about The Cocoa Club developments, new book releases, and other writing adventures? Subscribe to my newsletter! Each quarter, I share exclusive updates, behind-the-scenes peeks at my writing process, and occasional Caribbean recipes that inspire my stories.
Cheers to the future! Thanks for being on this journey with me.
I’ll end with two images from a hike with family and friends to close out 2024. Adventure, community, fresh air, and mountains… this is my happy place.
Heidi Alert 